Welcome to
Our Story
Angels Over Me is a New Jersey nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing hope, encouragement, and joy to children and families through acts of kindness, compassion, and community outreach. Founded in 2022 by Maria Ruiz in honor of her father, Isael Gutierrez, the organization was born from a desire to continue his legacy of love, generosity, and service to others.
What began as a small backpack giveaway has grown into a year-round community initiative that provides school supplies, gifts, food, educational resources, and memorable experiences for children in need. Through partnerships with local businesses, churches, volunteers, and community organizations, Angels Over Me strives to ensure that every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
Our Purpose
At Angels Over Me, we believe that one simple act of kindness can make a lifelong difference. Our purpose is to uplift children and strengthen families by providing practical assistance, creating meaningful opportunities, and fostering a caring community where every child knows they are loved and never forgotten.
Our mission is simple: To bring hope, encouragement, and smiles to children through acts of kindness—because every child deserves the opportunity to dream, succeed, and know they are deeply valued.
Meet The Team
Maria Ruiz – Founder & President
Maria Ruiz is the Founder and President of Angels Over Me, a New Jersey nonprofit organization founded in 2022 in honor of her late father, Isael Gutierrez, whose compassion and love for children inspired her mission of serving others.
Through Angels Over Me, Maria is dedicated to bringing hope, encouragement, and smiles to children and families by providing school supplies, hosting community outreach events, and creating opportunities that make a lasting impact. Her vision is to ensure every child feels valued, supported, and loved.
Maria holds an Associate Degree in Health Sciences and a Bachelor's Degree in Health Administration. She will begin pursuing her Master of Health Administration and Business Administration in September. She remains committed to growing both personally and professionally so she can continue expanding the impact of Angels Over Me and serving her community with excellence.
Angelica Gutierrez – Co-Founder & Community Outreach Leader
Angelica Gutierrez is passionate about serving others and making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families in her community. As a leader with Angels Over Me, she is dedicated to carrying on the legacy of her late father, whose love, generosity, and joyful spirit continue to inspire the organization's mission.
Through Angels Over Me, Angelica helps provide backpacks filled with school supplies and other essential resources at no cost to children and families in need. She believes that every act of kindness—no matter how small—has the power to bring hope, encouragement, and confidence to a child.
Her heart for service and commitment to giving back reflect the core values of Angels Over Me: spreading compassion, supporting families, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to begin the school year with a smile and the tools they need to succeed.
Tyana Lugo – Creative Communications Coordinator
Tyana Lugo serves as the Creative Communications Coordinator for Angels Over Me, where she uses her creativity and passion for helping others to support the organization's mission. As a nursing student, she is committed to making a positive impact both in healthcare and through community service.
Tyana creates flyers, manages social media content, and helps share the organization's story through photos, videos, and outreach efforts. Her mission is to inspire hope, spread kindness, and make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families through compassion and service.