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!
Trinitarians of Mary with Mr. and Mrs. Caster at the 2011 Serving Hands International Partner Meeting
On Friday, October 21, 2011 Sister Sara of the Trinitarians of Mary arrived with her fellow sisters to participate in Serving Hands International’s Annual Partner Meeting in San Ysidro. The ladies provided their musical talent during the Partner Meeting Mass shared with Serving Hands International’s partners south of the border. The Casters, Serving Hands Board Members and volunteers enjoyed their melodious voices giving thanks for all that was accomplished in the year. Thank you Trinitarians of Mary for partnering with Serving Hands International to make a difference in lives.
Serving Hands International proudly introduces our readers to Don Santiago. Senor Santiago has been a stay-at-home father since the passing of his wife in 2006. Senor Santiago has two sons, Marcelo (41) and Alberto (37), both were born with physical and mental handicaps. Begining in 2004 the Santiago family has been a part of Serving Hands International’s Mexico Outreach Program. Every two weeks from 2004 until as recently as October 2011 they receive fresh food and every month a modest stipened to provide for their other needs. In the remote area of Tijuana known as Francisco Villa, eighty-seven year old Senor Santiago daily cares for his sons while maintaining their family home. He is a rare man in this area of Mexico. In a culture that has very strict gender roles. His choice to remain home and be his sons’ main care giver is a remarkably selfless act. When asked why he chose to do so, he remarked, “It is a father’s joy to be there for his son.”
Can you see it? It’s a home making its way down the road, over the highway, and across the border. That home will soon be at rest on a freshly prepared lot with eager faces welcoming its arrival. Here in San Diego we often see such buildings on the road with “Oversized Load” draped across it’s back and don’t give them a second thought. What if you knew that this modest portable structure would be the hope of those without shelter? What if you could see the impact a modest building like the one in the video makes in the life of a family and a community in Tijuana? When you next see a portable home en route, smile. It is a sign of hope. As of October 7, 2011 there are 39 Serving Hands International portable buildings in Tijuana and surrounding communities thanks to our generous donors and our corporate sponsors. Serving Hands International strives to provide quality portable buildings for the purpose of shelter, education, medical services, religious services, and community centers for the poorest of the poor communities in Mexico.
Santa Rosa de Lima Catholic School
Santa Rosa de Lima School in Tijuana, Mexico has been a multi year project for Father John. He began serving the people in his community in 2006 by opening a school that is tuition free, registration free provides gently used uniforms to each student in attendance. Father John envisioned a 4 story school building, a campus wall to ensure student safety and a soccer field. He stepped out in faith and recruited funders, Serving Hands International among them, to begin the building project in 2006. Since 2006 Serving Hands has been a part of the school building construction as well as the construction of the school wall. As of Summer 2011, Santa Rosa de Lima school has completed their building construction and the exterior wall. With hard work, dedicated supporters and prayer Father John’s project was accomplished.