Sister Fatima and Sister Maria with a cross for the MOC Remote communities in Mexico

Serving Hands International partners with Missionaries of Charity in the United States and in Mexico. On March 26, 2012 Missionaries of Charity, Boston Avenue were approved for a grant to acquire much needed religious items that would go to remote Missionaries of Charity outposts in Mexico, Cuba and India. The items that they were granted came from San Diego’s own, O’Connors (http://www.oconnorscatholicsupply.com/). Among them were crosses, statues, and other icons or images that have not been accessible in these remote locations. They will be utilized in chapels and parish structures for the benefit of the people Missionaries of Charity serve. The very day that Sister Fatima and Sister Maria, Sisters of the order of Missionaries of Charity, were told of the Serving Hands International grant approval they hurried to O’Connor’s and shopped to their hearts content. Serving Hand International’s Field officer Joaquin Hernandez and Mexico Operations Manager Ramiro Hernandez were witnesses to the Sisters delight and reported, “They [Sisters Fatima and Maria] were positively giddy; like children in a candy store. It blessed us to see how such a small grant could bring so much happiness”. On April 4, 2012 O Conner’s delivered the final item ordered for the Missionaries of Charity. Sister Fatima shared, “It is not much to you and I, but to the one who has not seen such beauty it is wonderful. I have so much joy thinking of those whom I can deliver these rare gifts to. I know, they will be blessed.”

If you would like to learn more about Missionaries of Charity go to http://www.cmswr.org/.

Students crafting their instruments at Orchestra Baja California

Orchestra Baja California's SHI Portable

Orchestra Baja California students constructing instruments

One recipient of Serving Hands International’s portable program, Orchestra of Baja California, proudly photographed their portable in action on March 29, 2012. Orchestra of Baja California is a non-profit that serves youth from low income families in Tijuana, Mexico. Their program educates students on the construction of instruments as well music lessons. “Before SHI’s portabe building, we had little space for our instrument construction, and it was difficult,” said Lupe a student of OBC to Serving Hands International’s Field Officer, Joaquin Hernandez. ”But now, we have space to make beautiful instruments to play!” We at Serving Hands International are pleased to see yet another donated portable being well used.

Sister Ana with the Manila, Philippine Street Children

Serving Hands International is pleased to announce its partnership with Sister Ana Rodriguez of the Missionaries of the Blessed Sacrament in a new region of the world!

Sister Ana was sent to Intramuros Manila, Philippines during the advent season by her Mother Superior. Her previous post, an outlying community of Tijuana, Mexico was a successful venture to provide a community with a place of refuge, support, spiritual guidance and education. Sister Ana’s resilience was blessed and the ministry thrived under her care for more than 10 years.

Homes in Manila, Philippines

Sister Ana lives out Serving Hands International mission “To aid the poorest people in the world and strive to restore in them self-sufficiency, dignity and hope by providing food, clothing, shelter, medical assistance, educational opportunities and spiritual guidance.” By providing support of her efforts, Serving Hands is given the opportunity to impact the people of Manila, Philippines.

You Philippino Boy Cheerfully trudging through the flooded streets of his village

On Thursday, March 22, 2012 Serving Hands International awarded Sister Ana with support to begin lifesaving interventions in the destitute villages of Intramuros Manila, Philippines. As time progresses Serving Hands International looks forward to sharing with our readers our latest frontier.

Genero posing in front of the first of 4 Serving Hands International classrooms for children with Special Needs

Carita de Dios, a Center for children with special needs, received its first Serving Hands International portable building on February 1, 2012. Director Adalid Murgia Ortiz shared her passion for children with special needs with Serving Hands International’s Field Officer, Joaquin Hernandez. As a parent of a special needs child, she became painfully aware of the lack of help in her community for kids and families with special needs. In 2002 she began volunteering and working with other children with disabilities. After 5 years she was convinced this demographic was underserved in Tijuana. She was certain that the gift of her son, Genero had provided her the experience and skills to serve the special needs children in her community. Adalid founded Carita de Dios, A.C. in 2007 as a first step in reaching the special needs community. To date she and her staff serve over 50 children with disabilities that range from mild to severe. Carita de Dios offers day programs that are educational and theraputic in naturefor children with special needs. They also offer educational courses for family members who wish to know more. “My son and these children,” said Adalid, “have made me look at the world in a different way!” As of March 12, 2012 Carita de Dios has recieved 4 Serving Hands International portable buildings.

Grateful recipients of Sue's Afgahns

A local San Diegan, Sue of La Mesa California works hard each year creating beautiful and warm afghans for women in need in Tijuana. She has trusted Serving Hands International for years to safely deliver her gifts into the hands of those with the most need. This winter season she has continued the ritual and donated 50 afghans. Sue’s most recent delivery is in the hands of appreciative recipients in Tijuana as of February 24, 2012.  Thank you, Sue for having two willing hands to serve others with.

Juan's Christmas sack - complete with jacket, blanket, hygeince products and food

Advent is an internationally celebrated time of the year and there is no exception here at Serving Hands International. Serving Hands International commemorates this season by orchestrating the largest annual program we call “Christmas Tradition”. In 2011, Serving Hands international was able to partner with 31 pre-approved partners and provide 8,595 blankets, 14,566 bags of food, and 3,228 sweaters to more than 14,000 people in the poorest regions of Tijuana, Mexico.

Serving Hands International's grant at Sanatorio San Francisco provided the funds needed to provide care to Ms. Garcia.

 It continues to be a privilege of Serving Hands International to partner with 4 organizations south of the border: Casa Hogar del Anciano Juan Pablo II, Casa Dispensario San Eugenio – Vecinos de la Frontera, Hospital Sagrada Corazon, and Sanatorio San Francisco. These organizations have chosen to serve the immigrant demographic and set up shop among the people with the greatest need. During 2011, Serving Hands International’s support provided the care of more than 13,000 people in need.