In an extraordinary journey marked by pain, perseverance, and purpose, one survivor family has transformed a history of labor trafficking and debt bondage in the United States of America into a powerful global mission of service and hope. From enduring exploitation to building an international movement, Dancy and Harold D’Souza, Founders of Eyes Open International (EOI), are living testaments that life after trauma is not only possible, but it can also be transformational.
Registered in the United States, Eyes Open International is now active in over a dozen countries, standing as a beacon of hope for the voiceless and vulnerable. What started as a fight for survival has become a movement of restoration.
This year, EOI launched its most heartwarming project: the “Assisi Free Bread House” in Majevu Village, Tanzania, feeding 100 of God’s children daily, absolutely free, fully funded by Eyes Open International. It is a place where the hungry are nourished, not just with bread, but with dignity and love.
A Tribute of Faith and Friendship
This life-giving project is lovingly dedicated in honor of Sr. Therese Del Gino, Board Director of Eyes Open International and a cherished member of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in Cincinnati, Ohio. With emotion in his voice, Harold D’Souza shares:“Sr. Therese Del Gino was, is, and always will be the Peace, Happiness, and Freedom behind Rohan, Bradly, Dancy, and me. During our darkest storms of slavery, Sr. Therese held our hands and walked us through to the shores of success with a smile. I proudly call her ‘Mother Therese,’ just like Mother Teresa of Calcutta.”
A Community of Compassion in Action
The story of EOI is not just about the D’Souza family, it is also about a village of kind-hearted believers who fuel the fire of service.
Bob Goodwin of Cincinnati, a steadfast supporter, expressed:“Harold D’Souza, thank you for everything you do to make the world a better place! It’s always a privilege to support the important work you and Eyes Open International do.”
Another unforgettable moment came when Bill Wilkinson, a Cincinnati community leader, walked unannounced into the D’Souza home, not to receive, but to give.
“Bill entered our house as God to bless our happy home,” Harold recounted. “There was a time when we were made to believe we were untouchable, leprosy, and slaves. Now, an American Bill entered our home with love, dignity, and generosity to donate to EOI Tanzania project. It was unbelievable.”
One Dollar, One Life
Supporters like Scott Faucheux beautifully capture the spirit of this mission:“Feeding destitute children is a noble cause. My friend Harold is one of those rare people who sees suffering and does something about it. He is asking people to contribute just $1 a month—$12 annually, to bring hope to some of the world’s most forgotten. Harold lives the truth: ‘If not me, then who? If not now, then when?’”
Faith-Fueled Gratitude
Harold extends heartfelt thanks to the many generous souls fueling this mission:
Mary Kate Waggoner, Suresh Nirody, Victor Eilau, Vivek Mandan, Paresh Patel, Vinit, Parul & Rahul Mehta, Bharat Patel, Vic Clesceri, Frankie Caruso, Kimberly, Satish & Nita Patel, Yaswanth, and all EOI friends. Their prayers and contributions have been instrumental in the smooth launch of the Assisi Free Bread House on June 1, 2025.
Special gratitude also goes to Sr. Maria Anitha of the Assisi Convent Sisters in Same, Tanzania, whose local leadership has been vital to this project’s success.
Service Beyond Borders
A friend in need is a friend indeed,” said Harold D’Souza, honoring Dr. Lara Wilken, Board President of Eyes Open International, as a true pillar in the D’Souza family’s journey. Her compassion, generosity, and unwavering support have uplifted countless lives. Harold shares, “Dr. Lara believes in practicing, not preaching, and uplifts all survivors, regardless of caste, color, creed, nationality, religion, or gender.” Dancy and Harold D’Souza express deep gratitude to EOI’s remarkable Board Directors: Sr. Therese Del Gino, Dr. Lara Wilken, Ivan Fernandes, Dr. Yvan Demosthenes, Deepak Acharya, Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil, Tracy Mc Ginley, Larry Harte, and Rohan D’Souza, true champions of humanity.
Dancy and Harold D’Souza have deep respect for Hriday Raval, Asia Pacific Director, Viona Dixon, Regional Director-India, Nirmal Kumar Upreti, Regional Director-Nepal, Praveen Agarwal, Regional Director-Canda devoting their valuable time, talent, and treasure of wisdom for Eyes Open International on a Global Platform.
From Death Threats to Divine Destiny
Harold’s resilience is more than emotional, it’s miraculous. Years ago, his trafficker in the U.S. hired a hitman to end his life. But Harold, standing 6 feet tall in faith, reflects:
“A four-inch bullet fell short of knocking down this body because the hand of God was upon me.”
A Call to the World
As Harold often says,“Never ever underestimate the power of God and a survivor.”
From fear to faith, trauma to triumph, this family’s story is not only a testament to the indomitable human spirit, but also a call to action for all of us.
If a survivor can rise from slavery to become a servant-leader feeding the poor across continents, what can you do with your freedom?
Join this movement. Support the mission. And remember:It only takes $1 a month to feed faith, freedom, and the future.