"This house will make a very big difference in my life! I used to worry all the time that my house would fall down on my children. Now I will have peace -- because I know that won't happen.... God has sent you in answer to my prayers." -Celia, a middle-aged mother of seven

Utilizing all volunteer labor, Project Mexico builds solid stucco homes with concrete floors for the poorest families in Tijuana, Mexico. Trip participants pay a fee which is used to purchase building materials and food for the workers. Recipient families are chosen by local clergy and community leaders who are familiar with and can verify their circumstances. Many of these families are part of the greatest migration in history -- rural Third World peasants moving to the cities. City planners estimate that thirty to forty families from Mexico's interior settle in Tijuana daily. Authorities state that this influx is occurring so rapidly they are unable to keep accurate population figures. Nearly 14% of the world (i.e. one of every seven people) lives in these squatter settlements where electricity and indoor plumbing are non-existent.

Low-cost government land is available only if the family lives on it. Families often spend all they have to purchase the land, leaving nothing for construction. This results in hastily constructed shanties made of cardboard, tin, or whatever supplies can be salvaged. These shelters are rarely adequate as evidenced by the numerous children who die each winter from cold and exposure.

In 1988, our goal was simply to help some of these struggling families make a better life for themselves by providing them with secure, safe, permanent homes. Now, well over one hundred families have been blessed with a safe and solid home while over 6,900 young people have given of themselves in a hands-on way. With a concrete floor, solid walls and roof, warm interior, and locking door which a Project Mexico home provides, the family's situation is given a quantum leap forward.

Home Building Q&A

Why Mexico?

Working in Mexico offers a unique environment for spiritual growth and a time to experience God's blessings. Each person involved has an opportunity to give to others in a special way -- serving those who can only repay with sincere gratitude. Participants bring back a memorable experience and youth and adults have a chance to evaluate their values and receive a new perspective on life.

How is this done?

Each participant pays a fee for materials which are purchased in Mexico and delivered to the work site. All tools are provided by Project Mexico and no power tools are used, so the work site is very safe. A trained supervisor works with the groups to teach and manage the actual construction of the house. Construction experience is not necessary at all. Our best workers are usually those with the biggest hearts and a sense of adventure!

Is it all work?

While hard work is involved, there is also plenty of time to meet and talk with the local people who are usually very curious and most gracious. The children love to play and sing and always hate to see the group leave at the end of the day. Work trips range from one day to one week. Those who are staying in Mexico are housed at St. Innocent Orphanage which allows time to get to know the boys there by sharing meals and playing volleyball, basketball, and the boys' favorite - soccer.

How can I take part in a work trip to Mexico?

There are two ways to be involved -- as a group or as an individual. You may schedule a trip just for your group or join with another group. You may also reserve a place for yourself on one of our already scheduled trips.

What age groups can participate?

All ages may take part with the following restrictions: adults are always welcome; high shoolers may attend with a release form and an adult leader; junior highers and children may attend with their parents. I'm interested but I have lots of questions! Please request an information packet and after reviewing it, feel free to call us with any remaining questions. We can also put you in touch with previous participants.

Work Trips

Shown below is the step-by-step process that takes place when a Project Mexico home is built.

	A Firm Foundation - leveling the site, mixing the concrete, smoothing it into place.
	The hardest day - but our young people do it with gusto and joy. A Solid Structure - the walls go up. Thirty people sawing and nailing all day long until... the walls are put in place and everyone is full of joy and amazement to see what they have done.
	The Roof Goes On - an exciting moment as the home takes shape. It's for real - we are actually building a house! Now we must add windows and doors, roofing, and stucco.
	Protection from the Elements - the stucco is mixed and applied to form a hard shell - like icing a giant cake only much, much better! This will soon be the home of a very special family.
	The Blessing Ð This is often the most moving part of a home-building trip. When the home is completed, the family gathers with the work trip participants and priest for the house blessing: ÒO Lord, keep safe from harm those who dwell here...Grant all their petitions that are for their salvation and eternal lifeÉÓ The family is presented with the key to their home, along with a Bible and icon. The family is overwhelmed with the generosity that has been bestowed on them. The selfless example that is set by the work group often encourages the family to reach out and help others as they are able.

