Since its inception in 2002, the Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza (RISE) has been a non-profit home for children in need from infancy through their early teen years. At present there are approximately 40 children residing under the care of the Catholic nuns and staff.
Many of the children who end up at the doorsteps of RISE come from families who are struggling financially. These parents have usually lost their jobs and the ability to feed or safely house their children. And, unlike in the US, there is no unemployment insurance, no assisted housing, and no food stamp program in Mexico.
In addition, other children are brought to RISE by the government social services agency, DIF, because they have been abused, neglected, or abandoned; and they arrive scared, hungry, and confused. RISE opens its doors and offers a safe, caring, temporary home to all of these children. The amount of time that any one child stays at RISE varies. Some will be there for only a few days, while others, because of their parents’ situation (such as incarceration), will know RISE as their only home.
RISE operates entirely on donations. No regular funding is available to them through DIF, the Mexican government, or any religious organization in Mexico.
Since 2003, Children’s Shelter of Hope Foundation has provided monthly funding, establishing programs, soliciting new donors, and organizing many fundraising events to assist RISE in paying for basic expenses. As our continued commitment to these children our foundation is currently paying the monthly bills for water and electricity.