Since 2023, Jaron and his wife, Jennifer, have traveled three times to Hosea’s Heart, a nonprofit organization based just outside Manzini in Eswatini, South Africa. The organization is dedicated to protecting and empowering girls who have faced abuse, neglect, or trafficking. For Jaron, what started as a family visit to support his sister-in-law, Hannah Manders—a long-time missionary and now Director of Education at Hosea’s Heart—has become a life-changing calling.

Jaron’s first trip in 2023 opened his eyes to the pressing need for safe and functional facilities on campus. He and his wife noticed the girls were eating at broken, collapsing folding tables. In just two weeks, they built three large farmhouse-style tables with benches so the girls could finally share meals together comfortably.

The following year, they returned with a mission to upgrade the main kitchen. With funds raised through a GoFundMe campaign, they outfitted a long-unused kitchen space with a new stove, refrigerator, small appliances, and more. They also brought along their nephew, Mason, who helped build more tables and even taught the girls some volleyball lessons.

This summer, in June 2025, the Robertus family returned for their third mission—this time joined by Jaron’s mother and a few first-time travelers eager to help. Together, they built bookshelves for the school’s updated classroom space and a much-needed swing set. The swing set quickly became a favorite so much so that the girls didn’t want to stop swinging, even after dark!

But the joy didn’t stop there. Jaron and Jennifer also surprised the girls with bicycles and helmets, including one with training wheels. For most of the girls, it was their very first time riding a bike. “We were exhausted chasing them and making sure they didn’t fall,” Jaron said. “But it was hysterical and totally worth it.”

These trips are fully self-funded, with the Robertus family organizing, collecting, and packing 12–15 suitcases of donations each time—everything from socks and shoes to school supplies, tablecloths, and kitchen gear. With support from Lee Mechanical, donation drives were launched in the workplace, collecting clothes, shoes, and essentials. Some were passed along to Great Lakes Church in Kenosha, which sent their own team to Hosea’s Heart this summer.

While building and maintenance were core to their mission, it’s the emotional impact that lingers longest. Each trip ended with heartfelt letters from the girls and staff notes filled with gratitude and love. One especially touching moment came when a house mom thanked them simply for being there. Another girl, after each visit, made it a tradition to share a handwritten note reflecting how much Jaron and Jennifer meant to her.

And the learning hasn’t been one-sided. “This work has challenged us in every way—from finding supplies to packing 19 checked bags to building things from scratch with limited resources,” Jaron shared. “It’s pushed us to be resourceful, creative, and deeply connected to the people we’re serving.”

Jaron and Jennifer don’t plan on slowing down. They’re already working toward organizing a group trip to Hosea’s Heart so others—singles, couples, or families—can join without having to navigate international travel alone. Their dream? To grow the team and someday purchase a passenger van for Hosea’s Heart, which now supports over 40 girls and staff and often struggles with transportation.

Each mission trip includes a “Family Day” outing, organized and paid for by the Robertus family. Past events have included a safari, horseback riding, hiking, and go-karting—many of which were first-time experiences for the girls. One unforgettable moment: buying 40 ice cream cones for just $15. “Their smiles made it worth every penny,” Jaron said.

At Lee Mechanical, we’re incredibly proud to support employees like Jaron who use their talents and time to make a lasting difference in the world. His story is a powerful reminder that the skills we bring to the job site can transform lives far beyond it.

“A little bit of kindness goes a long way,” Jaron says. “Just being there, showing up, and lending your hands and heart—that’s what makes all the difference.”

If you’re interested in supporting Jaron’s mission efforts or future trips, please reach out—we’ll be continuing donation collections year-round.