Child Care Centers
Child Care Centers
General Description of the Childcare Centers:
All three centers serve a population of children ages 9 months to 12 years old, from high-risk, low-income communities in the southern neighborhoods of San Jose. The preschool program emphasizes school-readiness and socialization skills. The school aged children come at lunchtime from their local schools and recieve homework help and character development. Class structure includes "Bible time" and prayer.
The centers employ an interdisciplinary team including a psychologist, social worker, nurse, Christian education director, curriculum supervisor and school director. This team works closely with parents to develop a treatment plan for each child. The centers also provide classes directed at the rehabilitation of the familes, by way of workshops on parenting skills, depression, abuse prevention, discipline, etc. The social worker also makes home visits to observe family dynamics and the quality of homelife.
Hogar del Niño Feliz Child Care Center (founded in 1970), located in a strategic point surrounded by at-risk communities. Every bus coming out of those communities drives by the Center which allows mothers to easily drop off their children on their way to their jobs. Current population: 100 children.
15 de Setiembre Child Care Center (founded in 1971), located in a high-risk community where there is a high index of violence and drugs. Among other difficulties, the children easily drop out of school to get low-paying jobs. There are 15 more communities around the Center where 55,000 people live. Current population: 131 children.
El Manantial Child Care Center (founded in 1987), located in the entrance of Desamparados district, an area of 220,000 people where a large percentage live in poverty or extreme poverty. Current population and capacity: 230 children.
Child Care Center 15th of September Celebrates 38th Birthday
Child Care Center 15th of September celebrates 38th Birthday Praise God for the many answers to your prayers and many blessings through your offerings! On October 1st, 140 children and staff members gathered in the gym to praise God. Many hundreds of children from low income families living in this community of delinquency, drugs and gangs have come to know the Lord through this center. We praised Him that many now as adults are serving Him in construction, social security offices, churches, etc.
Each of the 7 groups of children shared a song or poem of thanksgiving. A highlight of the program was the presentation of typical folk dances by a group of senior citizens. Among them were 2 mothers whose children had been in the center! As a special surprise, William Obando, pastor of the neighborhood church, brought a guest from the USA, Bishop Bill Rogers from Miracle Missions Org, who wanted to make a donation to a ministry such as ours. We joyfully received his offering of $200 which will go toward camp for the children in February!
Praise God for Elba Lopez whom God has used for 38 years to lead the center from its very humble beginnings to its present beautiful installations. Celebrate and praise God with us because you are an important part of this ministry.
Margaret Weir Missionary Chaplain