CORAZON DE VIDA FOUNDATION
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May 15, 2013
The work Corazon de Vida does is amazing. The employees and board members are so passionate and hard-working. The have incredible transparency and openness to hearing back from their volunteers. Their only concern is for the welfare of the orphaned & abandoned children. They are angels.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
February 22, 2013
I have been involved with CDV since 2010. I have visited a number of the orphanages. I have also taken my 11 yr old daughter. She loved the entire experience. I look forward to many more trips and fundraising opportunities. I wholeheartedly support the CDV's mission and will continue to support their efforts.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
February 21, 2013
I was first made aware about Corazon de Vida over 5 years ago through word of mouth within my alumni club - University of Notre Dame. I had expressed interest on volunteering with an organization that helps children. The 1st visit still resonates with me. I didn't know what to expect and didn't know much about the organization and its impact it has on the orphaned children of Baja. What makes this non profit so unique is that it's founder was in the exact same situation as these children that it helps. She also grew up in one of the orphanages in Baja. Her success and generosity in creating an organization to help other children growing up the way she did is a positive reminder to the children it helps that there is hope and there are people that care for them. Today I'm not just a volunteer, I'm also a donor and enjoy doing what I can to raise money for CDV. The fact that such a small org can help over 720 kids is amazing. I love the kids as if they were my own. In fact my son was named like one of the kids we love visiting. He knows that too so when my son visits, big Diego takes my little Diego by the hand and in my heart they are brothers. All children are blessings from God and all deserve the best in life. CDV is doing what they can to give them a better life. Spread the message on what they do so that so that more children can realize their dreams too
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When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
February 18, 2013
Wow! What an experience. I took my fiancé on this trip(my second trip). He was so emotional he had to sit down and take it all in. One little girl at the orphanage we were visiting noticed him and came over to offer comfort. Unbelievable...SHE was offering HIM comfort. Needless to day that trip was a life changer for him. He can't stop thinking about them and what more he can do. We will definitely become more involved! Corazon de Vida is an organization is truly doing this from the heart and we are more than happy to offer what we can.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
February 18, 2013
My 2nd trip was just recently 2/16/13 "Angelitos" orphanage, this is truly where the rubber meets the road in terms of doing something..being the cause of the change u wish to see..the smiles, laughter of the children are like therapy..it goes both ways im sure..i only wish i had more money, more resources to help out these children and to contribute..everyone there is amazing! the children, the folks that run these places..it will indeed alter certain aspects of your life..make u more complete and grounded..this is one of the best organizations i've come across, i simply feel lucky to have found them..the only drawback is that time seems to fly by so fast..of course it does!..lol..once you go you will be hooked.."Be the Cause". :)
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
1 person found this review helpful
December 11, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
I can't believe I am the first one to write a review about the last trip on December 1st, 2012! It was amazing. I had the best time of my life. I visited " Door of Faith Orphanage" in La Mision and the orphanage is unbelievable nice. The orphanage still needs improvement but you easily can see how helpfull all the money and donations are. Dj ( orphanage manager ) is doing an awesome job, Hilda was extremely nice, she answered all my questions and concerns my husband had (because I was traveling by myself). The kids were very polite and full of love !! The only NEGATIVE point is that the day ended too FAST !! I wish we could spend the whole weekend there with the kids. They crave so much attention. They want to take pictures with you, talk, play .... I miss them! Fernanda, Pequenina, Emanuel, Sophie, Tony, Cintia, ... I can't wait to see them again.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 30, 2012
I have been a volunteer and child sponsor with Corazon de Vida for ten years. This is a very effective organization providing the necessities of life for hundreds of orphans across northern Baja Mexico. Corazon de Vida support includes food, utilities, medical missions, as well as, educational expenses for primary and college age young people who would not be able to gain essential skills for making a living later in life. I enthusiastically support Corazon de Vida.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
April 12, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
Corazon de Vida provides a unique contribution to destitute children living in orphanages in northern Baja California through financial contributions from volunteers. These resources go to the orphanages to help pay for food, shelter, utilities, and school supplies. The goal is to provide the basic minimum that indigent children need to survive. In addition to basic support, CDV provides special needs assistance in the form of scholarships to children who continue with their education beyond high school. Also provided are regularly scheduled medical, eye care, and dental missions, and material support for building maintenance, kitchen and laundry equipment, and vehicles for school transportation.
