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IUVA We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone. Dr. Loretta Scot
12-1-10
Issue # 77
Here is Sofia Prado in her backyard playing with some of the dogs that she has taken in. She is the founder of Huaperros.
Featured Articles >>>Prevention of Psychosocial Risks >>>Artists for the Red Cross >>> Destellos de Luz >>>Iniciativa México: A Project for the Future of the Country <<< Huaperros <<<Unidos <<<Cim*Ab for breast cancer
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Iniciativa México: A Project for the Future of the Country Inciativa Mexico is an unprecedented call in a historic year. It is a national project that seeks to rescue Mexico from its dynamic and enterprising, and also it recognizes and celebrates the efforts of people, working for the Mexico we all wish for. Some examples are: making a sort of organic chewing gum worked by indigenous Mayas groups from the southeast of Mexico. Inciativa Mexico intends to start in the Bicentennial of Independence and the Centennial of the Mexican Revolution, a profound reflection on the responsibility of Mexicans in the course favorable to Mexico. Iniciativa Mexico is a call to action. Therefore, the heart of this project is an invitation to people, institutions, and organizations who have begun to transform the country to submit their social action projects or ecological to making a positive difference in our everyday environment. 2
Companies like TV Azteca, Multimedios, El Milenio, and many others. There were more than 45,000 initiatives involved, and more than 5,000,000 people in the project. The best initiatives will be recognized and will receive professional training and financial support in addition to continuing its work to Mexico, they will be supported by the various organizations involved in the project. Those who will benefit the most will make sure to lead Mexico in to a better place to live and to be in. There are projects to help the ecology, help, justice, violence, human rights, government, and quality of life. These different projects will lead us into being a great and successful country we would all like to have.
By: Eduardo Melo 1
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Artists for the Red Cross
DIF for the Prevention of Psychosocial Risks
This afternoon I had a very interesting conversation with one of the general directors of the NSIFD (National System for Integral Family Development), Susana Flores de Almaguer on this aforementioned system and how it works in Monterrey. She explained to me how DIF is a public corporation responsible for promoting, implementing and giving life to public policy in the contours of social assistance. Currently, DIF is going through a phase of consolidation and organizational restructuring as part of a process of administrative modernization that will allow you to adapt to new conditions of welfare in Mexico, and meet the challenges that the future holds. On October 28th Cecilia Landerreche Gómez Morin organized a national meeting for the Prevention of Psychosocial Risks in children and adolescents. To prevent such risks as, drug addiction and teenage pregnancy,that may damage or ruin the life of many teenagers in our community.To prevent this Mexican children and adolescents need a strong enough self‐esteem that will make them make the right choices, with skills for life that will free them from abuse and violence which could ruin or end their young and precious life. Which is why it is necessary for federal and state authorities to work in a cooperative manner to take care and prevent these psychosocial risks in this population group. By: Pablo Lamothe
During the month of October, a traditional yet benefitting event happens for the good of the Red Cross. An art exhibition is organized by the Ladies Committee from the Red Cross, with the goal to raise money. Many generous and professional artists are invited to expose their pieces, making this exhibition full of fine and qualified talent. The artists expose, yet at the same time, donate 40% of the original price of their art work sold. This year, 2010, the money raised will be primarily focused on helping the people affected by hurricane Alex. The artists participating in this exposition have qualities that are important. They are generous, talented, very caring and dedicated to what they do. Some of the artists participating in this event are Oscar Lozano, Jaime Jose, Falugencio Lazos, Saúl Castro, Lilly von Bertrab and many others. People purchase art pieces from this exhibition and they are benefitting from helping. If people believe that the art work is expensive, they will be encouraged to purchase, and get a tax‐deductable receipt of 40% of the original value, yet another reason for people to buy this artwork. This event, along with the annual collection of money, support the Red Cross the entire year. It covers the cost of doctors, ambulances, medicines, equipment, hospitals and many other basic and very important resources. From the organizers, to the artists, to the costumers, care is shown. Care for the community. Care for the less fortunate. Care for the well‐being of humanity. Artists prepare through out the year, creating their best pieces to expose and sell for a good cause. By: Tania Toussaint 23
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Destellos de Luz is a Private Charitable Association that helps poor people with visual problems. They help the prevention of blindness and give support for the blind with special education programs for their development and improvement. Destellos de Luz was created by Emeley Canavati Assad in October 1997. Destellos de Luz helps a person with visual problems by giving them support with an operation if the operation is possible. If the patient cannot be operated Destellos de Luz helps the patient with specialized education to help them in their lives.
