Our Story
How Bread to the Nations Began
A Journey That Changed Everything
Tammy in Haiti with her sponsored child in 2016
In October 2010, Bread to the Nations (BttN) co-founder Tammy Hagstrom traveled to Haiti with her oldest daughter on a short-term mission trip. During that trip, a connection led Tammy to learn about a Haitian pastor and his wife who were caring for their six biological children and 14 additional children they had welcomed into their family following the devastating January 2010 earthquake.
The earthquake had left their home unlivable, forcing the family to live in tents in their backyard. With little outside assistance, they were struggling to provide for the children's basic needs.
When Tammy was asked to help find support for the family, she began reaching out to organizations that might be able to come alongside them. Many were already overwhelmed by the needs they were addressing, and others were unable to respond. Yet the needs of this family remained.
From Compassion to Action
In January 2012, Tammy and her husband, Steve, joined four other adults on a vision trip to Haiti to better understand the needs firsthand.
Much of their time was spent with Pastor Firmin and the children in his care, but the team also had the opportunity to connect with his local church and community.
Just two months after returning to the United States, members of that team officially launched Bread to the Nations.
The ministry's first focus was finding sponsors to help provide education and meet the children's basic needs. What began as a response to one family's circumstances gradually grew into a broader commitment to strengthening families and supporting the local church.
Growing Through Relationships
As relationships deepened, Bread to the Nations began partnering with the local church to develop the Building Strong Families Initiative.
Through education, clean water, home building, and audio Bibles, the ministry sought to address practical and spiritual needs while strengthening families and encouraging the local church.
In 2022, Bread to the Nations expanded its ministry into the Dominican Republic, partnering with a local Haitian church to serve Haitian immigrants and their families. This work includes home building and improvements, audio Bible distribution, clean water initiatives, and ongoing support for vulnerable older adults through the widow support ministry.
Our Heart Today
What began with a desire to help one family has grown into a ministry centered on relationships, local partnerships, and the belief that lasting change happens when churches and families are strengthened.
Today, Bread to the Nations continues to come alongside local leaders in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, helping meet practical needs, encouraging spiritual growth, and working toward a future where children are nurtured and loved within the security of family.
Strengthening the Church. Strengthening Families. Bringing Hope to the Next Generation.