Friends of Eli is a nonprofit organization devoted to sharing the love of Christ with the special needs community. Through a wide and growing range of services, products, and programs, we seek to fulfill our vision of providing support and opportunity to people with special needs.
Friends of Eli exists exists to share the love of Christ with the special needs community.
We believe that all people have inherent value as image bearers of God. First and foremost this ministry is designed to serve others. We believe in working hard unto the Lord for people of all abilities.
Friends of Eli was founded by Sandra and Gilbert Villarreal. They have three children; two of them were born on the autism spectrum. Quickly, this impacted every aspect of their lives and caused them to think toward the future. They asked the question every parent asks at some point, “What will my children do when I am gone?” Because of this calling, their goal has been to share opportunity and hope – hope in God with other families facing similar circumstances and bring hope of a bright future for their children.
We believe that all people have inherent value as image bearers of God. We exist as a ministry to serve God's people. We believe that we are called to be tender and sensitive towards the needs of everyone.
Our founder, Sandra, has two boys with special needs. Additionally, her oldest son struggled with chronic skin irritation. Many of the creams and ointments she used to help him had ingredients that were synthetic and full of chemicals. Over time she discovered that natural products were the most effective on his skin. Soon after, she began to perfect recipes and products for her son, which soon became popular in her community.
We are making plans to develop a ranch or farm as a home base for a much wider ministry effort. Over time it will be developed into a state of the art residential retreat center where adults with special needs can be employed and special needs families can come to visit and find rest, refreshment and community. The ranch will provide meaningful and productive work for residents manufacturing and distributing the products sold by Eli’s Balms.
Friends of Eli exists to glorify God by helping those with special needs reach their full potential in a productive and healing environment.