Destellos de Luz recently created Destellos de Luz Jovenes, a program for teenagers interested in helping out their community. Destellos de Luz Jovenes helps by raising money for the operations of kids. They also give the kids English classes and other events. To operate a person Destellos de Luz needs about 8,000 pesos. Therefore, Destellos de Luz needs a lot of help from the community. This Christmas, Destellos de Luz is organizing an event called Fantasia del Regalo, were 70 different stores have discounts and donate the money they earn to help Destellos de Luz. This event will take place in Club México Palestino Libanés on December 1,2 and 3. The tickets costs 150 pesos. This is a perfect oportunity to buy all your christmas presents, and help this organization improve a person's life. By: Paulina de la Garza
ADANEC Receiving the news that your child is suffering from a serious disease and that your economic status cannot help them can be the worst feeling a parent can endure. ADANEC was founded in Monterrey, Mexico on August 15, 1995. It´s incessant mission is to provide health care to children under 16 years old that are in a critical state, whose families don´t have the access to social security and the necessary funds to help their children prosper and have a better quality of life. There are a variety of organizations throughout Monterrey that help society, but ADANEC is the only wonderful organization that is willing to give heart surgery and help to children who are dying. ADANEC provides children with specialized medical attention to help them recover, save their integrity, and give them another chance at life. ADANEC gives babies and children in Mexico a specialized diet, medical studies, medicines and treatment, that their parents can´t possibly afford because of their elevated cost. This organization contributes to the community of Nuevo Leon in the best way, showing that the human race can become caring and considerate. To help children in a life threatening state, to care when nobody else does, to give another being a second chance at life, makes ADANEC a strong force of nature. ADANEC has 4 main programs, each specializing in a different cost but all working towards the same goal, which is reducing the mortality of our infants in Mexico. The first would be Programa Alimentacion, which is dedicated to giving their patients who suffer from a malnutrition, a specialized diet and food that is too expensive for parents with an economic barriers. The second would be Programa Medicinas y Tratamientos, which specializes in giving the patients necessary treatment for recuperation. The next is Programa Consulta Especializada y Diagnostico which is oriented in diagnosing with a serious team of professionals. The last and most final, Programa Cirugias de Corazon that gives risky but successful operations of the heart. By: David Villareal
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CSL 1. Can you explain your job in a few words? I coordinate the Community Service Program at ASFM. In CSL we recognize different community needs and do something about them. We develop and participate in many different programs to assist those who are less fortunate. But 2. How do you feel when you help people that need you? I feel grateful for all my blessings and for having the opportunity to teach my students to do something that helps others and helps themselves. It's an incredible feeling to experience that in one way or another, my actions are having a positive effect on the lives of others and that I can make a contribution, even if it's small, to my world. 3. What have been the best moments you have experienced in this job? When those whom we have helped say thank you or give me a hug. When I get life experience lessons from the people that you have done something for. When I see all the undeserved blessings I have in my life. 4. What has been the most difficult moments you have experienced in this job? Why? Moments of frustration such as when I see suffering that I can't overcome, when I see people in pain or alone, when the government doesn't do anything to help. 5. What projects do you think need you and us the most? The orphans, the elders, and the handicapped or sick children who are abandoned and alone; because they need our time and love the most. 6. Out of all the institutions you've been, where do you like it the most? Why? I like the Orphanage we visit every month the most because those kids don't have anyone who celebrates their birthday or gives them a birthday present. 7. What is your main goal for 20102011? To continue to do my job to the best of my ability and to continue to help others and give of my time and heart as much as I can. By: Isabel Pifferi
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Vida y Familia (Vifac) Vida y Familia, also called Vifac, is an association all over Mexico that helps pregnant mothers in need. It was first founded in 1985 in Ciudad Satélite, Estado de México. We count with one here in Monterrey. It is a place where pregnant mothers reside in and are given lessons on how to treat and love their babies on board. During their stay they do crafts, therapies, eat and sleep there. Vida y Familia's goal is to convince the mother of keeping the child, but once they have the baby, its their decision on what to do. If their choice is to keep it, then the goal is accomplished. But if they don't want to take care of them then Vida y Familia's volunteers carry the baby and hug it and help he or she receive the love they need while someone comes and adopt them.
