2018 Global Impact Award Finalist
Open Arms Home for Children
Morgan Stanley
In 2006, Bob and Sallie Solis took their life savings to purchase a 70-acre farm in South Africa that would eventually become Open Arms Home for Children. Over the past 12 years, Bob has worked tirelessly to build an orphanage that currently serves 56 children ranging from 6 months to 17 years old. Open Arms Home for Children provides food, shelter, education, arts, music, sports and other opportunities for its resident children. Bob oversees all operational aspects of the orphanage, from fundraising, leading the all-volunteer Board of Directors, chairing annual events and speaking at community groups. He travels to South Africa multiple times a year to connect with staff and the children.
Open Arms Home for Children employs 43 local staff members who are the sole bread-winners in their families. The three oldest children at Open Arms are now in college and paving the way for the other children grow into successful adults. Bob’s vision and commitment ensures that the orphans at Open Arms have hope, promise and a childhood filled with love and opportunity.