Manos Amigas had a good year in 2023. We continue to learn the power of the community and are working to strengthen it. You will see evidence of that throughout this brief review.
Education
The core team in Anapra reaffirmed that support for students as the top priority of the mission. While each family has different goals and issues, they all want a better life for their children. Families are meeting regularly and discovering that Manos Amigas is a resource, providing more than just financial support. We sponsor 47 students.
Abuelos
The second priority is helping the elderly (or abuelos). We continue to provide heat assistance, food assistance, and medical supplies when needed. Meeting with each abuelo to assess the needs, the core team noticed that social interaction was a common thread in their discussions. Visits between students and the elderly are beneficial for all. We provided heat for 23 abeulos and Christmas baskets for 30 families.
Pies Pequenos (Little Feet)
The support program for moms and babies continues as they grow to be toddlers. Some of the moms are also college students. They hold monthly workshops and learn ways to parent, as the children learn to play together. The support they provide each other is another example of the community building that is key to the mission.
All around Anapra, the friendly hands (Manos Amigas) were busy this year serving the community:
• College graduates purchased gifts for the abuelos for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day
• Moms cooked and decorated for Children’s Day
• A parish in Juarez provided music and pinatas for La Posada
• High school and college students did monthly service projects
• Students helped in the library
• Volunteers sorted donations and delivered firewood and food
We joyfully welcomed three new members to the core team in Anapra; Veronica, Maria, and Consuelo have students in the program and they have each been involved with the mission for more than ten years. We are already seeing the benefits of their service and ideas.
To all of our generous donors on both side of the border, Thank you for another wonderful year of building community and the promise of a better tomorrow!
In 2024 we are looking for additional core team members on the US side. The current team members meet monthly in the KC area, but through the wonders of zoom, all are welcome. We are also looking for sponsors for several students. Sponsorship is $30 per month or $360 per year. If interested, please contact 816-806-9760 or email us.
In Memoriam
Arturo Ramirez, Parent
Cesar Alvarado Garcia, Parent
Kathy Parks, Student sponsor
Benita Cardenas, Abuela
Eligio Mendiola, Abuelo