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en Español
The
Casa de Ayuda Nuestra Comunidad project (Our Community House
of Help) was founded by Elizabeth Gama Mondragon of Toluca, Mexico
and Susan Unger of Longmont, Colorado. The two women met in 1999
when Susan was teaching English classes and Elizabeth was one
of her students. They became friends and found out that they
had a shared dream. Both women wanted to do something to assist
the very poor in Mexico.
In July 2005 we received
our official non-profit agency status in Mexico. This in a very
important step in creating our legetimacy to work with the government
and other organizations in the future. Recently,
D.I.F. (the social services agency in Mexico) began discussing
with us how they can assist us in our efforts and
we have established relationships with local businesses who are
donating food for us to distribute.
We are nearing the end of a long process to obtain
the correct paperwork to bring our wheel chair accessable van
(which was donated to us from a local non-profit organization)
into Mexico. We expect to transport the vehicle after the first
of the year. We are very excited to be able to provide transportation
services to those individuals who use wheelchairs. Many, many
people in Mexico who use wheelchairs are basically trapped in
their homes because of lack of affordable transportation services,
and an almost universal lack of wheelchair accessability. We
are looking forward to being able to provide a much needed
service to these individuals. Additionally, we have filled the
van with 13 wheelchairs, three walkers and a personal lift
as well.
We are excited to report that we have moved into
a new building where we can meet with people, store and distribute
clothing and provide food to those who are in need (be sure and
see the new photos....).
Of course two individuals can't do all that by
themselves. We need your assistance! You can be an important
part of this effort in a number of simple ways:
1) Financial Support: Because
staff volunteer their time, the budget for operating the project
is extremely small. Our monthly operating expenses are around
$400 per month. We are inviting individuals and families to become
a "Friend of Casa de Ayuda" by
donating $10 - $20 per month. For us here in the U.S. this is
a small amount (the cost of pizza and a DVD on a Friday night).
However, collectively this adds up to enough to run the project
and make a difference in numerous people's lives.
2) Vehicle Fund: We need
to purchase a small used van / truck for picking up donated
food and distributing it in the surrounding pueblos. Our goal
is $4,000. The very poor do not have the money to come to the
center for assistance. We need to be able to go to them. (We
have been borrowing a van, however, this situation cannot continue
indefinately.) Or, if you have a reliable, working vehicle that
you would like to donate...please let us know.
3) Gas Money: Yeah...we
did it! We are pleased to report that we have enough money to
drive the wheel chair accessable van to Mexico. One goal reached...on
to the next one! Thanks to everyone who helped with their support.
Click here for more information
and photos!
To donate money to our non-profit project (registered
in Mexico), please use the button below.
If you would like more information or would
like to help in some other manner please contact Susan Unger at
sunger@ispwest.com or
call 720-436-9358.
Thank you!
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