Without adequate housing during the annual winter weather, people succumb to sickness. Often these homes are inhabited by single mothers or elderly who have neither the means nor ability to fix their leaky roofs. In order to meet this need, Serving Hands International partners with pre-approved organizations throughout the various communities of Tijuana to distribute tarps and roofing supplies to those who are in greatest need. During the 2011 rainy season, Serving Hands International’s Emergency Shelter Program served more than 29,000 people in the poorest communities of Tijuana, Mexico.

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 proudly announces the 2011 total of portables provided to pre-approved recipients in Tijuana, Mexico. 45 portables, 33 portable buildings and 12 homes made there way across the border to prepared destinations sites. Serving Hands International 2011 portables are being used for education, homes, chapels, a library, a dormitory, a hospice center, and a community center. Altogether more than 10,000 people in Tijuana, Mexico have been served through Serving Hands International’s 2011 Portable program.

Education is key to a solid foundation for life. Serving Hands International proudly supports private institutions in order to provide education to those who would be denied otherwise. Educational supplies, scholarships, and other learning necessities are just some of the ways Serving Hands International impacted the lives of 900 students in 2011 in partnership with approved organizations such as Colegio Santa Rosa de Lima, Parroquia San Benito Abad – Missioneras de Santa Ana, and Archdiocese of Weniruda, Uganda.

There are few clinics and even fewer hospitals located near the poorest communities of Tijuana. 

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.

In the poorest regions of Tijuana, Mexico, bare necessities such as rice, beans, flour, sugar, oil, fresh fruit and vegetables are out of reach without a helping hand. Thanks to 31 partner organizations on location, Serving Hands International was able to provide these necessities to over 30,000 people in need during 2011. We continue to provide this assistance with our most recent outreach on Thursday, January 26, 2012.

SHI Founders, Terry and Barbara Caster listening intently to Mother Teresa's words of compassion

Serving Hands International strives to aid the poorest people in the world and to strive to restore in them self-sufficiency dignity and hope by providing food, clothing, shelter, medical assistance, educational opportunities and spiritual guidance. In 2011, Serving Hands International carried out their mission by partnering with local and dynamic nonprofits by positively impacting nearly 100,000 people through its various programs in Tijuana, Mexico!

All of us at Serving Hands International want to wish all of our Partners in Mexico, Tanzania, Uganda, and Romania and all of our donors a Happy and blessed New Year!

Each year Serving Hands International provides an annual Christmas Tradition to pre-qualifying Serving Hands partner organizations in Tijuana, Mexico. The program consists of three different gifts, a bag full of a weeks worth of grocery items, blankets and sweatshirts of varying sizes. Beginning the week of December 2, 2011 Serving Hands International has provided 6,510 food bags to individuals and families who are considered the poorest of the poor in their region. It is with thanks to all generous and loyal supporters of Serving Hands International that such a significant impact can be made during this holiday season.

The Convent San Charbel 2011

 The Convent San Charbel and Serving Hands International have partnered together for 15 years today, November 18, 2011! Together CSC and Serving Hands International have served more than 2500 people by providing food, garden materials, temporary housing,  emergency shelter, elementary school supplies and University scholarships. San Charbel is located in Tijuana, Mexico a community known as El Nino. Convent San Charbel is truly a gift to the people of El Nino and Serving Hands International is proud to have been a partner in their efforts for 15 years!