Peruvian Orphan Fund, Inc. History
Approximately ten years ago, I went to Peru with a group of friends during our spring break school vacation. Aside from being tourists we decided to do something for the less fortunate children of Peru and arranged a visit to San Judas Chico, a girls orphanage in the city of Cuzco. We brought with us from the United States, $400 we had collected for distribution to the needy in some way or another.
The visit was a very profound experience for all of us. The children when gathered together sang and danced, and completely stole our hearts. The orphanage director, Sister Dominga, told us the current need was for shoes, and the $400 we brought was enough for her to purchase 53 pairs. We agreed that this was a worthy cause and a real need.
I returned to the orphanage by myself several days later and helped distribute the shoes to the children. The Sister gave me the receipts along with $15 in change. The change I returned to her, and became convinced, in this instance, and many others that followed, of Sister Dominga’s honesty and integrity. Our trusting relationship was the basis of what has evolved into the Peruvian Orphan Fund, Inc.
I personally returned to Peru later that year and lived in the orphanage for two months. Some of my volunteer duties were tutoring boys in an orphanage (Solame Ferro) across town in the mornings, and back with the girls in San Judas Chico during the afternoons. They learned math, english, and geography; I learned there are very few things as rewarding as the ability to give to those who are in need.
Through these experiences, many meaningful relationships with children and adults were established that continue to this day. At Christmas time a handmade santa outfit was given to me. It continues to be in use each year for visits to orphanages, a home for handicapped children, and – as we have surveyed local needs – several villages in the surrounding mountains.
As a result of ‘politics’, Sister Dominga and her assistants are no longer involved with the orphanages. Although they are run quite differently than in the past, the children are still well provided for, and I continue to make yearly visits.
Late in 2006, with the help of Sister Dominga, we were able to open a halfway house for girls who left the orphanage at age 18. The idea was to help them transition from life in the orphanage to the ‘real world’. They were required to live responsibly, and pay the utilities, with the requirement to take at least one class each semester to help break the cycle of poverty.
The house was in existence for six years until the contract legally came to an end. The owners of the house had attempted to break the contract more than once before that time, but fortunately two local lawyers stepped in to help us at no cost. We continue helping several older orphans who once lived there as well as others whose financial requests for basic needs are within our reach.
We are very fortunate to have the commitment of Carla Farfan and her family. Carla was one of the lawyers who had helped us keep the halfway house, as mentioned earlier, and has now become our lead person in Peru. She has a deep compassion for the poor, and has proven to be as honest and dedicated as Sister Dominga.
Several years ago we started supporting extremely impoverished children and senior adults in the community of Marcaconga and surrounding remote villages high in the Andes Mountains. Initially we met in an auditorium to give gifts to approximately 300 children, and in addition food and hot chocolate for every person in attendance. However, over the past few years we have grown so much that we now meet in a large outdoor stadium. That is just our first stop of the day. We also help the poor in several nearby villages.
There are many stories to tell about our work in Peru, but let me at this time, share our most current activities.
We made a decision a couple of years ago to apply for a 501(c)(3) non profit status. It took a year and a half to file the necessary paperwork and pay the fees required by the Federal and State governments. The Peruvian Orphan Fund, Inc was approved on August 17, 2014, and with its approval we are now able to provide tax receipts for donations and gifts, thereby moving our operations to a new level of effectiveness.
The growth of this charity would not have been possible without the dedication, passion, and hard work of Angie Weatherford, Patty Loree, Helen Scovell, Ashlyn Weatherford, Rex Kochel, Doug Kidwell and many others, who assist in organizing and working our garage sales, contributing items to be sold, giving cash donations and disseminating information about our efforts.
The Peruvian Orphan Fund, Inc. is an all volunteer charity. No one locally or in Peru gets paid for their service or travel expenses. For this reason, our overhead is very low, and those who help us can be assured that their donation really makes a difference. 2014 was our best fundraising year ever. We were able to help even more needy people, giving assistance they so desperately need.
Last December, our outreach was expanded to two more orphanages in Cuzco. We now help a total of four orphanages. In addition, we are involved with a home for the severely handicapped children.
On our 2014 visit to Marcaconga, at an altitude of 13,000 feet, we distributed warm clothing to senior adults, and over 2,000 children received clothing and toys. Santa also provided everyone with food and hot chocolate.
Before we left Peru in 2014, we were privileged to assist extremely poor children and their families that live in the mountains above the village of Calca. Many of the needy that attended walked four hours down the mountain to a health clinic to receive gifts of clothing and toys for the children. When we departed, clothing was left to distribute to expectant mothers.
We embrace our mission and look forward to the future.
Joe Cline, President
Peruvian Orphan Fund, Inc.
web site: peruvianorphanfundinc.com
The Peruvian Orphan Fund, Inc. 