Swim For Change Project

Hi, my name is Audrey Dobson, and I am the founder of the Swim for Change Project. The idea for Swim for Change began in April 2021 at church. God spoke to me through the pastor, saying, “If you’re not doing everything in your power to make a difference in this world, then you aren’t doing enough.” This message resonated with me deeply, and I realized I was capable of much more. Over the next few weeks, the concept of Swim for Change was born. God guided me through every step of the planning process. By His grace, Eibi Duarte came into my life. Eibi, an incredible woman from Guatemala, collaborated with me to bring this vision to life. She contacted her family in Guatemala while I focused on fundraising. Together, with her cousin Paola Villatoro, numerous donors, and volunteers, we raised over $14,000 and embarked on our mission to La Antigua Guatemala on September 25, 2021.

In Guatemala, we worked with girls from a group home, all victims of sexual abuse, teaching 50 girls aged 3-17 how to swim. We provided meals for the children and volunteers for a week and listened to their stories. These children had not led privileged lives. It became evident that our work went beyond teaching swimming; we were helping these children trust others for the first time, build confidence, and understand their value. The impact they had on me was profound.

Since the inception of our mission, we have served hundreds of children around the globe. Our goal is to teach the world to swim. At Swim for Change, we believe that everyone, regardless of who they are or their circumstances, deserves to experience the healing benefits of God's love and the water that surrounds us all. We are committed to a global initiative, ensuring that these life-changing opportunities reach as many individuals as possible.

Swim for Change continually seeks to expand. Learning to swim and connecting with water are incredibly empowering. Our mission is to serve those previously overlooked, helping them heal, trust, and grow. They deserve to experience the joy water brings and know they are worthy of care.

If you would like to support the Swim for Change Project, there are many ways to get involved! Whether through volunteering, donating, or sharing our story, you are making a significant impact on these children’s lives. Thank you for taking the time to learn about my mission.

-Audrey Dobson