How Does Casa Hogar Translate To English?
Casa Hogar translates literally to "House Home", but is now used to to identify an orphanage, instead of the older term "el orfanato". The terms El Orfanato and Orphanage conjure up a vision of Oliver Twist and 19th century institutions which warehoused children, where now children's shelters tend to be more like group homes. Even the term orphan is redefined: four out of five children in orphanages have at least one living parent and most have some extended family, according to Wikipedia. The term "Albergue" translates to "Hostel", and is used to emphasize the open door policy of Albergue Casa Hogar.
What financial support is available from the Mexican Government?
Liliana Alcántara reports in El Universal that the Mexican government provides on average $200/child/year for the population of 25,700 children in some 922 orphanages in the country. No support of Foster Care is reported. Albergue Casa Hogar happily accepts whatever financial support is available from government sources but depends for the most part on private donations from people like you.
Is Casa Hogar Orphanage, Inc or Albergue Casa Hogar affiliated with any religious organization?
No, but Albergue Casa Hogar is generously supported by many churches: the Mennonites in Mexico and, through Casa Hogar Orphanage, Inc, by churches of several demoninations in West Texas and the USA. CHOI and ACH is so very grateful for the support of all these congregations: the enthusiasm for our mission, the prayers, the on-site projects, the donations of cash and supplies, and the encouragement. We couldn't do it without you.
Do the children receive religious instruction?
Transportation is provided to Catholic Mass and Catechism for those children who wish to attend.
How is medical and dental care provided to the children?
The Mexican government provides some medical care. Dental care is typically provided by volunteer dentists. Where neither governmental coverage nor volunteer services are available, Albergue Casa Hogar contracts with a licensed provider.
Can I donate directly to Albergue Casa Hogar in Mexico?
Certainly, but in this case your donation will not be deductible from income tax under the IRS (501(c)(3) rules, and you lose the advantage of CHOI oversite. Non cash donations have to be imported through Mexican Customs with the risk of confiscation and the assessment of import duties to Albergue Casa Hogar. Duty fees can reduce the value of the imports to near zero. Used clothing is not permitted for import.
How is Albergue Casa Hogar managed?
Albergue Casa Hogar, like CHOI, is a non-profit organization, incorporated under the laws of Mexico. Also like CHOI, the unpaid ACH Board of Directors are elected. The ACH Board appoints the ACH Administrator. The CHOI and ACH boards keep separate minutes and financial records. The reports are shared and the Boards work closely with each other. Representatives of ACH typically attend CHOI Board meetings.
How can I independently verify CHOI legitimacy?
Go to the IRS site to verify CHOI status as a Pubic Charity; the EIN is 74-3000844. Verify that CHOI is recognized as a legitimate charity at Guidestar.
How much does CHOI spend on fund raising and other overhead costs?
Overhead costs are paid for by members of the CHOI Board of Directors out of pocket, so that 100% of your donation goes to ACH programs.
How effetive is Albergue Casa Hogar?
ACH stretches the dollars to cover the costs, limiting total spending to less than $8 per child per day, yet the children are safe, well-fed, clean, clothed, supervised 24 hours by a caring staff, and motivated to perform well in school. New residents are given a "head start" program at the home so that they can succeed at school. Visitors to the school are invariably impressed with how polite, friendly, and relaxed the children are. For comparison, stipends for children in USA foster care are typically $20/day and more for specialized care.
Are there other orphanages in Ojinaga, Mexico?
The closest orphanage of record is in Chihuahua, Mexico, some 120 miles to the south.
Are the many Casa Hogar Orphanages affiliated?
No.
Are the children of Albergue Casa Hogar available for adoption?
Adoptions are administered by the Desarrollo Integral de la Familia following international rules.