Global Family Support - How it all began - by "Francis Stark 

My experience in Cuba began in 2015. After living in Miami for 20 years and making part of the Cuban community in Florida, I was able for the first time to board a charter flight and visit Havana. There were no commercial flights to the Island at that time. Most Cubans were not even allowed to go back to visit their families. 
I fell in love with the Island on my first visit. Despite all the lack on infra-structure, basic resources, communication restrictions, oppression and food scarcity, the people were warm, good-hearted, humble and very helpful.

My mission began with monthly trips to the Island where I would take what I could to help the local community. The main reason why I decided to help Cuban families was because of the fact that the people are conditioned to a governmental system where they have no capability whatsoever to financially grow in any way. There are no private industries and there are no opportunities to become self independent and create a decent life. It’s a survival mode.

Many Cubans have family members living in other countries. These sons, daughters, mothers and fathers living abroad are the ones who help their families back home. The rest of the community have to rely on the “black market” or survive with an average salary of $20 per month. A brain surgeon takes a crowded bus to go to work everyday and makes $30 per month.Yes, $30 per month where internet costs $1 per hour. Not even to mention food where the cost is also very high. The government provides ‘free” or “cheap” very basic, bad quality and limited food items. Stories that are heard from 20 years ago are the same nowadays. The market is scarce and runs out of “everything.” From one day to the other you can walk around the city, store by store, and you can’t find sugar, or rice, soap, toilet paper, or medication. The lack of basic supplies are heartbreaking and they never know when a new shipment will be delivered. It can take months to replace the shelves once again.

In 2017 I had the opportunity to live in Havana for 8 months. That gave me the opportunity to explore and deeply know and understand the roots and core values of their culture. I joined one of the local community help center, Sant’ Egidio, where cultural activities for children and homeless assistance are provided on a weekly basis. After hurricane Irma hit the Island in September 2017, the living conditions became extremely difficult with no potable water and the main mission was to get food to survive. 

Upon my return to the U.S., I immediately started a campaign to raise money to help the community back in Havana. Unfortunately due to political restrictions, all the work that I had done was barred and access to all the accounts were closed. Knowing that “I” could help and that “I” could make a difference but not being able to because of political issues, was devastating.

I have been fortunate enough to live and visit many countries, experience the diversity and find that the real meaning to a fulfilling life, comes from supporting those who really need it, to put a smile on their faces, to see their eyes glow, and to feel gratitude. 

These experiences were the foundation to launch the “Global Family Support Organization.” Today we help distressed and poor families with their basic survival needs in places that there are no governmental restrictions. The program is subdivided into five (5) categories: Food, hygiene products, clothing, financial aid and shelter.

​In addition, with our free of cost virtual educational and support programs, we are able to reach inestimable families with diverse missions such as Autism Awareness, Social Work, and Nutrition & Well-Being.