Focus On Mexico

Charity Organizations

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  • Charity

     

    There are a number Lake Chapala charities...

     ... and, if there is something you would like to do, but don’t see here, then you may want to consider filling the need yourself. Many people come to the Lake Chapala area and find a whole new lease on life and often that is because they have found a way to give of themselves and make a difference.

    Focus On Mexico is supportive of all the wonderful charities in the area. We help out by contributing money or goods or attending one of the many charitable events. One that is close to our hearts is the boy's home in Ixtlahuacan de los Membrillos.

     

    Hope House (home for boys in Lake Chapala, Mexico)

    Hope House is dedicated to providing abandoned, abused, orphaned and poverty-stricken children with a safe and loving home, the opportunity to receive an education and a Christ-centered foundation so that they can have the hope of a better future.

    The Hope House (Casa Hogar “Mi Esperanza”) located in Ixtlahuacan de los Membrillos, Jalisco, Mexico, is a community outreach of Shepherd’s Heart Ministries, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in excellent standing, and Shepherd’s Heart, México A.C., supervised by a board of directors and by IJAS (Instituto Jaliscience de Asistencia Social) with whom all state charities in Jalisco, Mexico must be registered.

    Donations are always appreciated at the Hope House. Unfortunately, when needs are very specific, like school shoes and school uniforms; the best way to meet the need is with a cash donation. This way we can shop for the correct size for the right boy. We learned a valuable lesson about this just recently.

    HOPE HOUSE has the 501(c)(3) designation, which makes your donation eligible for a tax benefit, both in the United States and Canada.

    To learn more  about the Hope House and how you can help visit their web site at: http://www.casahogarmexico.org


  • English Language Books Needed
    English books neededThere are three Mexican public high schools at Lakeside as well as three private high schools.

    The libraries in these schools are seeking books in English for their students. The particular purpose at this time is to give Mexican students the chance to learn to read in English and to prepare them for a bilingual science education.  This is a project of the Lakeside Science Fair Association.

  • Lake Chapala charities and support groups

    CHARITY SUPPORT GROUPS

    Mexican National Chili Cook-Off
    Organizes a Mexican National Cook Off provides a carnival for residents of Lakeside and Guadalajara and raises charitable funds for ten Lakeside approved charities.
    Loren Reynolds (376) 765-4271 penlor@prodigy.net.mx

    St. Andrew's Outreach Program
    Anglican Church provides financial support to selected area charities through fundraising activities.
    Don Snell (376) 765-4084 snell77@hotmail.com

    CHILDREN and FAMILY SUPPORT GROUPS

    Amigos de Mision San Pablo
    (Ixtlahuacan de los Membrillos)
    Helps feed, clothe, and improve the health, living standards and education of 50 children, mostly orphans, whose parents and/or guardians have died or become disabled by AIDS.
    Dixie Tophan (376) 766-5987 dixie@tepalo.com

    Casa del Lago (Casa de Ancianos)
    Provides support for elderly citizens living at a residential home in Chapala.
    Marlene Dunham (376) 765-2497 casadeancianos@asistencia.org

    Centro de Desarrollo Ajijic
    Provides family planning and reproductive health education for Lakeside families.
    Sylvia Flores (376) 766-1679 sylviaflores2@hotmail.com

    Mexican Association to Empower Women for Family Integration
    Provides advice on nutrition, homemaking skills, family care and more for women in San Juan Cosala.
    Sandy Allen (387) 761-0324 jiddiallen@yahoo.com

    Ninos y Jovenes Caravan
    Provides financial support for children in this orphanage in San Juan Cosala.
    Rudy Maurin (387) 761-0324 cruderude@msn.com

    Villa Infantil Orphanage
    Provides financial support for children in this orphanage near San Pedro Tesistan.
    Sandra Cartwright (376) 764-0093 sncmex2@yahoo.com

    Toys for Tots
    Provides young children of Lakeside with a gift from Santa during the holidays.
    Denny Strole (376) 766-0485 dstrole@gmail.com

