How many children do you care for?
Are all the children orphans?
How did this children's home come about?
How are children admitted to Los Pinos?
Who takes care of the children?
What is the minimum age of the children at admission, at what age do they leave, and what do they do when they leave the Home?
Does the Home have any religious affiliation?
How are the Home's expenses covered?
Are donations tax deductible?
Can I adopt a child?
Can I visit the Home?
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¿How many children do you care for?
As an average, 65. Sometimes we have more, sometimes less. We are always working to reunite families by solving the conflicts which brought the boy to our Home; that's why the number varies. The building is constructed in such a way that we can add footage so that we could house upto 120 children.
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Are all the children orphans?
Strictly talking, most of them are not orphans. These children generally come from broken homes or families experiencing extreme poverty. Some are children of indigent single mothers, others have been abandoned by their parents, and many have been abused. They all have one thing in common: a great need for love and the absence of a father or mother who makes them feel worthy of being loved.
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How did this Children's Home come about?
In 1987 a group of professionals, wanting to do something to help the most needy, found a house that was loaned to them so that children without a home could have one. These boys had been taken temporarily to an orphanage for girls, but they could not remain there.
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How are children admitted to Los Pinos?
The Department of Social Services or the Judicial System refer children to us when they are found on the streets. Occasionally a good samaritan will bring a child to the Home and in these cases we always ask the Department of Social Services to investigate whether the child needs our service.
Who takes care of the children?
In order to obtain the professional assistence that we want to give our children, we have a team of professional counselors and teachers who are committed to our cause. This team provides educational programs and activities designed to develop good habits, and most importantly, deal
with emotional issues of each child. We also have kitchen, custodial and maintenance staff, and groups of volunteers who help with different aspects of nutrition, medical attention, recreational activities, catechism, etc.
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What is the minimum age for admission, at what age do they leave, and What do they do when they leave the Home?
We admit boys between the ages of 4 and 10. We try to reunite them with their family whenever is possible and in their best interest. When they are older and it has not been possible to reunite them, we look for an adequate place for them to live, making sure that they have a job which allows them to continue studying if they so choose. In general the older boys are trained so that they have a skill which they can rely on. Every case is different, but we find an adequate solution for each child so that he can become a productive member of society.
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Does the Home have any religious affiliation?
No. Our institution was formed by the intention of helping needy children. The goal has always been to give these children a living situation and a formation grounded in human and spiritual values. Because our nation is primarily Catholic, we assure that these children receive catechesis and live the religious practices so customary in mexican families. We respect the religious orientation of each child, as well as the decisions they make as adults; but we want to offer the choice of (aqui quite una a) spirituality which can give meaning to their lives and be an answer to their spiritual needs.
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How are the Home's expenses covered?
Los Pinos is sustained by monthly donations by credit card or cash. Some businesses give us a check each month. We also receive in kind donations from individuals, companies and organizations: these include food, clothing, shoes, etc.
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Are donations tax deductible?
Yes, donations are tax deductible. Los Pinos Children's Home is registered both with the Human Services' Department and with the Treasury Department. Our name appears in the Official Record every year as an organization authorized to issue receipts for tax deductible donations, which is an added benefit for those who give for the personal satisfaction of helping the most needy.
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Can I adopt a child?
Our Home does not allow adoption. However, you can be helped by calling 011 52 (33) 3616-42-83 and asking for Senora Atala Ruiz Mensur.
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Can we visit the Children's Home?
Of course! We invite everyone to get to know the children and see the educational program in practice. The only thing we ask is to get in touch with the director of the Home regarding time of your visit so that we can give you the best possible service.:
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LOS PINOS CHILDREN'S HOME
Calz. Fresnos 47
Colonia Ciudad Granja
Zapopan,Jal. C.P. 45010
See map
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TELÉFONOS:
Oficina:
011 52 (33) 3629 50 00
011 52 (33) 3629 50 02
Casa Hogar: 011 52 (33) 3627 31 96
011 52 (33) 3627 36 70
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