November 2018 Happenings
for Hope House in Mexico
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Here is our monthly (más o menos) newsletter to keep our friends and family updated on what is happening with HHCR and Hope House in Mexico. The newsletter will provide updates on the boys - especially the new ones - a little insight into the staff, teams, vocational training, projects, and items of special interest. If you know of someone that would be interested in HHCR/Hope House, Mexico updates, they can subscribe here.
A copy of last month's newsletter can be found here. If you go to this website there is a link to all previous newsletters. |
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One of our boys, Ricardo, voluntarily left Hope House. We will miss him and wish him the best. That means that Hope House is now at 17 boys. However, as we have reported, the floors are all being retiled in the main house, upstairs and downstairs. So the plan is to maintain the current number of boys until the work is complete. Remember, we have the space for 50, and with the current staff at Hope House we could go up to 23 boys. Currently, only 75% of the monthly budget is available from all current donors, including Hope House Children's Relief. To meet the budget and keep the boys fed, there have been several occasions where staff have gone without pay, which by local standards, is low to begin with. This is the monthly challenge.
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The most significant event this month was the purchase of a new vehicle. The plan was to seek an extended cab pickup. This would allow transport for five people when needed, as a supplement to the van, as well as being used in the role of a work vehicle. This prudent option would also be significantly cheaper than the purchase of another van. The collage below is what was being considered. HHCR was thrilled to be able to help with this dream, thanks to a generous donor.
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The photo below is of some of the staff and boys after the new pickup was delivered to Hope House. The use of the pickup for things like a trip to the store or the doctor will greatly improve scheduling issues. Using the pickup to travel to Guadalajara as opposed to taking the van is a significant saving in fuel costs. So all around it is an excellent addition to Hope House. Again, Muchisimas Gracias to the donor who made this possible!
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The most significant maintenance project this month was the replacement of all tiles, upstairs and downstairs, in the main house. The collage below is a reminder of the old, admittedly ugly and very worn tile. This is followed by a collage of the new tile.
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To replace all the tile, all furniture and built-ins were removed to make the job easier. While the house is completely empty, it provides the opportunity to paint all the walls, examine and replace aging wiring, and replace all the built-ins and furniture. Since there is a well-tooled carpentry workshop, we will make all of the furniture items, as the old ones, although originally built "boy-proof", have seen their years. Fortunately the workshop has a staff of volunteers that are proficient in carpentry. And where possible, Hope House will use this opportunity to train some of the boys in carpentry. We are now seeking funds to purchase the materials to rebuild and rewire.
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There are always a lot of photo opportunities with this many boys. It is just a matter of taking the photo at the right time. But, in the care and feeding of the boys, time is not always available. Below is a photo of the administrative director, Annel, and some of the younger boys.
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Below is a photo of the Christmas tree arriving at Hope House. Given the backgrounds of some of the boys, this is a new experience for many of them. It is just one of those things that remind the boys that they are now part of a secure home.
As a reminder, in Mexico, Christmas time means that by law employers are required to give all employees a bonus plus vacation pay. Hope House is no exception. Even though it is law, clearly for Hope House it is also an excellent goodwill gesture to recognize our staff that give of themselves for the nurturing and care of all these boys. Our faithful staff deserve this recognition. This is especially true since their salaries tend to be lower than normal and there are times, because the funds from volunteer donors are not there, their pay is delayed or postponed. A donation from folks like you can make their Christmas special. For the staff at Hope House the total amount of vacation pay and bonus is $7,500 USD. If you can help support the staff with this token of appreciation, donations can be made here.
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Hope House is extremely grateful for the response received in providing scholarship funds for the boys' education. One of the strains on the daily budget is tutoring boys in their regular schooling. The tutoring program has been successful and the boys in this program are performing significantly better as a result. This requires a tutor in the morning for the boys attending school in the afternoon, and a tutor in the afternoon for boys attending school in the morning. The cost is $75 per tutor per week, or $150 per week for all tutoring. If you can help with this it would be a huge step in giving the boys hope for the future. Donations can be made here.
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Just to remind you that Hope House has a program available for donors who would enjoy sponsoring a particular boy. In this program a specific boy would be assigned to you. More information on how this program works, and how you can be part of it can be obtained by contacting Kina here.
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We are staying steady at 63% of our goal. We are sad to see some donors go, but we are always happy when more join our family of donors who desire to give the boys security and safety now, and hope for the future. The $2,000 that Hope House Children's Relief raises represents less than 25% of the Hope House budget. This is a continuing significant need. We would like to see that percentage increase but feel it necessary to reach our $2,000 goal first. For that we need your help. Remember, we have the facilities and staff for more boys but not the funds to feed more.
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Hope House also has an urgent special need goal of $2,000 monthly for health insurance for the employees. It is not only a desirable benefit but it is mandated by the Mexican government.. You can read more on the need at this link. |
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