Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – We hope that you are all doing well as the pandemic continues plague our world. We extend our prayers for good health and peace for all! Thank you for keeping our children and staff in your prayers!
Well, as we all know, the passing of Madre Mari left some big shoes to fill! We are pleased to say that we have a great team who has stepped up to the challenge and are doing a fantastic job! They are not all new faces, some of our “old hands” have taken on a new set of responsibilities and, as a result, R.I.S.E. is still on the RISE! There are many who have made this transition possible – A huge thank you to the whole team!
Thank you so very much for those that donated to buy computers! Initially, we thought raising the money would be the difficult part, but when we began to search for laptops in PV, we learned that was going to be the bigger challenge. We spent a few weeks researching and identified a company in Guadalajara who would provide refurbished computers configured for our needs – including Microsoft Office, the tools utilized at the schools. Much gratitude for your generosity!
We conducted an assessment to ensure that our children have not only a loving and caring environment to call home, but a safe one. This assessment resulted in a significant list of ‘action items,’ which range from replacing smoke alarms and locks to fixing leaks, showers, dryers, stove, etc. We do most of this work through volunteers to minimize expenses, but none the less these projects requires parts and proper equipment. This is where we need your assistance.
Current needs include 6 Smoke Alarms ($65 USD each), a 24ft Extension Ladder ($200 USD), a 14ft A-frame Ladder ($100 USD) and Plumbing & electrical Supplies ($150 USD). If you are interested in helping us, click HERE and press the DONATE button, and note in the comments what you would like your donation be applied to – you can also state general maintenance. We greatly appreciate your help!
We are also looking for volunteer maintenance people, handymen, plumbers, electricians who want an opportunity to give back while enjoying life in Puerto Vallarta. Please contact Billy(at)risepv.com if you are interested.
New Activities at RISE
In addition to the new computers and work associated with transition, we have some other fun things to share with you.
Our ‘Queen of Organization’ volunteer, Elizabeth, has sifted through all of the donation bags in the ‘lavanderia’ and organized all of the clothes. Working with the Liliana and Lulu they have accomplished great results. This is for sure a labor of love and we have another 25+ bags of clothing donations to sort through. Poco a Poco! Muchas Gracias, Elizabeth!
We are happy to announce that we started a new music program on Saturdays and Sundays, led by José. He is volunteering his time and has a strong professional music background – the kids are enjoying him. He is teaching music foundation, how to play instruments, dancing and singing. Fingers crossed, the children should have a performance ready by Christmas!
A big thank you to Costco who allowed us to bring 20 children in for eye exams. We took 5 children a day and they performed thorough exams on all of them. The result is that some of the children need glasses for school only and some more for daily use. DIF is going to provide the glasses (lenses and frames) to the kids in need. Thank you COSTCO and DIF!
We had a wonderful visit from our friends at SETAC this month. They wanted to learn more about R.I.S.E. and how we can help each other. If you are not familiar with SETAC, they are an organization devoted to eradicating HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in Jalisco’s coastal region and Banderas Bay, Nayarit. They not only have a 2 story building with exam and consultation rooms, they have a medical van with 2 stations inside for mobile testing and consulting! They were very generous to R.I.S.E. by bringing diapers, formulas and a multitude of medicine and supplies for our on-site physician, Dr. Enrique. Muchas Gracias, SETAC!
How You Can Help
We know these are tough times for everyone, as families support their communities and relatives during COVID. Your R.I.S.E. family needs your support, too, as COVID continues to challenge the economy. Food staples the children consume each month, and a few household items and repairs are needed to keep R.I.S.E. operating in an appropriate, safe and sanitary manner. In an effort to keep R.I.S.E. on the RISE, please click HERE and press the DONATE button, – every little bit helps! Monthly donation options are also available, and preferred, if possible, as it helps with budgeting and planning.
Muchas Gracias and blessings from all of us at RISE for your continued support!
The Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza is a non-profit shelter for babies and children under the age of 14. Some of these children are orphans but most come from unbearable situations having been abused, neglected, or simply abandoned. R.I.S.E. is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, EIN (52)2442583. All contributions are tax deductible. More information about the shelter and how you can help can be found at their website: RisePV.com.