    EDUCATION SUPPORT GROUPS

    Asociacion Comunitaria de Autosuficiencia, A.C.
    Through hands-on training in organic farming assists communities in developing sustainable resource management systems to promote and improve human and eco system health and create co-operative marketing strategies that grow regional solutions.
    Wendee Hill (387) 763-1568 gg@ggs.com.mx

    Biblioteca of San Antonio
    Provides Spanish library facilities for children and families in the San Antonio Tlayacapan area.
    Lois Cugini (376) 766-1790 (0903) loiscugi@laguna.com.mx

    Carnell's Kids
    Provides educational scholarships making a difference in the lives of children through education.
    Donna Carnall (376) 766-2230 carnall2@prodigy.net.mx

    Centro de Fomacion Jaltepec
    Provides educational assistance for training young women for domestic and hotel services.
    Linda Buckthorp (376) 766-1631 buckthorp@laguna.com.mx

    Club de Ninos
    Provides financial assistance to purchase uniforms and school supplies for area students.
    Martha Nussgen (376) 766-2549 clubdeninos@hotmail.com

    DAR Guadalajara Chapter Sponsorship Program
    Provides scholarships for local students
    Terilla Power (376) 765-5315

    DAR Lakeside's Thomas Paine Chapter
    Provides scholarships for Lakeside students
    Sandra Loridans (376) 766-2981 sotouch@prodigy.net.mx

    E.R.I.C.
    Provides support for the construction and renovation of educational buildings at Lakeside .
    Dan McTavish (376) 766-2866 mctdan@gmail.com

    Golden Strings
    Provides free musical instruments and music lesson to area children.
    Marvin Harthcock (376) 763-5093 helaine.marvin@gmail.com

    LCS Student Aid Fund
    Provides financial support to area students to enroll in university, vocational and high school programs.
    Coralie White (376) 766-0716 edwincoralie@prodigy.net.mx

    LCS Education Center (Wilkes)
    Provides classes in language and other topics for both Anglo and Mexican community.
    Mary Alice Sargent (376) 766-0499 mars@laguna.com.mx
    (EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the organization who received four new computers from one of Focus on Mexico's alumni, Jerry Pounds. He's challenged others to meet his donation. To read the entire article, click here: http://www.focusonmexico.com/A-Day-of-Thanksgiving.html )

    Little Blue School House
    Provides financial assistance for students at a school for disabled children.
    Robert and Bonnie Kleffel (376) 766-1552 bkleffel@hotmail.com

    Los Ninos de Chapala y Ajijic
    Provides financial support for the educational, nutritional and social development of local area children.
    Pat Moir (376) 765-6914 tjmoir@hotmail.com

    San Nicolas High School Scholarship Fund
    Provides financial assistance for students at San Nicolas High School .
    Marvin Harthcock (376) 763-5093 helaine.marvin@prodigy.net.mx

    Lakeside School for the Deaf, A.C.
    Helps to provide meals, hearing aids and medical attention and pays for room and board for children who come from long distances.
    Barbara Sherritt (376) 766-2592 bjsherritt@prodigy.net.mx

    University and Vocational Assistance
    Provides financial assistance to enroll in university and vocational programs for area students.
    Lynn Hanson (376) 766-2660 dhanson323@yahoo.com

    MEDICAL SUPPORT GROUPS

    Lake Chapala Shrine Club
    Provides financial support for medical treatment within Shrine Hospitals for local area children with burns or disabilities requiring prostheses.
    Harry Bublin (376) 766-4282 lakesideshriners@yahoo.com

    Programa pro Ninos Incapacitados del Lago A.C.
    Provides financial support for medical treatment of children with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, meningitis, cancer and types of birth defects.
    Bernard Downes (376) 763-5016 maureenbernard22956@gmail.com

    International Volunteers of the Cruz Roja Chapala
    Sponsors fund raising events and provides administrative support services to the delegation.
    Norm Pifer (376) 766-0616 cruzrojachapala.com

