Project One Corner began when Cheryl Reed witnessed the deep inequality faced by people in her community and struggled with how best to help. Over time, she came to understand that poverty is often not the result of a lack of effort, but of limited access to opportunity. Project One Corner was created from the belief that meaningful change can begin by improving the circumstances of one person or family at a time in one small corner of the world. Ten percent of Cheryl’s earnings are dedicated to supporting individuals and families in the local community.
The first recipient of Project One Corner was Freddy, the son of Cheryl’s farm hand. Cheryl sponsored his college education, giving him the opportunity to pursue a different future. Freddy graduated in 2016 with a degree as a National Tour Guide in Ecuador and now works professionally in tourism.
Carlos, another recipient, works as a day laborer cleaning pastures, building fences, and taking on other manual work when available. Limited transportation often restricted the jobs he could accept. Through Project One Corner, Carlos was able to purchase a motorcycle, allowing him to reach more work opportunities and increase his income.
Alex, a university student, was also supported through Project One Corner. After her family was misled into purchasing a non-functioning laptop, the project provided her with a new computer so she could continue her studies without interruption.
Below is a complete list of the individuals and causes supported through Project One Corner.
Project One Corner was honored to support a local family in returning to their home after it was damaged in an earthquake. Simone and Elena, along with their twelve children, were displaced and temporarily living in a structure originally built to house chickens (shown in the left photo), with only partial walls and chain-link fencing.
Funds for the project were made possible through retreats hosted by Cheryl, where presenters generously donated their speaking fees to Project One Corner. With this support, the home’s foundation was repaired, a kitchen was added, the second floor was wired for electricity, and new windows were installed. These improvements allowed the family to return to a safe, functional home and live with greater stability and dignity.
Here is a current project you can help with!
Don José, a neighbor of Cheryl’s, lives at the end of the road down a steep footpath. He travels to town on foot with his donkey to purchase food and supplies. His home has no electricity, and his water comes from a neighboring spring that does not always flow during the dry season.
Don José earns a modest living producing panela, a traditional sugar made from sugar cane. The panela is processed under a simple 30-by-20-foot roof that also serves as his living space. For many years, his sleeping area was separated by plastic sheeting, which has since deteriorated.
After much conversation and trust built over time, Don José has agreed to accept support from Project One Corner. The project will focus on building a proper bedroom, providing a bed, repairing the roof of the panela workspace, and helping establish a more reliable water supply from town. These improvements will offer greater safety, comfort, and stability while allowing him to continue his traditional work with dignity.
Approximate Cost: $3,000 with labor
Here are more projects we are proud to have completed!
Project One Corner also supported a family who, for many years, lived in a converted barn while working as farmhands. Although housing is often included with agricultural work, the space available to this family lacked running water and indoor plumbing. They had begun constructing a small home of their own but were unable to complete it due to limited resources.
Through Project One Corner, their home was finished by adding a kitchen, electrical wiring, and a bathroom. With these essential elements in place, the family was able to move into a safe, functional home and begin a more stable chapter of their lives.
Project One Corner supported a family of twelve who were living together in a three-room home. Their hope was to create additional bedroom space so the family could live more comfortably. Through Project One Corner, a two-room addition was built onto the existing home, including electrical installation and windows. This expansion allowed the family more space and improved living conditions while remaining in their community.
Project One Corner is proud to have donated the following goods
and services to help people in vulnerable situations.
Sponsored the college education of a young man so he would have better opportunities for work.
Sponsored two local girls for their educational needs: Supplying books, uniforms,
shoes, and paying for school transportation.
Purchased a computer for a college student so she could better complete her studies.
Provided a Platform Walker and Tub Bench for a woman to be independent at home after an illness.
Purchased a baby stroller for a young mother in Santa Elena, Ecuador.
Provided a foot brace for a patient in need in Texas.
Donated money towards hospital bills for a patient in need.
Purchased Soccer Uniforms for a Team in Nanegalito, Ecuador.
Provided Money for clothes for a young man starting a new job.
Donated chairs to a small Indigenous community for their Town Meetings.
Paid the Application fee paid for a person applying to a PHD Program.
Provided a Water tank for a school in Los Bancos, Ecuador.
Paid medical bills for a woman with nerve damage in her foot.
Contributed to the purchase of a motorcycle for two people to give them transportation to work.
Contributed money to support a man and his family while he recovered from a broken ankle.
Contributed money to Crecer–an organization that provides OT services to children and adults in Ecuador.
Purchased English didactic materials to a local school.
Donated Three month’s salary to a father of 12 who was injured and couldn’t work. (Thank you Paula Pant!)
Donated 3 months salary to a man who had been in a car accident and couldn’t work.
Completed a house for a family who was living in a stable.
Sterilized four dogs for families who could not afford it which helps to decrease the overpopulation of street dogs.
Provide daily food for two dogs and a cat in the neighborhood.
Purchased an Industrial Stove Top for a person to sell food to the town’s people on the weekends.