Q: How did you first get involved with My Brother’s Workshop (MBW)?
Marco: Honestly, Bonnie and I weren’t actively looking to support another nonprofit when we first came across MBW. But something about it really grabbed our attention. It wasn’t just about helping people on the surface – it was about real, lasting change. We saw a group of people showing up every single day, fully committed to helping young men and women that the world had largely given up on. That kind of dedication struck us deeply. Right away, we knew this was something we wanted to be a part of.
Bonnie: Early on, we went to a workshop event and got to see the students in action. They weren’t just dreaming big – they were doing the work. You could feel the energy in the room, the pride, the purpose. It was inspiring. We realized then that we weren’t just making a donation – we were investing in something that truly works: What makes MBW stand out from other programs?
Marco: MBW goes beyond temporary solutions. It builds real foundations. The students gain hands-on skills – welding, woodworking, construction, culinary training, even marine work. But the program also offers education, therapy, structure, and most importantly, belief. The staff and volunteers believe in these young people long before the students believe in themselves. That belief changes everything.
Bonnie: A lot of programs want to help but don’t always understand what real transformation takes. MBW does. They walk beside these students through every challenge and every victory. They don’t give up on them – and that’s powerful.
Q: What stands out to you about the mentorship MBW provides?
Marco: It’s very intentional. This isn’t a one-and-done type of mentoring. The staff is there every day, holding students to a high standard while also lifting them up. They expect growth but are patient with the process. That kind of balance is rare – and it works.
Bonnie: And they’re teaching more than just job skills. Students learn how to show up, how to communicate, how to handle conflict, and how to plan for the future. It’s about helping them grow into capable, confident adults.
Q: Why do you both choose to support MBW with your time and resources?
Marco: Because we’ve seen the difference it makes. We’ve met the students. We’ve listened to their stories – stories filled with loss, hardship, and uncertainty. And we’ve watched them turn things around. Once you see that, it’s impossible not to get involved. MBW uses every dollar wisely. There’s no waste – just results.
Bonnie: It’s not about handouts – it’s about opening doors. Watching someone walk across the stage with their diploma or land their first job, or simply carry themselves with confidence – those moments stay with you. And we want to help create more of them.
Q: How is MBW impacting the wider Virgin Islands community?
Marco: The impact is huge. When a student succeeds, it touches their family, their friends, and their neighborhood. It sends a message that change is possible. MBW isn’t just helping individuals – they’re helping communities shift toward hope and opportunity.
Bonnie: It’s legacy work. These students are future leaders, business owners, parents, mentors. They’re going to give back. The ripple effect is real, and it’s lasting.
Q: What would you say to someone thinking about supporting MBW?
Marco: Go see it for yourself. Visit the workshop. Meet the people. Hear the stories. You’ll come away knowing that this isn’t just talk – it’s real work with real impact. If you’re looking for a way to truly make a difference in the Virgin Islands, this is it.
Bonnie: And know that your support truly counts. Every donation helps someone take a step forward. It’s meaningful. It’s powerful. And it’s absolutely worth it.
Marco: We’re proud to stand with My Brother’s Workshop – and we’ll keep standing with them as long as they keep changing lives.
– Bonnie and Marco Anasetti