Another important aspect of CDV's contribution to the lives of the children has been to provide a reliable means for ongoing visits of scores of volunteers who visit orphanages month after month, year after year. For many of the children served by CDV this is a primary opportunity for interaction with adults. I believe the importance of these visits and the certainty in the minds of the children that they will continue is an an invaluable contribution of the organization. I am grateful that Corazon de Vida has made it possible for me to participate in this exceptional effort.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
April 10, 2011
As far as I know, Corazon de Vida provides a unique contribution to destitute children living in orphanages in northern Baja California. The primary forms of the support are ongoing financial contributions from volunteers to the homes for food, utilities, and school supplies, the basic minimum that indigent children need to survive and have a chance for a future. In addition to this basic support, CDV also provides considerable special needs assistance in the form of financial support and scholarships to children who continue with their education beyond high school. Also provided are regularly scheduled medical, eye care, and dental missions, and material support for building maintenance, kitchen and laundry equipment, and vehicles for school transportation.
Another important aspect of CDV's contribution to the lives of the children has been to provide a reliable means for ongoing visits of scores of volunteers who visit orphanages month after month, year after year. For many of the children served by CDV this is their primary opportunity for interaction with adults. I believe the importance of these visits and the certainty in the minds of the children that they will continue is an an invaluable contribution of the organization. I am grateful that Corazon de Vida has made it possible for me to participate in this exceptional effort.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I've been a program subscriber since August 2006. Over that time I have visited homes regularly on monthly volunteer trips.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Continue to work on growing the volunteer base.
July 25, 2012
Spending the whole day at the orphanage was truly a grounding and a life changing experience. You give the kids the attention that they sorely need by simply playing with them, helping them do arts and crafts and at the same time you'll be giving the staff a much needed break by volunteering in the kitchen. Nowadays, I pray for more opportunities like this because I would surely love to go back and hopefully make a difference in these kids' life.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
July 25, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
I went on a Corazon trip to Tijuana to visit and orphanage and I will never forget it. These kids have nothing. It is so rewarding to visit with them and help them out. I strongly encourage taking a trip. The money and goods you donate go directly to the orphanage. Mexico does not provide any government support so these types of orphanages are the only place where abandoned children can be taken care of. In some cases they were found living under cars or in abandoned shacks. I would like to go back. Here's the newspaper story I wrote about it: http://www.ocregister.com/travel/children-19014-perez-mother.html
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Some
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
July 22, 2012
Corazon de vida lets you play, share smiles, and interact with the children/ teenagers of the orphanages of Baja Mexico. To see the kids smile and laugh who have so little can impact your heart. One of the few organizations that impacts the lives of the kids across our border. By spending a day in Baja your life will be altered. A great way to spend the day hugging, giving piggy back rides, helping with art projects, playing soccer, chopping fruit (or other tasks to help with lunch), etc. You get to Baja with a nice air conditioned bus with like minded individuals. Lunch, which is usually pizza, is given to the volunteers and kids. You arrive back to your house before 7 pm.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
August 9, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
Volunteering for Corazon de Vida is a WONDERFUL way to make a difference in the lives of so MANY babies, children & teenagers living in orphanages in (Tijuana/ Ensenada) Mexico. When you volunteer you are taken safely from a bus from LA/Irvine/San Diego. When you arrive you are greeted by smiles, hugs, and laughter from the kids/ teens. You interact, play, laugh, and eat with the kids. By doing crafts, playing, or helping to prepare or clean up after a meal you are helping the kids. An AMAZING organization!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
that kids are going to college. Their lives are getting better.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Have more frequent bus trips to the orphanages.
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