The story of Project UNA – A New Dawn began long before the project itself existed. It was born in a context marked by violence, drug trafficking, imprisonment, broken families, and a lack of love. Both Josué and Cíntia grew up in this environment, facing fear, pain, and a lack of opportunities from an early age. Their childhood and teenage years were shaped by crime, drugs, and responsibilities that came far too early, creating a real risk of repeating the same cycles of destruction.
Despite this reality, God was already writing a new story. Cíntia took her first steps of faith at a young age, influenced by the faith of her grandmother. Josué, deeply involved in drug trafficking, addiction, and constant high-risk situations, experienced many moments of protection that he would later understand as God’s hand preserving his life. After many years of struggles, losses, and failed attempts to change, both had a true encounter with Jesus Christ, which marked the beginning of a deep process of repentance, healing, and restoration.
The transformation did not happen only in their personal lives, but also in the place that carried so many painful memories. The same house where there had been violence, trafficking, and suffering — where Cíntia grew up and where Josué also lived part of his story — became the starting point for something new. It was there that Project UNA – A New Dawn was born. What was once a symbol of sin and destruction became a space for discipleship, care, evangelism, and hope for children and families in the community.
UNA emerged from the understanding that the Gospel must be lived out in a practical, consistent, and relational way. From the beginning, the project was created with the purpose of reaching lives, discipling people, and raising leaders who live their faith with responsibility and commitment. Where sin increased, grace increased even more. This is the message that continues to move UNA today: there is no place so broken, and no story so deep, that the love of God cannot reach, restore, and transform.
