About Us
Meet The Family
Founded by the Essig Family in 2022, the La Via de James Foundation provides financial assistance for vulnerable populations with a focus on women, single mothers, children, and orphans.
Through partnerships with fellow faith-based organizations and nonprofits, La Via de James Foundation also connects individuals and families to resources that will transform their lives for the better.
The name of our organization, La Via de James (translation: The Way of James) is rooted in James 1:27, a passage found in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. Written by James, the brother of Jesus, the epistle calls us to a purposeful life in Christ and lays out principles for living in accordance with His will.
La Via de James Foundation also plays on the names of two of the Essig family’s four children, Olivia and James, both of whom were adopted into the family as young children.
The foundation is headed by Steve and Teri Essig and administered by the family as a whole. After serving as a pastor of a local church for 20 years, Steve was called to help shepherd his family business at the age of 45. Over the last 15 years, God’s hand of blessing has been upon their successful plumbing and heating business located in Reading, PA.
Although he no longer has a direct, full-time role in ministry, Steve, Teri, and the rest of the family continue to live their faith in a myriad of ways, from sponsoring charities to giving back to the community to sharing a guest house / retreat center on their farm property for individuals and groups in need.
Viewing their success and wealth as a blessing from God, the family established the Foundation as a means to spread Christ’s light to the most vulnerable populations; to become the helping hands and compassionate hearts that our world desperately needs.
Who We Serve
Vulnerable Women
At the time James wrote, widows were some of the most vulnerable members of society. Having a father or son was fortunate, because otherwise, widows were entirely without resources and protection. Society has made significant strides in women’s rights, yet widowed or single women still face tremendous obstacles to stability and safety in many parts of the world. Our mission is to share the love of Jesus Christ to homeless women and financially oppressed widows and single mothers.
Vulnerable Children & Orphans
Similarly, during the New Testament period, orphans were socially marginal, politically powerless, and economically endangered. While safety nets and governmental programs for children and orphans have been established, La Via de James Foundation seeks to assist families in the adoption process from a Christian perspective.
How We Help
Grants & Adoption Services
Through our partnership with Lifesong, La Via de James Foundation sponsors adoptions and supports the work done by this organization to spread messages of God’s redeeming hope, healing, and love. Families who are interested in sharing the love of Jesus Christ through adoption can apply for adoption grants.
Homeless Shelter Grants
La Via de James Foundation maintains strong ties with other churches and Christian organizations locally, regionally, and nationally, who share our mission to serve oppressed women and children experiencing homelessness.
Scholarships & Educational Grants
Through our scholarship program, La Via de James Foundation ensures children and youth have opportunities to pursue a bright future and gain access to quality educational programs and services.
Unique Cases
If you or someone you know has a unique case that doesn’t fall into one of these categories, our doors are still open to you. Please reach out to us to talk about how we can help.
Our Partnerships
Just as the early church pooled their resources to help the poor, La Via de James Foundation collaborates directly with like-minded organizations to coordinate adoption services and maintains relationships with a number of organizations led by our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. These include:
If you're interested in applying for a grant or exploring a partnership, our doors are always open. Please use our contact form to get in touch with us and tell us a little more about your needs.