Who We Are
We are a global nonprofit organization made up of people willing to give everything to bring life-saving solutions to those in need. We do this by partnering with local organizations to magnify our impact and reach communities facing suffering and hardship.
What We Do
Our Mission
Assist International provides life-giving solutions for children, families, and communities around the world that bring health, opportunity and hope. We design and implement humanitarian programs that build capacity, develop opportunities, and save lives around the world. With all of our programs, we believe the best way to provide effective and sustainable solutions that bring about lasting change is by working with in-country partners and coming alongside them to increase their capacity.
What We Do
Our Impact
In partnership with foundations, hospital groups, service clubs, corporations, and individual donors, Assist International has reached over 7,000 health and biomedical professionals in 16 countries with our in-person programs and 10,000 additional learners from 128 countries worldwide through our recently expanded tele-mentoring portfolio. Whether it’s building schools for children in Uganda, providing advanced medical equipment in Vietnam, or establishing orphanages in Romania, we strive for excellence and sustainability. From the tip of South America to the mountains of Bulgaria, our vision is to help those who are vulnerable realize a hopeful, productive future.
A Team of World Changers
Our Leadership
-
Ralph Sudfeld President and CEO -
Cheri Reynolds Vice President, Strategy
-
Jim Stunkel Vice President, Technical Services
-
Dana Bowles Vice President, Finance
-
Michelle Sudfeld Vice President, Administration/Child Programs
How It Started
Our History
Today, we continue to design and implement humanitarian programs that build capacity, develop opportunities, and save lives around the world. With all of our programs, we believe the best way to provide effective and sustainable solutions that bring about lasting change is by working with in-country partners and coming alongside to empower them and increase their capacity.
The work Bob and Charlene started more than 30 years ago in Romania has grown throughout the world and has drawn many others into a determination to serve on the edge of suffering and hope.
In Loving Memory of Our Founder, Bob Pagett
With profound sorrow and deep gratitude for his life, we share the passing of our beloved founder, Robert John “Bob” Pagett, who left this earth on October 8, 2025, at the age of 86.
Bob Pagett founded Assist International with his beloved wife, Charlene, with a bold and compassionate vision: to care for orphaned children and bring dignity, hope, and transformation to vulnerable communities around the world. His life was marked by tireless service, unwavering faith, and a heart that beat for the broken and the forgotten. From hospitals in Africa to orphan villages in Romania, his legacy lives on in every life touched by the work he began.
Though we mourn his loss, we celebrate a life well‑lived and a legacy that continues to grow. We remain committed to honoring his vision and advancing the mission he so passionately led.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers, your memories, and your continued support. The legacy of our founder is woven into the very heart of Assist International. His vision of compassion in action continues to guide our mission, shape our partnerships, and inspire every effort to partner with those in need around the world. His impact is immense—and his work will carry on through all that we do.
Assist International Board Leadership
Board Leadership
Austin Carmichael
Director/Board Treasurer, Real Estate Investment Officer, Oregon State Treasury
Deborah Balch
Director/Board Secretary, Former Professor, Bethany University,
Retired Marriage Family Therapist
Jon Carmichael
Director, Director of Device Partnerships, VuMedi, Inc. Retired Cardiac Disease Rhythm Management, Medtronic, Inc.
Michael Comer
Director/Board Chairman, Doctor of Management Degree, President at The Hayes Group International, Inc.
Ralph Sudfeld
Director, President/CEO of Assist International
Scott Brown
Director, Chief Financial Officer, Hume Lake Camps
Sharon Fruh
Director, Ph.D., RN, FNP-BC, FAANP, Professor of Nursing, Associate Dean for Research, Evaluation, and Development, University of South Alabama
Julia Alameda, BSN
Registered Nurse, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Kaiser Hospital
Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) / Pre‑Operative Holding Unit, Shriners Hospital
Sacramento, CA
Charlene Pagett, Emeritus
Director Emeritus, Co-Founder, Assist International
Make A Donation
Support Assist
Assist International is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization since 1990 (ID: 77-0243475). All donations are tax deductible where allowed by law.
Donations via check or money order may be given by mail. Please make donations payable to “Assist International” and indicate any designations on the memo line.
Assist International
P.O. Box 66396
Scotts Valley, CA 95067-6396
Call (831) 438-4582 to make a donation by phone. Someone from our team will assist you and answer any questions you may have about your donation.
95% of every donation goes directly into our programs that address the needs of the world’s vulnerable people. We value the trust you have placed in our organization, and we strive for the highest financial accountability ratings.
Make A Donation
Support Assist
Assist International is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization since 1990 (ID: 77-0243475). All donations are tax deductible where allowed by law.
Donations via check or money order may be given by mail. Please make donations payable to “Assist International” and indicate any designations on the memo line.
Assist International
P.O. Box 66396
Scotts Valley, CA 95067-6396
Call (831) 438-4582 to make a donation by phone. Someone from our team will assist you and answer any questions you may have about your donation.
95% of every donation goes directly into our programs that address the needs of the world’s vulnerable people. We value the trust you have placed in our organization, and we strive for the highest financial accountability ratings.
