From Building Maintenance to Building Futures for India’s Most Vulnerable Children: Meet - Kane County’s Tony Passaglia

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For most of his life, Anthony "Tony" Passaglia kept his feet firmly planted in the Midwest. He worked at his family's business in Chicago before moving to Kane County, where he now serves as the Director of Building Maintenance. However, his perspective on life and volunteerism shifted dramatically after a chance meeting at his church with the founders of a children's mission in India.

While India is home to incredible wealth and technological advancements, many parts of the country continue to struggle with widespread poverty. Slums in urban areas, limited access to basic services like clean water and education, and high levels of inequality are visible reminders of the challenges faced by millions. Despite this, India's resilience and sense of community are evident, with numerous efforts aimed at improving living conditions and creating opportunities for a brighter future.   
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According to Passaglia, it was through his connection with Children of Faith Mission that he learned about its work. The organization provides a safe home and education for more than 100 of the poorest children in Visakhapatnam, India, ranging in age from five to 18. The mission's goal is to empower these children with the education and skills they need to return to their communities, many of whom later return to teach.

In 2019, Passaglia and his family took a leap of faith, boarding an 18-hour flight to spend 10 days with the mission during Christmas. He and his wife returned in January for another 10-day visit, eager to lend a hand. During their time there, Passaglia used his expertise to repair a solar project on campus and fix the school's electrical system, ensuring the overhead fans provided much-needed cooling. The children fondly called him “Uncle" as he taught them the basics of electricity. His wife spent time knitting, a process the children found magical, and they eagerly learned the craft.      

Passaglia says the trip was beyond his expectations, and it had a profound impact on their daughter, who was in college during their first visit. After her experience, she changed her major to focus on helping troubled and disadvantaged teens in Illinois, with plans to eventually move to India to teach and promote health education for young people. While there, she also helped reorganize and decorate the mission's library, adding tactile learning materials, fidget tools, and books in English, Telugu, and Hindi.

While the school is currently limited to just 120 students, Passaglia notes that many more children could benefit from such opportunities.

The most rewarding part for Passaglia, however, is watching the children grow and progress. “I'm now watching them grow up. Some were very young when I first arrived, and now they're teenagers. The ones who were teenagers are now making a difference in their communities with the tools and life skills I helped provide." He recalls how the children love to ask about life in the U.S. and how they take great pride in their country.

Passaglia looks forward to returning. “I would go back every year if I could," he says, hopeful for another trip in the coming years.

For now, he will continue his work to ensure the maintenance, repair, and operational efficiency of all buildings and facilities owned by Kane County Government.