Lighting the Path to a Better Future — Locally and Globally
The Heart Behind the Lotus Child Foundation
The Lotus Child Foundation was born from compassion, shaped by firsthand experiences and a deep desire to bring hope to those who continue to live with the lasting scars of the Vietnam War.
During his visits to South Vietnam, Mr. Jason Barger, a dedicated attorney with a profound commitment to service, witnessed the enduring struggles faced by children and families still affected by Agent Orange, poverty, and limited access to medical care. Moved by these realities, he helped establish the Lotus Child Foundation with the mission of providing relief, opportunity, and healing to vulnerable communities. What began as a personal effort to help has grown into a lifelong commitment to uplifting lives both internationally and within local communities.
Mr. Barger’s dedication to service extends beyond Vietnam. In Texas, he has been a strong advocate for underserved youth in the Randolph Metrocom area, devoting his time and leadership to organizations that support education and community development. His roles as Past and Current President of the Randolph Metrocom Rotary Club, Founding Board Member of the Randolph Metrocom Rotary Foundation, and Board Member of the Partners in Education Foundation reflect his unwavering belief that service and opportunity should reach every child.
Standing beside him in this mission is Kristyann Nguyen Barger, his wife and co founder of the Lotus Child Foundation. Kristyann brings a powerful voice and deeply personal perspective to the foundation’s work through her writing. Her book, One Woman with Divided Lives, shares an intimate journey of cultural identity, resilience, and the emotional path of bridging two worlds.
Kristyann also authored the novel Echoes of a Silent Choice, a deeply moving story that explores love, sacrifice, cultural expectations, and the courage it takes to follow one’s heart. Through storytelling, she brings attention to the complexities of identity, family, and the quiet struggles that shape many lives.
Both books are part of a greater mission. One hundred percent of the proceeds from Kristyann’s work are dedicated to supporting the Lotus Child Foundation, helping fund programs that provide medical assistance, humanitarian aid, and opportunities for children and families in need.
Together, Jason and Kristyann Barger have united their passions for service, storytelling, and compassion, building a legacy that reaches across cultures and generations. Their shared vision is simple but powerful: to bring hope, healing, and opportunity, one child, one family, and one story at a time.
To support this mission, you can purchase Kristyann’s books on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.
Echoes of a Silent Choice
CHARITIES
It’s a deep privilege to be able to follow my heart and travel with purpose. This year, my journey took me to Vietnam, where I sought to connect with those whose lives have been shaped by the lasting scars of war and political turmoil. The consequences of conflict go far beyond broken buildings—they fracture communities, dismantle institutions, and leave behind pain that lingers for generations, both visible and invisible.
I feel truly honored to share what little I have, and even more so to be welcomed into lives and stories that expand my understanding of resilience, suffering, and hope. These experiences have given me the gift of perspective and a deeper appreciation for the strength of the human spirit.
From Central to Southern Vietnam, I’ve been humbled to meet individuals living with disabilities and in extreme poverty—many impacted by the devastating legacy of Agent Orange or the harsh realities of generational hardship. I’ve been able to offer food, medicine, and financial support so they can access care and treatment specific to their needs. Each encounter has reminded me that even the smallest act of compassion can carry immense meaning.
A Story of Healing, Identity, and Giving Back
In 2024, I published One Woman with Divided Lives, a deeply personal exploration of multicultural identity, family, and resilience. The book delves into the complexities of navigating life between cultures, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of a biracial family. Through this narrative, I aim to shed light on the struggles faced by many who live between worlds, striving to find a sense of belonging.
But this book is more than just a story—it's a mission. All proceeds from One Woman with Divided Lives are dedicated to supporting individuals affected by Agent Orange in Vietnam. The legacy of this chemical has left profound impacts on countless lives, causing severe health issues and disabilities that persist through generations. By channeling the book's earnings into foundations that provide medical care, rehabilitation, and support services, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of those still grappling with its effects.
Your purchase of this book is not just an investment in a compelling narrative; it's a step toward healing and hope for many. Together, we can honor the past and contribute to a brighter future.
Available now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
At the Lotus Child Foundation, we are deeply honored to be a monthly sponsor of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital—a place where hope lives and miracles happen every day.
If it’s within your heart to give, we invite you to join us in supporting this life-saving mission. Your contribution could help give a child the chance to grow, to dream, and to live. Because of the kindness of generous donors, families at St. Jude never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food. They’re free to focus on what matters most—helping their child fight for life with love and dignity.
Randolph Metrocom Rotary Club
Mr. Barger is the 2025 President of the Randolph Metrocom Rotary Club, a founding board member of the Randolph Metrocom Rotary Foundation, and a board member of the Partners in Education Foundation. Rotary brings people from all parts of the world together, developing a network of volunteer leaders who dedicate their time, experience, and expertise to assist with the world’s most constraining humanitarian challenges.
