Children’s Shelter of Hope Blog

On May 3^rd, our very unique child at RISE turned 19.  Her name is MariCruz.  Possibly when you personally visited the Refugio you were greeted by this very vivacious girl and wondered about her sometimes “bizarre” behavior.  And many of you may have memories of your own regarding her – one of mine is when she decided to stuff her bra with a ½ kilo of warm, fresh tortillas – an event that did not make the Madres happy needless to say.

Several days before MariCruz’s birthday, Chris Amo told her if she was “good” we would take her to McDonald’s for lunch.  Every day we were greeted with the same questions, but FINALLY her day arrived and off we went.  The drive was a good time for us to “confirm” what she would be eating – but it was not the food, but the Estrella watch that came with her happy meal that delighted her the most.  While at McDonald’s she truly enjoyed greeting all with “Today is May 3^rd and it is my birthday and I am 19.  What is your name?”  The kindness shown to us and HER by the staff and other patrons was greatly appreciated.

Continue reading “Our “Forever Child””

Because of the success of our 10 X 10 child sponsorship program for children living at RISE, we have decided to extend a similar opportunity for you to help children at Pasitos de Luz, an amazing daycare/therapy center for children suffering from various debilitating conditions, through our new “Little Steps of Light” program.  The needs of these children are different in many ways than those of the children living at RISE since they come to Pasitos daily for physical stimulation and therapy, education, and nutritious meals, but are home with their families at night, on weekends, and during vacation breaks.  However, because of the intensive assistance requirements of these special individuals, the cost for their care is higher.  Many cannot feed themselves; sit, stand or move without help; speak or hear; and most, ranging in age from 1 year to 20 years, wear diapers.

So, here’s how you can get involved:

• $25 will buy diapers and other hygiene needs for “your child at Pasitos” for an entire month;
• $50 per month will cover educational materials and specialists to work with “your child at Pasitos” each day;
• $75 will cover medical care and specialized equipment plus therapy sessions for “your child at Pasitos” for 1 month;
• $100 per month will cover the cost of three special, nutritious meals per day for “your child at Pastitos”.

PLEASE send your donation right away to Children’s Shelter of Hope Foundation marked “little steps” and let us know your preferences of age and gender.  We will then send you photos and information about “your child at Pasitos”.

Your monthly gift to this extraordinary center will help them provide “little steps of light” to these special children for a brighter future.

THANK YOU!!!

 

As a special activity during the Semana Santa vacation break, the children from Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza, enjoyed spending a day at a Chico’s ranch outside of El Tuito, an authentically Mexican town south of Puerto Vallarta.  The children loved running in the open spaces, playing games, and picking fruit from the trees.  And, the delicious tacos “al pastor” prepared right at the ranch by a local taco stand owner were a major hit with everyone.

To see a gallery of pictures, please visit our facebook page.