Our mission, as a volunteer organization, is to develop and support projects and programs focused on poor children and their families of Mexican heritage. We are committed to providing unconditional love and support, improving their lives, and helping them move towards a better future and self-sufficiency. We serve as a bridge that connects those we serve with volunteers and donors who want the opportunity to contribute, grow and change. Our efforts are focused on three primary missions in southern Mexico.
Pimpollo Home for Children in Juchitan, Oaxaca
Friends of Pimpollo strives to serve the Pimpollo Home for Children as it wishes to be served. We have learned through experience that this is the true spirit of service.
We help by providing a monthly grant for the approximately 90 children who live there. This monthly grant assists in meeting the basic needs, including medicines, food, stipends for on-site employees, and educational expenses.
The monthly grant is partially funded through our Child Sponsorship program. Donors contribute $35 a month per child.
Friends of Pimpollo organizes work teams that visit the house. Each team is unique. Some build sewer systems, others plant gardens. While each team will have a job to do, the most important part of being at Pimpollo is making a connection with the children and those who care for them. All team members should be prepared to have fun. Before you know it you might be playing soccer, having a water balloon fight, or even tap dancing.
Vicente Guerrero Community in Oaxaca City, Oaxaca
Friends of Pimpollo works very closely with Manos de Vida in Oaxaca City, Oaxaca. We help to support the children and families of targeted neighborhoods in the Vicente Guerrero garbage dump area. We hope to help break the cycle of poverty by increasing:
- access to basic education,
- school retention and literacy rates, and
- higher levels of education.
Recent Friends of Pimpollo teams have worked with the local families at Vincente Guerrero to build school rooms, upgrade the community center, and pour pisos (floors) for families. Currently, discussions are underway with Manos de Vida to identify ways that we can expand our impact in this very impoverished community.
Longer term we hope to partner with Manos de Vida to create a nucleus of women to apply for and obtain micro loans.
Tuxtla Learning Center in Tuxtla, Chiapas, Mexico
Our organization provides support for students who for financial reasons would otherwise not be able to achieve their educational aspirations. We provide financially for tuition, room and board, computers, housing, counseling, and leadership support. Currently, we provide for 13 resident students in Tuxtla and 9 non-resident students at the secondary and university level.