    Tarahumara Support Project
    Under the umbrella of Complejo Asistencial Clinica Santa Teresita, A.C., the project aids in the protection, preservation, medical assistance and education of the Tarahumara indigenous people of the Copper Canyon region of Chihuahua .
    Libby Townsend (376) 766-1167 libbytownsend@yahoo.com

  • Clubs, Groups, and Organizations

    Animal Shelter
    Provides shelter and new homes for dogs and cats, sells pet supplies and operates a bird sanctuary open free to the public and local school children.
    Geoffrey Kaye (376) 765-5514 uglybug@prodigy.net.mx

    Anita's Animals
    Provides shelter and finds new homes for abandoned animals.
    Anita Strehlow (387) 761-0500 www.anitasanimals.com

    Lakeside Spay and Neuter Center
    Provides shelter and helps curtail the over-population of animals.
    English: Gudrun Jones (376) 766-3813 www.chapaladogs.com Espanol: Bob Hugi (376) 765-4082 loveonaleash@prodigy.com

    Ajijic Society of the Arts (ASA)
    Provides local artists and crafters with opportunities to meet, demonstrate techniques and organize art shows; also provides assistance to young Mexican artists to learn and show their work.
    Jose Melendrez (376) 765-3420 vickramdesign@hotmail.com Libby Townsend (376) 766-1167

    Los Cantantes del Lago
    Provides an opportunity for a versatile community choir to enjoy singing classical, secular, religious and contemporary music and to perform for the Lakeside community and abroad.
    Georgina Russell (376) 766-1007 cantantesdellago@gmail.com

    Lakeside Little Theatre
    Promotes and produces a season of balanced theatrical entertainment for the English-speaking community, and develops talent in every area of theater arts.
    Pat Carroll (376) 766-0954

    Music Appreciation Society
    Promotes music in all its forms in the Lake Chapala area, including concerts, auditions and music classes, Provides stipends to music students and stages six highly professional concerts each year.
    Beverly Denton (376) 765-6409 bjely49@hotmail.com

    Northern Lights Music Festival
    Provides talented young Canadian artists with international exposure and experience. The local community benefits with an annual classical music festival, while young Mexican students and musicians gain invaluable insights from quality demonstrations.
    Tom Gladney (376) 766-1210 tgladney@gmail.com

    VIVA la MUSICA
    Brings fine music to Lakeside while providing opportunities to showcase the musical talent within the Guadalajara area. The organization is especially interested in the musical education and careers of young, up-and-coming Mexican musicians.
    Rosemary Keeling (376) 766-1801 rosemarykeeling@hotmail.com

    Amigos del Lago
    Strives to restore and protect Lake Chapala and its rivers and basin and to achieve sustainable development and economic growth and propagate the importance of environmental protection and preserve the area's cultural heritage.

    Lakeside Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation
    Alicia Cordoba info@amigosdelago.org
    Promotes the rescue and rehabilitation of wild animals, trees and plants around Lake Chapala.
    Vern and Lori Geiger (376) 765-4916 lgeiger@prodigy.net.mx

    Genealogical, Historical, Military and National Groups

    Ajijic Masonic Lodge #31
    International men's organization
    Harry Bublin (376) 766-4282 lakesideshriners@yahoo.com American Legion Post 7
    Provides support for United States veterans
    Dan Williams (376) 765-2259 dwilliams82@prodigy.net.mx

    American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Unit 7
    Helps support local education, Red Cross, local elderly and disabled children.
    Anita Wikum (376) 4342 AnitaWikum@netscape.net

    British Society
    Provides social opportunities for British residents
    Alicia McNiff (376) 765-4786 chapalainn@prodigy.net.mx

    Canadian Club
    Provides social outlet and community service for Canadian residents
    Tony Wilshere (376) 766-1036 anthonywilshere@yahoo.com

    German Club
    Provides social opportunities for German-speaking residents
    Thea Peterson (376) 7662442