St. Innocent Orphange Part 2

Due to a complete lack of facilities in the Tijuana area, orphan boys are usually only cared for until the age of twelve when they are put out. Forced to fend for themselves, the majority end up living on the streets. This sad situation leads to neglect, abuse, criminal activity, and even death. Initial attempts to survive may be innocent enough: selling gum on the streets, dusting cars at intersections, and other odd jobs -- anything to earn a few pesos for a mouthful of food. Authorities agree, however, that this lifestyle quickly and unquestionably leads to criminal behavior such as stealing, drug use, prostitution, illegal border crossing, and serving as "coyotes" (i.e. leading other illegal immigrants across the border into the U.S. for a fee). Obviously, these children have absolutely no access to education or social and spiritual training. Without intervention, they are destined to live out their lives as criminals, addicts, gang members, and prostitutes on the streets of Tijuana and San Diego.

Project Mexico has purchased a beautiful eight and one-half acre ranch, complete with buildings and a fresh water well....an ideal place to raise young boys! Situated near Rosarito, Mexico, the orphanage is home to boys aged nine through nineteen. St. Innocent Orphanage seeks not only to meet the boys' basic needs but to accomplish much more. They are guided in the Christian life, receive a quality education and are encouraged toward academic success, learn vocational skills, participate in sports, are counseled appropriately by trained professionals, and are showered with a tremendous amount of love from the staff and frequent visitors both from the United States and Mexico. All of this, plus a structured and loving environment, allows a miraculous transformation to occur. Instead of fending for themselves on streets filled with crime, drugs, and prostitution, they now have the freedom to prepare for a bright future and to become givers, not takers.

Spiritual Life

Because we believe that each person's relationship with God is of the utmost importance, spiritual training is given priority. While the boys cannot be forced to participate, daily prayers are held, along with special training and events. The boys are always happy to participate. They're responsible for a large portion of the chanting, reading, and serving in the church. They also have their own charitable efforts at a home for the elderly. We're teaching them that when their needs are met, they must look to assist others.

Education

Education is key. The recent completion of the 2,500 square foot St. John the Merciful Computer Learning Center has enhanced the on-site educational opportunities for the boys. They now have a computer lab, classroom, and an audio/visual area. The impact is obvious as the boys have a growing appetite to learn and are improving in their school work.

We also have a library and reading program that has proved to be a blessing far beyond our expectations. Instead of playing video games or watching TV, our boys are content to check a book out of our library and spend a few hours reading. We're teaching the boys to love to learn. With the addition of our ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program, the boys are steadily becoming proficient in speaking English. They're excited about learning a new language and are always anxious to try out what they know on visitors who come to the ranch.

Activities

There are many firsts for the boys - a first Christmas present, first birthday party, first home where there is no fear of abuse, first uninterrupted school attendance, first time a warm meal was a sure thing, first time that love and reason would be their guide. These many firsts add up to promote healing and the building up of souls.

The boys participate in a variety of extra-curricular activities. This year, two boys joined an esteemed folk dance troupe performing at a number of functions and appeared at the Rosarito Beach Hotel. The boys also participate in sports teams, music lessons, and a variety of clubs. These activities bring much pride to the individual and the orphanage as the boys grow and excel in different areas.

Ranch Work

A strong work ethic is a gift we hope to give each boy during his time with us. Based upon the boy's age, he is given a variety of responsibilities at the ranch. The boys are in charge of all irrigation, ranch cleanup, livestock, the on-site store, chapel cleaning, some kitchen duties, and some of the older boys serve as counselors in the mornings to prepare the younger ones for school.

