THE ORPHANAGE

Rancho de los Niños (formerly Casa de Paz) is a Baja Mexico orphanage located in the Valle de Guadalupe, about 90 minutes from the San Diego border.  The home is situated on several acres of open land. Two years ago, with 45 children under their care, the home was in danger of closing down due to the lack of financial support.  At the same time, Jorge and Ely Fonseca, who were both raised in the orphanage, took on the challenge of running the home and becoming the new directors. 

 

Corazon de Vida Foundation, through its network of donors and volunteers, has been fundraising to ensure that the home can remain open. Once the funding became stable, the home was able to accept more kids, and grew to 65 children.  Jorge and Ely are great leaders who have been able to take Corazon de Vida’s support along with the support of many other groups and individuals to create a safe, loving environment for the children.

 

THE SITUATION

For 12 + years, Rancho de los Niños (RDLN) has been home to about 15 – 20 special needs children. The Mexican government promised to provide funds to help with medications and living expenses, but this assistance has been very sporadic. The orphanage has struggled to meet the needs of these residents for qualified staffing, appropriate housing, and professional assistance.   The government tried to relocate these angels to other appropriate facilities within the state of Baja, but all locations are at capacity. They advised Jorge & Ely recently that the special needs residents would be kept at RDLN long term. These “children” are now young adults with no place to go.  THE

 

NEED: PHYSICAL SPACE

The special needs dormitory is in dire need of a complete makeover for the 15 residents and staff. A local reputable contractor has provided a proposal for $27,500 USD to remodel the building from roof repair to underground sewer line replacement.  Estimate includes all material suitable for these residents, handicap accessibility, labor, and building permits to pass government regulatory licenses for group homes. Furniture and special equipment for their needs will also be provided. 

 

WELLBEING

In addition to the physical facility improvements, monthly funds for qualified staff, psychologists, psychiatrists, and occupational therapy programs will be needed to improve the overall quality of life for the special needs residents.  Occupational therapy will be used to help them become productive members of the Rancho de los Niños household.

We have a goal to raise $45,000 USD for the dorm remodel, furniture, beds, kitchen appliances, and one year of part-time support for a nurse and  occupational therapist. We are reaching out to our Corazon de Vida friends to raise the funds needed for this important project – will you please join us by making a one time or monthly donation to help our special needs residents at Rancho de los Niños?