Lybia knew the owners of an orphanage in Chalchihuecan,a poor district. We visited the couple and offered to clean,paint and remodel their facility which included a salon for education. In six weeks we accomplished an extreme make-over (also adding plumbing in the school salon), procured tables, chairs, a director's desk, school materials and hired 3 teachers for opening day on 2/16/2015. Challeng
es and limitations with the orphanage space prompted us to purchase our own building just blocks away from the original venue. In mid May we became owners of a tiny dilapidated house which gave new meaning to the term "fixer upper". Director Lybia donned her construccion foreman hat and set into motion yet another renovation project making the new education salon functional for classes on June 1, 2015. The patio wall was completed in mid July. Cement flooring for recess and other outdoor activities is nearly finished. Indoor floor tile will be added during the summer break in August. We also plan to add a second story during the fall season. Lybia has done a phenomenal job as director, not only overseeing the faculty but teaching a group of students herself. She has provided social services to families, driving students to medical facilities, offered counseling and providing breakfast daily before classes (often prepared in her own kitchen). The teachers have also gone beyond their job description with finding enrichment opportunities, special classes and field trips for students.While there are some local groups that contribute occasionally items such as pencils,notebooks,food, financial support for monthly budget comes from the USA. In just 6 months, by God's grace, Chepinitas has launched a much needed work for these children that will continue to grow.