An Interview with Bonnie and Marco Anasetti
Marco: We support Nana Baby Home because every child deserves a safe, loving place to heal, grow, and feel truly cared for.
Q: What inspired you to support Nana Baby Home?
Marco: Some causes just stick with you. For me, Nana Baby Home is one of them. There’s a personal story behind it too. My great-grandfather was adopted, and that’s something that’s always been part of our family’s story. It shaped how I think about home, safety, and the importance of people who step in when no one else will. That’s why Bonnie and I feel such a strong connection to the work being done at Nana Baby Home in the Virgin Islands.
Bonnie: From the moment we heard about what Nana Baby does, we knew this wasn’t just another charity. It felt deeply personal and truly meaningful. They’re there for kids in their most vulnerable moments – and that kind of care leaves a lasting mark. We knew we wanted to be part of it.
Q: How would you describe Nana Baby Home in your own words?
Marco: It’s more than just a shelter – it’s a real home. A safe place for kids from birth up to 12 years old who are facing emergencies. Whether it’s a newborn coming from a dangerous situation or a 9-year-old needing emergency care, Nana Baby Home is there – day and night, 365 days a year.
Bonnie: And what really stands out is how deeply committed they are. This isn’t just about good intentions. It takes structure, energy, and a whole lot of heart. These kids get warm meals, clean clothes, medical care, school support – and most importantly, stability. They feel safe. They feel seen.
Q: What sets their approach apart from other places?
Marco: It’s how personal everything feels. The home is intentionally small – usually around a dozen kids at a time – so each child gets real attention. And even though some of the kids have gone through incredibly tough experiences, the house feels full of life. There’s laughter, birthday parties, bedtime routines, gardening, playing – they create a sense of normal in the middle of chaos.
Bonnie: It really is a home in every sense. And it’s not just about emergencies. They also provide short-term stays when families are going through tough times – maybe a parent is hospitalized or dealing with something hard. Social workers call Nana Baby when no one else can take a child, and they say yes.
Q: Have you seen the long-term impact of their work?
Marco: Definitely. One of the most powerful things is how many former residents keep in touch, even years later. That only happens when there’s been real love and connection. They’re not just providing temporary shelter – they’re giving kids something lasting.
Bonnie: Nana Baby Home truly changes the course of these kids’ lives. And that ripple effect reaches families, schools, and entire communities. It’s the kind of impact that stays with you.
Q: Can you share a bit about the history and where things are headed now?
Marco: Nana Baby Home was started back in 1989 by Louise Larcheveaux-Ali – everyone called her “Nana.” She built it out of love and pure determination. After she passed, her sister Beulah Wilson and a committed board kept it going, through hurricanes, financial hardship, and growing community needs.
Bonnie: Now they’re expanding. Their current home is full, and the need on St. Thomas is only growing – especially for older kids. They’re working on opening a larger facility and turning the original house into a special space just for teens. There’s no other place like it on the island. They’re filling a huge gap.
Q: What does financial support actually do for Nana Baby Home?
Marco: Every dollar directly supports the kids. Food, clothing, school supplies, medical care, staff – it’s all covered. Supporting just one child for a year costs about $10,000. That includes everything from meals to tutoring to someone being there at night to tuck them in. It’s real, immediate help.
Bonnie: And they use every dollar wisely. There’s no big overhead. No layers of red tape. Just direct care. When you give, you’re helping a child not just survive – but begin to heal and thrive.
Q: Why is supporting Nana Baby Home so meaningful to you?
Marco: Because we’ve seen what happens when someone shows up for a child in crisis. We’ve seen the healing that can begin in a place like Nana Baby Home. This isn’t theoretical. It’s real. It matters.
Bonnie: We give because we believe every child deserves that kind of care. A safe place. People who won’t give up on them. We believe in this mission, and in the people making it happen.
Q: What would you tell someone thinking about donating or getting involved?
Marco: I’d say this: If you’ve ever wondered how to make a real difference, this is one way to do it. It starts with one child. One home. One act of support. Nana Baby Home makes that difference possible.
Bonnie: We’re proud to support them – and we hope others will too. The need is real, and so is the impact.
– Marco and Bonnie Anasetti
