Mission Statement

MANOS DE AMOR POR BAHIA, A.C.

CASA HOGAR

The association is a nonprofit organization that was born from the desire of a group of citizens of Bucerias to help the less fortunate, especially the children of Bahia de Banderas.  It was formed on April 13, 2004.

The main project of this group is to construct an orphanage/shelter in Bucerias.  This will be the first in this area.  The nearest in Nayarit is in Tepic and those in Puerto Vallarta have their own motives and needs to be addressed.  At this time there is nowhere for the children of the bay who are in need.

The children who will be housed in this Casa Hogar are not necessarily orphans.  They are children whose parents are either unwilling or unable to care for them.  Recently, three children were brought to the house by DIF (the Mexican counterpart of Family Services).  The neighbors had reported the mother for child abuse.  The children were 3, 5 and 7 years old.  The  mother would tie the oldest two to their chairs while she went to work.  The baby brought them food and drink during the day.  We had these three for six weeks, until an uncle took them into his home.  He had not been aware of the conditions in the family home.  This is are not isolated case.  Often an older sibling, a young teenager, is attempting to care for the younger children because the father and mother have died or have abandoned them.  In times past, the family would take these children but in Mexico, as in the United States and Canada, families have scattered across the country.  The older family may still live in Mexico City and the younger ones have moved to this area to work.  So, the family is not here to help even if they are able.  Our hope is to provide these children with food, clothing and shelter, ensure that they attend school and give them a safe haven for as long as necessary.  Hopefully, when the home situation improves, they can return to their families or, in some cases, be placed in adoptive homes.

Ground was broken for the orphanage on January 24, 2008.  The construction of the first floor is nearly complete.  We hope to have the orphanage ready for occupancy for Christmas 2008.  At this time, we do not have sufficient funds to complete the project but, with the help of all of you, we feel confident that we will succeed.

In late 2007, friends in California formed Manos de Amor por Bahia, Inc., a 501 (c)(3), non-profit corporation.  Contributions to help the orphanage may be tax deductible in the United States and Canada.  A family, which is part of this group, sent us $15,000 U.S. to purchase the adjoining lot.  This lot will, initially, be used to have a vegetable garden and playground.  Later, it will provide space for expansion.