As an expat from California now living as a permanent resident in Jalsico, Mexico I learned of the HOPE HOUSE at my church. This state authorized refuge for abused boys aged 6-18 was founded in 2008 under the name Casa Hogar Una Esperanza en el Corazon, A.C. It is a community outreach of Shepherd's Heart Ministries, Inc in Jonesborough, TN USA. The tax deductible donations for HOPE HOUSE goes through Shepherd's Heart, and with each donation, the donor receives an email as their receipt. HOPE HOUSE is able to keep the wood shop staffed while the boys learn a vocation due to donations received through Shepherd's Heart Ministries, Inc. I thank God for all the generous donors that help give these boys HOPE.
I began by building various shelves and cabinets to help the boys keep organized. Shortly after, the Rotary Club of Ajijic and Langley, BC, donated funds to purchase high-end carpentry power tools. This resulted in me becoming the director of the workshop, a volunteer position. The workshop now fulfills two objectives, train the boys in carpentry skills and build projects to help offset operational expenses in Hope House. Now I have extended my responsibilities to plan for future projects, such as the aquaponics system and transition house. This heavy involvement have earned me a place on the Hope House board of directors.
I worked in the carpenter shop at Hope House and helped with maintenance around the grounds. I think literacy is the key.
Every time our family visits Shepherd Heart's Hope House in Mexico we are more blown away at the impact this organization is having in the lives of these boys. To hear their stories and to see them now, they are truly new men! One boy who's life was on the streets at 5 years old, eatng out of garbage cans and unable to speak is now a smiling 11 year old who has learned to read, write and even speak some english. Another boy who spent most of his life in homes choose to leave as a teenager. It was a year later he showed back up at the door hungry, dirty and tired. He asked for forgiveness and for the chance at a life again. He is now entering high school with plans of graduating. These are just 2 of the amazing stories we have witnessed.