    Amities Francophones
    Provides social, speaking and listening opportunities for French-speaking residents.
    Roland Vanhoudt (376) 766-0149 rvanhoudt@prodigy.net.mx

    Irish Society
    Promotes, perpetuates and protects Irish heritage having fun doing it.
    Nancy Creevan (376) 766-5567 contigo2000@yahoo.com

    Democrats Abroad
    Official overseas wing of the United States National Democratic Party.
    Howard Feldstein (376) 766-1364 howardhelena@gmail.com

    Navy League, Lake Chapala Council
    Group interested in supporting the sea services of the United States , meeting to share sea stories and lunch once a month. Military service not necessary.
    Herb Paschen (376) 766-2046 hcpaschenjr@yahoo.com

    Canadian Air Force Association 904 Wing
    Social and support group for those with Canadian Air Force history.
    Mario Okunsky (376) 766-3209 maokunsky2003@yahoo.ca

    Sons of the Revolution, Mexican Society
    Genealogical Society for men descended from an ancestor who served in the American Revolutionary War.
    Steve Cole (376) 766-3322 stevec@petlover.org

    Historical Society of Lakeside
    Collects data from organizations and individuals who have contributed to the welfare of Lakeside in order to document the history from early times to the present.
    Tod Jonson (376) 766-1981 tod921@prodigy.net.mx

     

    INTEREST GROUPS AND SERVICE CLUBS

    Chapala Golf and Country Club
    Provides a venue for recreation and social activities for both Mexicans and expatriates. The Country Club also offers the course to charitable organizations for fund raising
    Loren Reynolds (376) 765-4271 pennyloren@prodigy.net.mx

    Culinary Arts Society of Ajijic
    Provides an opportunity for members to cook, share recipes, learn from each other and enjoy a program on the Art of Cooking. Sponsors monthly cooking competitions and annual culinary awards.
    Judy Whitford (376) 765-3823 judywhitford@yahoo.com

    Hash House Harriers
    International running group with local chapter walks on Saturday mornings, 8:30 a.m. at La Nueva Posada Hotel with goals of getting exercise, having fun and enjoying breakfast.
    Denny Strole (376) 0485 dstrole@gmail.com

    Lake Chapala Garden Club
    Promotes an interest, appreciation and better understanding of botanical subjects including but not limited to all plant materials, their care and use in the home and garden. Meetings explore the many garden species and practices unique to this area of Mexico .
    Sarah Cole (376) 766-2637 sarahinmx@hotmail.com

    Garden Guild
    Limited membership gardening group promoting the interest in the development of local gardens with an accent on the exotic species available in central Mexico .
    Averial Miller (376) 766 0995 averialm@yahoo.com

    Lake Chapala Society, A.C.
    16 de Septiembre 16A, Ajijic
    A support, social and charitable society for expatriates, provides free medical checks, newcomer information, learning activities in history, physical fitness, computers, Spanish and more. It maintains a 25,000-volume library in English and an extensive video library. LCS provides free English classes, remedial tutoring and students financial aid the Wilkes Education Center , Galeana 18, for the Mexican community.
    Nancy Creevan (376) 1140, 5567 contigo2000@yahoo.com

    LCS Friends of the Garden
    Assists with the growing and display of plants and flowers and maintains the pool and fish in the Lake Chapala Society gardens.
    Ken Gosh (376) 766-4171 kgosh365@hotmail.com

    Lakeside Community Awards
    Honors members of the Lakeside community who use their talents to benefit the community
    Tod Jonson and Ektor Carranza (376) 1981 tod921@prodigy.net.mx

    Rotary Club of Ajijic
    International service club that performs community service projects and assists children with education.
    Henri Loridans (376) 766-3232 henri.loridans@gmail.com

    L.I.N.K
    Aids in legal referrals in complaints regarding service utilities, fraud, rental and lease contracts, domestic help and consumer protection.
    Luis Romero (376) 765-2257 luisromeror@gmail.com

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