Currently our two main areas of focus are the Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza (RISE) and Pasitos de Luz, a daycare centre for children with severe disabilities.
RISE opened in March 2001. It is a non-profit shelter that houses children from infancy to age 14.The shelter has housed up to 60 children at a time under the care of 2 nuns from the Carmelites of Nazareth Order, paid staff, many, many volunteers and students from the Outreach International.
Many of these children come from insufferable conditions. Some have been abused and neglected. Some simply abandoned. Others may need the support of the Refugio on a short term basis due to a circumstances that render their families unable to care for them. A few of the children at RISE have lived there for most of their lives. Incorporated with RISE is a Teen transition home that houses 6 to 8 young teenage girls. The goal of this home is to provide young girls from the Refugio with the education, skills, and support and guidance they need as they begin their transition to adulthood to avoid the cycle of more children requiring shelter living situations.
Our History
The Canadian Children's Shelter of Hope Foundation was founded in March 2007. It is a registered, incorporated Canadian Charity that is run only by volunteers. Our mission is to provide financial, volunteer, and material support to children and their families living in the Puerto Vallarta area. We work collaboratively as a sister foundation to the US Children's Shelter of Hope Foundation.
What is Rise ?
The Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza is a Shelter for children in need. It is not an orphanage. Many of the children at RISE have been brought there by their families who for many reasons, can no longer care for them adequately. Parents are able to place their children in a safe, caring environment and maintain contact with them. Many parents
visit on a regular basis. Often children are reunited with their family when stability within the family has been regained.
Canadian Children's Shelter of Hope Foundation
What is Pasitos de Luz?
Pasitos de Luz is a daycare centre for children suffering from developmental disorders such as Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and other neurologically related disabilities.
Initially started by a group of innovative mothers in 1999 to assist in allowing them to go about their other activities of daily living, and provide rehabilitation to their children, it has grown into much more. Currently, they provide free of charge, rehabilitation services such as physiotherapy to>over 80 children. Their needs are great. The only government funds given to them are to fund a breakfast program. For all other expenses they rely on donations.