The livestock operation continues to be a source of learning and income for the boys. We have diversified to now include chickens, ducks, turkeys, rabbits, goats, sheep, and cows. The boys enjoy their role of caring for the animals. It is a wonderful blessing for them to learn the valued skills of animal husbandry which include population inventory and simple veterinary procedures, as well as bookkeeping and maintenance.

Through their participation in profit-making ventures attached to St. Innocent Orphanage, the boys acquire work expeence and an appreciation for the value of their labors.

source: http://www.projectmexico.org/orphanage.html

Project Mexico

What We Do Since 1988, Project Mexico has been involving young people in the alleviation of suffering by building homes for Mexico's poor. In 1996 our outreach expanded through the opening of St. Innocent Orthodox Orphanage in Tijuana which provides a home for teenage boys who live on the streets or who have been put out of other orphanages and would otherwise be left to fend for themselves. In operation only six years, it was named one of the top three institutions in the state for 2001. St. Innocent Orphanage is the only facility dedicated to teenage boys in Tijuana and one of only four in the entire country of Mexico.
This charitable outreach is unique because our very own people do the work. In the process, their lives are changed. This proven, powerful vehicle of change has provided a fertile environment for thousands of youth to grow in Christ and give of themselves by doing works of mercy for a needy world. Volunteers from 43 of 50 states and eleven foreign countries have participated. Additionally, we hope to continue strengthening the ties between the people of the U.S. and Mexico and be an example of how we can help each other when we work together. Lives have been changed. Families have been catapulted forward in their struggle to have good shelter and a true home. The impact of this step cannot be measured as they can now focus their energies on their family's moral, spiritual, and educational needs. Some families would split up otherwise, unable to adequately provide for their children. Disease and death no longer loom at every spell of bad weather and rain. And spiritually, it is pure joy to watch the tears of thanks flow during the house blessings. The families know that the Lord has visited them, literally, where they live. The volunteers who build the homes are profoundly affected. We regularly receive letters from participants, parents, and clergy describing the awakening that has occurred. Many become active and eager participants in their home parish. Others have made college decisions and career choices based upon the experience. All seem to be more in touch with the simple yet difficult commandments of our Lord to love our neighbor and to care for the least of these Our History Project Mexico began in Orange County, California through the efforts of Gregory Yova, our Founder and Executive Director. Greg was alarmed by the increasingly desperate plight of youth in North America which directly affects society as a whole. In the Fall of 1988, Project Mexico developed from Greg's desire to provide young people an opportunity to look beyond themselves and reach out personally to those in need. Greg felt compelled to get them involved in the relief of suffering in neighboring Mexico. Though geographically close, Mexico is a Third World country and has a great need for basic human services. In 1988, our goal was simply to help some struggling families make a better life for themselves by providing them with secure, safe, permanent homes. The work caught on like wild fire as more people experienced the joy of giving in a hands-on way. By 1991, we were spending three weekends a month in Mexico with volunteer groups from Southern California. Then, in 1992, we received a call from a group in Chicago that wanted to come build a home. The subsequent explosion of interest across the country made it clear to us that this should be a full-time endeavor. In 1992, Greg made the leap and quit his job in order to bring as many people as possible to Mexico. We established bylaws, incorporated as a charity, and set up an office. In 1990, Project Mexico began coordinating with a group of Mexicans to establish an orphanage for teenage boys in Tijuana. This effort to address a critical social problem was a natural outgrowth of our goal to relieve suffering in Mexico. After extensive labors to receive official approval from the Mexican government, St. Innocent Orphanage opened its doors in September 1996. At that point, the orphanage began serving as the home base for Project Mexico where groups eat, sleep, pray and can be a part of the boys' lives. Over the years many groups have come and worked exclusively at the orphanage, helping us to complete a great number of important projects. This charitable outreach is unique because our very own people do the work. In the process, their lives are changed. This proven, powerful vehicle of change has provided a fertile environment for thousands of youth to grow in Christ and give of themselves by doing works of mercy for a needy world. Volunteers from 43 of 50 states and eleven foreign countries have participated. Additionally, we hope to continue strengthening the ties between the people of the U.S. and Mexico and be an example of how we can help each other when we work together. Lives have been changed. Families have been catapulted forward in their struggle to have good shelter and a true home. The impact of this step cannot be measured as they can now focus their energies on their family's moral, spiritual, and educational needs. Some families would split up otherwise, unable to adequately provide for their children. Disease and death no longer loom at every spell of bad weather and rain. And spiritually, it is pure joy to watch the tears of thanks flow during the house blessings. The families know that the Lord has visited them, literally, where they live. The volunteers who build the homes are profoundly affected. We regularly receive letters from participants, parents, and clergy describing the awakening that has occurred. Many become active and eager participants in their home parish. Others have made college decisions and career choices based upon the experience. All seem to be more in touch with the simple yet difficult commandments of our Lord to love our neighbor and to care for the least of these. The home building trips were first run by Greg and local volunteers, many of whom became the original board members. When we took possession of the orphanage facility in 1993, we also began our internship program. This was a way for young people to give a few months to a year in service. These interns helped with everything from work trips to projects at the orphanage to administrative tasks. It was an exciting time in spite of extremely tough conditions. Many more interns would follow and do invaluable work both with home building and at the orphanage. Everyone involved has both endured difficulty and experienced blessings as they have given of themselves to do works of mercy. We now stand at well over one hundred homes built and blessed! Over 6,900 volunteers from forty-three of fifty states and eleven foreign countries have come to give of themselves and have been blessed in return. St. Innocent Orphanage now exists as a haven to abandoned teenage boys. Organization Project Mexico is accountable to two Boards of Directors -- one in the U.S. and one in Mexico. Both Boards are comprised of well-respected community and business leaders and clergy with many years of experience serving in the Church. Project Mexico holds nonprofit status (i.e. 501(c)3) in the U.S. and in Mexico. (This is a very difficult process in Mexico and we are one of only four agencies in Tijuana to have achieved this status.) Funding comes from individual donors, parishes, charitable organizations, foundations, and corporate donors. Our Goals To completely solve the problem in Tijuana of orphan teenage boys would be impossible for any one organization. However, to provide a home, an education, vocational and Christian training for up to thirty-five of these boys until they are of age is a worthy goal which can be accomplished. By providing these services, Project Mexico and St. Innocent Orphanage seek to reduce the number of boys on the streets of Tijuana and San Diego, to consequently reduce the crimes in which they are involved in both cities, and to provide the possibility for these boys to grow into godly men who are upstanding citizens and productive members of society. We are also working to implement an independent living skills program for older boys who complete high school which will cover career training, personal finances, ethics, a healthy lifestyle, and household management. We are in the process of securing scholarships for boys to attend university or vocational school. We are working to expand the livestock and farming operations to supply 75% of the orphanage's food needs and provide additional work experience. Our master plan includes further vocational and business training which will include profit-making ventures for the orphanage. We are in the process of completing facilities for on-site staff, life skills housing, and vocational shops. We also aim to increase the number of homes built for families and to bring as many volunteers to do the work as we are able. The number of groups we accommodate per year has doubled to forty over the last few years and we are hoping to double that number to eighty groups in the near future. This will require additional facilities to house the groups and support staff to effectively manage the groups. The Life of St. Innocent of Alaska St. Innocent of Alaska, our patron, was a remarkable man who inspires us by his life, his love of God, his sacrifice, and his affection for the native people of Alaska. To learn more about St. Innocent, click here. Contact Info Please feel free to contact us in any of the following ways: Write to us: Project Mexico P.O. Box 120028 Chula Vista, CA 91912-3128 Call us: 619.426.4610 Email us: info@projectmexico.org Fax us:

source: http://www.projectmexico.org/about.html