In the wake of immense personal loss, I found a renewed purpose and a calling that transformed my life in profound ways. After the devastating suicide of my only sibling, Hugo Santos, I knew I had to honor his memory by making a difference in the world. Driven by a deep-seated passion for learning and a desire to alleviate human suffering, I made the life-altering decision to leave behind a successful 30-year career in the corporate world and embark on a new journey.

I returned to school with a mission: to become a clinical mental health counselor. This decision was not made lightly, but with every step, it became clear that this was my path. My commitment to helping others led me to further my education, and I was fortunate to be accepted into a doctoral program in clinical psychology. Today, as a second-year student specializing in couples and family therapy, I am dedicated to using my knowledge and skills to support those in need.

Through my personal journey and academic pursuits, I established The Hugo Santos Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization created to honor my brother’s memory and make a meaningful impact in the community. Our foundation is driven by a mission to provide financial assistance to organizations that support families and individuals facing challenging circumstances. We specifically focus on those who are at risk due to substance abuse or mental health struggles.

Our Mission

The Hugo Santos Foundation is committed to addressing the needs of those who find themselves in vulnerable positions. Our mission is to fund community programs that offer a range of essential services, including:

• Food: Ensuring that individuals and families do not have to choose between basic necessities and other critical needs.
• Shelter: Providing a safe place to call home for those experiencing housing insecurity.
• Clothing: Assisting with access to clothing and personal care items.
• Education: Supporting educational opportunities to help individuals build a better future.
• Counseling and Legal Services: Offering access to professional help and legal assistance to navigate life’s challenges.
• Medical Care: Facilitating access to necessary healthcare services.

How You Can Support Us

The work of The Hugo Santos Foundation is possible because of the generosity and support of people like you. Here’s how you can make a difference:

1. Donate: Your financial contributions allow us to provide vital support to those in need. Every donation, big or small, helps us extend our reach and increase our impact.
2. Volunteer: Get involved by donating your time and skills to support our initiatives and programs. Volunteers play a crucial role in our efforts to make a difference.
3. Spread the Word: Share our mission with friends, family, and your network. Raising awareness helps us connect with more people who can contribute to our cause.
4. Partner with Us: If you are part of an organization that aligns with our mission, consider partnering with us to amplify our efforts and create a broader impact.

By supporting The Hugo Santos Foundation, you join us in a collective effort to bring hope, relief, and support to those who need it most. Together, we can make strides toward alleviating human suffering and creating a more compassionate world.

Thank you for your support and for being a part of our mission. To donate or learn more about how you can get involved, please visit our website or contact us directly.

In memory of my brother Hugo, let’s make a difference together.