Casa Hogar Orphanage, Inc. Founder, Teda Neill Celebrates Christmas
With Children At
Albergue Casa Hogar
Teda Neill (1912-2015) became involved with the Ojinaga children's shelter during her career as a social worker in Brewster County, Texas. Teda travelled to Ojinaga, Mexico, to bring donations where she met Ing. Miguel Torres, a Mexican engineer, who had founded what is now Albergue Casa Hogar. A generous donor supplied a new space, and Casa Hogar Orphanage, Inc. was organized as a non-profit corporation for American donors. Today, Casa Hogar serves over one hundred children. Many of whom have been placed by Desarrollo Integral de La Familia. DIF is similar to the USA version of Child Protective Services.
The growing number of volunteers continue to help with donations of food, clothing, and money. Casa Hogar Orphanage, Inc. organizes the U.S. donations. The late, Wes and Victoria Bannister from Alpine, TX. established CHOI as a Texas non-profit corporation and obtained 501 c(3) status from the IRS. CHOI now raises nearly $100,000 per year which includes delivery of "in-kind" donations.
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Fun
The directors of Albergue Casa Hogar ensure the children are involved in outside activities. For example, the 15 year old girls have a Quinceañera. If there is a parade in Ojinaga, most likely there will be a float with the ACH kids. Some high school students have come to perform plays for the kids. Volunteers take the children to the park, swimming, and even to the circus when it comes to town. In short, ACH provides a fun childhood experiences and a warm, supportive home which they would not receive without donor support of Casa Hogar!
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Life at Albergue Casa Hogar
A typical day begins with children getting
dressed for the day in uniforms, and gathering for a nutritious breakfast before heading to school. The Casa Hogar kids attend several different schools and are driven by the Casa Hogar van. Some of our special needs children attend afternoon classes. After school , our staff assist the students with homework.
The children come from different backgrounds. For instance, a pair siblings arrived at Casa Hogar from an abusive family when they were just toddlers. The younger brother studied in a shoe repair apprentice program to help prepare his transition out of Casa Hogar.
Another student came to Casa Hogar when he was ten years old. He had never been to school, so Casa Hogar provided remedial education until he was ready for regular school.
Public school in Mexico is not free. In addition to books and school supplies, uniforms are required to attend school. Donations to Casa Hogar Orphanage, Inc. provide financial assistance, transportation, and meals so that the child can receive an education.
In-Kind Donations
Volunteers work with local vendors and grantors on both sides of the border to provide food and supplies. Church groups have provided playground equipment, new beds and school supplies. The majority of building and grounds projects are possible because of
In-Kind Donations.
Super Mercado in Ojinaga, Mexico, and several other business give monthly grocery credits each month. The nearby Mennonite community frequently donates vegetables and cheese. A local baker periodically donates fresh bread and treats. Volunteers cross the Rio Grande, to hand deliver goods to Casa Hogar.
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