Hand of Help

APDO. # 13, C.P. 76270

Colon, Queretaro, Mexico

Telephone Direct: 011-52-429-2-02-48

June/July, 1993

Dear Friends and Benefactors:

A Shared Thought by Jane Covode, volunteer

Santa Maria is blessed with a group of exceptionally dedicated and talented volunteers. Conchita Walker of Hoonah, Alaska has returned for the third year to direct an intensive summer sewing camp for the teenage girls which will be followed by an after-school sewing program. The program builds self-esteem and empowers the girls to find employment. Maureen Krause of Wharton, Texas assists Conchita. We are also very fortunate to have Rita Vessey, a school nurse from Albuquerque, New Mexico, with us for six weeks.

Santa Maria's intensive summer school attracts short term volunteers. Erlinda Moscoso of Arvada, Colorado has returned for the second year with her husband, Allen Gibson, to continue her work with the preschoolers and kindergartners. Jeff Lawrence a student at College Park, Maryland arrived in early June for the summer. Debbie Youhouse of Pueblo, Colorado is teaching 4th graders Spanish grammar and catechism. Lupe Alvidrez 'is a bilingual teacher and language tutor from Phoenix, Arizona who is contributing her skills. In addition, we have a host of Mexican volunteers who teach in the summer school, including former students who return to help each summer. In the next letter, we will give more background on two new long term volunteers who just arrived, Helen Williams of Denver, Colorado and Jacob Abeytia of Modesto, California. All of these volunteers speak Spanish and many are bilingual. The ability to speak Spanish is a necessary requirement in order to communicate with the children. The other requirement is that volunteers commit to a year of service (with the exception of the summer school program).This provides continuity within our program and a more stable environment for the children. Volunteers are always needed. Anyone interested should contact Father Norman at the above address. Volunteers are clearly a contributing factor in Santa Maria's success. However, I think-I speak for all the volunteers when I say that my experience here with Father Norman, the children and staff has enriched my life far beyond whatever I may have contributed.

Santa Maria Briefs

Plans for Our Own Private School-1994 Because of the intolerable public school system in our area, we are being-forced into a situation in which we will have to-begin our own private school in Santa Maria, situated in thecountryside. Most of our children have problems which need special and caring attention. The primary school is deplorable and the secondary school is even worse. I have attempted all avenues to improve this wretched condition, but to no avail. Our volunteers have made the only positive improvements. A private school will give us an opportunity to form, train, guide and discipline our children in a holistic program, not in the criminal manner that they now are being treated by the neglect of the public school system. I have publically accused those in power of successfully keeping the majority of the poor, special and indigenous students bordering close to retardation. What we intend to do is to take another huge leap in faith. We are barely keeping ourselves solvent in caring for our 200+, so with the Additional burden of school staff, equipment and the other host of expenses we will be bankrupt before we start. We are determined to produce a young adult who will leave our program prepared with confidence and security to cope successfully with the world. I have no doubt that this is what the good Lord also wants and if He so desires it, it will become a reality and quickly. This will take some "big bucks" over and above our present budget but I am confident in the Lord and also in two very dear friends of mine who are also committed to spearhead this new school program. These two gentlemen are Larry Shriver of Monte Vista, Colorado, a potato grower and John McClure, who practices law in Denver, Colorado. These two friends refuse to be committed to anything that looks like it will fail. With the Lord Jesus, Larry and John and yourselves, I have no doubt that in one year we will be starting classes in Santa Maria for the primary and secondary children. Someone once said, "You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try.

New Arrivals This past year we have been caring for approximately 180 boys and girls, and another 22 to 23 elderly. Each August, we have a turnover of some 20 to 30 children. Graduation takes some from us, and others we attempt to situate with their families if the situation permits. This past year, I have had to turn away at least 90 to 100 children because of the lack of staff and funds. August is always a difficult time when many decisions will have to be made. To have to refuse a child who has been abused, violated or abandoned is one of the most difficult and oppressive aspects of my task. Things definitely are not getting better in Mexico. Family life is deteriorating rapidly and this is causing the social-moral revolution which is much sadder than our economic crisis.

Summer Outings The Lord continues to protect and care for us. At a recent swim outing, we pulled out three of the little ones who were drowning. One must be observant every moment.

Sister Mary Teresa Sister is back in Mora, New Mexico for the month of July caring for her mother. She will be returning July 30 with renewed energy, enthusiasm and love for her some 50 girls.

Miracle of Love Never a day goes by that we don't see the direct hand of God on some of our children. They arrive hardened, distrustful, arrogant, manipulative, and undisciplined and in just a few weeks we see a radical change in them as they become caring, lovable and grateful young boys and girls - this is what gives us energy and determination to continue this mission in caring for those who are unable to care for themselves. Be assured of our love and prayer,

Children, Staff and Fr. Cliff Norman