IWC approves Charity donation to HNV

Marie Barchus-IWC President, Debi Kuhn-HNV/IWC Liaison, and Patricia Pipkin-HNV Director

Theresa Diaz, IWC Treasurer

At November's General Meeting the International Women's Club (IWC) voted on and passed a motion to donate money raised by the Charity Committee to Hogar Nueva Vida.     This money will got toward school shirts, panties, chanclas,  rain jackets, towels, and a few fun things to help round out their Christmas baskets.





In addition to this cash donation, many incredibly generous members made other surprise donations;

Betina brought the girls a laptop

Carol brought a bag full of books she bought from HNV's Amazon Wish List.

Lori brought several dvd movies, also from the HNV Amazon Wish List.

Cecile gave some clothing and reading glasses.

Reesa, who also teaches English with the girls had books sent.

Irene gave a bag full of hair ribbons and hair accessories.

And numerous other members, including some listed above made cash donations.

I do apologize that I don't have photos of each gift giver.

Thank you ALL SO MUCH for your generosity - 

it is truly inspiring how you open your hearts.

and a special thanks to the members of the Charity Committee!  Reesa, Beth, Jan, Roberta, and Jill!

holiday happenings

There is so much going on - We're getting ready for the girls' Christmas Party, we provide them with cake, pinata, some games, a Santa, and some gifts, mostly utilitarian stuff, school shirts, socks, undies, toiletries  etc, but we also try to include some fun stuff.  We've already had a new blanket for each girl donated.

We hope to receive a cash gift from the International Women's Club, and some of you Supporters are once again showing your generosity. So shopping will soon be in order.

The Merida Men's Club is heading up a Repair and Maintenance project to do some much needed repairs and painting - repairing some leaks, fixing some broken screens, and just whatever else shows up along the way.   These guys are fabulous!
Donations of building materials are starting to trickle in.  Still looking for paint.

This year the girls will be getting an extra lesson - that it is as important to Give as to Receive.  The girls are indicating things that they'd like to give their families, if they could!  We hope to be able to give the girls something that they can then 'Give' to their family.

One of the programs that Tricia is doing is called Values Lessons, to help with that
I've put the bug in the ear of my friends at sanctuary evolucion, the dog shelter, and am hoping soon that the girls will be getting a lesson in animal care and compassion.

and wouldn't it be fabulous for them to visit an albergue de ancianos, essentially an old folks home.

I will try to post some pictures soon, maybe some before and afters of the repairs and maintenance, and of course the girls with Santa.

okay, so don't forget to check back often to get updates, or you can sign up to receive the updates to your email, just there on the right sidebar.

Positive Outcomes!

We've had a Very Positive feedback - and I want to share it with All You Who Help and Support Hogar Nueva Vida

 HNV Friends, 

Here's a quick "Thank You" for your help at Nueva Vida.  You are making a significant impact in the lives of these girls now and for the future.  I see it in their eyes and hear it in their voices every time I am there. They try the English out on me that they are learning.  They show me improvements that have been done to the facilities and what more there is to do.  The girls have pictures of the parties, eat better food, and are building self esteem because of your interest in them. 

Thank you. 
Ron ### ###### 

What we do does make such a difference! Thanks to all you who help, here, and in other endeavors!

Halloween 2012

On Monday evening, 29 October 2012, a small group of Friends of Hogar Nueva Vida gathered to help the Director and Staff to throw a little Halloween Party for the girls.

We had a plan--

Juegos

Nariz en la bruja--(Pin the Nose on the Witch)
Fantasmas escondidas--(Find the hidden ghost lollipops)
Globos en la sillas--(Sitting on balloons till they pop)
Manzanas en el tanque--(an apple dunk tank)

Pintura de caras--(Face Painting)

Salimos disfrazados a la calle (walk  in the neighborhood in their costumes, visit some neighbors, and stop at a house for some treats.)

Comida  (Dinner)

• Espagueti rojo con carne molido y elote--(Spagetti in tomato and sausage sauce with hominy to look like teeth)
• Momias--(hotdogs wrapped in baked dough but with a cutout at one end to look like a Mummy)
• Refrescos--(Soda)
• Pastel--(Cake)

Bolsitas de dulces--(bags with candies and treats)

Overall it was quite a success, although we did forget to play pin the nose on the witch.

Here are some photos!

There were fun decorations

bobbing for apples

                                                      face painting

 and fun food for dinner, these are mummys, 

hotdogs wrapped in dough, and they were very popular!

It was great fun, the girls enjoyed it, and so did those of us involved!