— WHO WE ARE —
Rooted in faith.
Shaped by presence.
A lay Catholic ministry restoring dignity and belonging for institutionalized and disabled children in the developing world — and the leaders who carry that mission forward.
— THE FOUNDING MOMENT —
A Child Reached Out
During a mission trip to Haiti, a young boy in a crowded children's hospital reached out to John Foppe — a man born without arms. The child didn't see a disability. He offered something John wasn't expecting. For John, it was a moment that triggered his earliest memories, broke him open, and ultimately called him forward into the mission that would define his life.
Everything Friends of the Forgotten is today began in that one life-changing moment.
— LOVE MADE VISIBLE —
We go beyond material charity, embodying divine love through authentic, person-to-person presence and connection.
— LEADERSHIP —
Led by those who have lived the mission.
Our leadership reflects the conviction at the heart of Friends of the Forgotten: that lived experience is not a limitation — it is a credential. Meet the men guiding this work.
FOUNDER
John Foppe
Born without arms, John Foppe is a globally recognized speaker, author, and nonprofit executive dedicated to uplifting the poor and vulnerable. With decades of experience in social work, cross-cultural relations, and nonprofit leadership, he brings a powerful message of resilience to those who need it most.
PRESIDENT
Neil Hustedde
Neil Hustedde, a seasoned entrepreneur and community leader, serves as President of Friends of the Forgotten, bringing over three decades of business management and civic service to uplift those in need. As former head of his multigenerational family company, Quad-County Ready Mix, and Grand Knight of the Breese Knights of Columbus, he offers strategic leadership rooted in faith-driven service.
DIRECTOR
Craig Spihlman
Living with Cerebral Palsy, Craig Spihlman brings both personal insight and professional expertise to Friends of the Forgotten. His three-decade horticulture career, recognized nationally for excellence, reflects resilience, leadership, and commitment — qualities he now channels into guiding our mission of hope and dignity for children with disabilities worldwide.
—WE BELIEVE —
Our foundation. Our conviction.
Friends of the Forgotten is rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and animated by the Church's call to serve the poor, the vulnerable, and the forgotten. Inspired by the sacred dignity of every human life, we seek to embody Christ's love and mercy — especially to institutionalized and disabled children in the developing world.
In the mystery of the Cross, we find not only solidarity with the afflicted, but also a call to love them as Christ loves us. In serving the forgotten, we encounter Christ Himself and affirm the Church's mission to be a sign of hope and healing in a broken world.
We joyfully welcome collaboration with our Christian brothers and sisters from other traditions who share our commitment to uphold the dignity of every person and to bring compassion, justice, and mercy to those who are often unseen.
— CONTINUE THE STORY —
Our story is just beginning.
Every gift, every mentor, every prayer adds a chapter. Will you join us?