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From year 1985 ‐ 2007 more than 11,000 women have resided Vifac and at least 42,000 females have been supported. Lets help them get 42,000 or more, if you know anyone suffering from this dilemma, tell them about Vida y Familia, they'll never regret it. To protect the life by means of the support to the woman pregnant in neglect and of the trusting minors to our institution. The Vision: Be a voice to celebrate life! By: Sylvia Elizondo
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Cim*Ab and the Prevention of Breast Cancer Breast cancer is a very common type of cancer that women can get. In Mexico 12 women are victims of this disease each day. If you take these 12 women and multiply this number by 365 days in a year, you will find out the shocking truth that 4380 women die per year in Mexico because of breast cancer. In October 2002 the Cim * ab, was born out of personal experiences such as breast cancer survivors to assist and support women who have lived or are living with this disease. Now many women have joined together to take on the challenge to fight and not succumb to this disease. Different companies, institutions, associations and individuals have joined this fight, and armed with an irrevocable conviction have helped create a new culture in women with regard to the care and knowledge of their body, especially the importance of breast self‐examination as a key factor for early detection of breast cancer. This year Cim*ab will the Cim*ab marathon, that will be held on May 10. Also on September 25 the Mexican Soccer League will be using pink balls, and goal‐keepers will use pink gloves, where pink represents breast cancer. Samsung is the company which is taking control of this campaign and are willing to get the biggest amount of help for the women that may be affected by this type of cancer. Samsung has made auctions for washing machines, refrigerators, and other household appliances, and with the money collected, were able to help Cim*ab buy the needed resources to detect and treat breast cancer. Cim * ab is convinced working together to change the attitude of fear, rejection or deferral of women with breast cancer can be the difference between life and death, as well as adopting a positive attitude to cope and maintain a friendly tie with breast cancer. By: Farid Hammoud 7
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Cruz Rosa Cruz Rosa is a life saver for many woman! Cruz Rosa is an organization that helps women in Mexico with any type of cancer. Everything that Cruz Rosa does to the woman in need, is absolutely free for her. They help by paying for surgery, food, hospitality, transportation, and of course medicine. Cruz Rosa vision is that every women in Mexico has the resources needed to cure cancer or to simplify her life while she passes through her cancer period of time. But of course Cruz Rosa needs the help of everyone so they can help others. Cruz Rosa ask people to make donations so the woman with cancer can live an easier life. Cruz Rosa does absolutely everything they can everyday to help these woman in need. If a Woman has cancer, and specially the ones with low resources, come in and sign in to receive help. Cruz Rosa does change these woman's life because it simplifies everything for them. A lot of volunteers come in and help Cruz Rosa to help others, these volunteer help really does make a change. It's never too late to give a hand or make a donation. By: Alberto Zorilla
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Unidos is a corporation dedicated to help those in need, to make people with mental or physical problems enjoy life and look at the good side of it. Unidos started in 1987 by a woman with a dream to help those in need. You can go to a summer camp to help bring smiles to the people or you can adopt a friend like they call it. What they do is they pair you up with someone who is not as fortunate as you and has some sort of problem so you can spend a weekend of every month with him to make him feel that you care for him and therefore you become part of his life. You can go anywhere he want and it is just a little sacrifice to make to bring smiles to unfortunate children. Unidos makes sure that everyone can come no matter your social status or your financial state. Unidos is based around the fact that those kids who are born with a problem have a chance in life. With this association they make the unfortunate kids feel like a normal person which is what they have always wanted. They are treated differently and with disrespect by others and that is why they just want to feel accepted. But the most important thing is to start a transformation of those who help, to open their eyes to helping other people. By: Diego Garza
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Huaperros is an organization founded by Sofia Prado and other people who are deeply interested in rescuing dogs from the street and giving them new homes. This project has been going on for about 5 years and has successfully saved the lives of many dogs, and has given them a new opportunity at life. Huaperros is an institution that deals with the overpopulation and the immense amount of homeless dogs that are euthanized in shelters all around Monterrey Mexico. Huaperros started of as an idea, yet with the great determination that Sofi has and the deep motivation she puts into all of her goals, it is now a very popular shelter for dogs, and even sometimes a permanent home. Huaperros is different than any other dog shelter because dogs do not get euthanized if they don’t find a home. Huaperros believes in the “no kill policy” and therefore takes complete and absolute care of them until they are adopted. This is what should happen in all shelters but unfortunately due to the over population of stray dogs, and lack of resources, most dogs end up being put down. Sofia along with other people that help her run this organization not only rescues and shelter dogs, they also pay for vaccinations, deworming and neutering. This is very expensive and although most people find this very unfortunate, they do nothing about it. Huaperros needs help in order to keep their facilities open, it is run by a very determined young girl, yet determination can only get you so far. Huaperros, just like any other animal shelter needs help. Donating anything dog related is an easy way to lend a hand, from food, to blankets, beds, metal bowls etc. You can also help Huaperros by volunteering in helping with the dogs. Recently Monterrey was hit by hurricane Alex, which left great devastations and many homeless dogs. Huaperros needs our help and we can contribute not only by donating dog items and such, but also by going to La Huasteca in search for dogs. By: Paulina Estevez
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Dialogue In the Dark is an institution with the intention of recreating what being blind would be like. Dialogue in the Dark was created by Andreas Heinecke in 1988 and has been developing since then. This institution is mostly contacted by schools and a complete generation may be able to go. Up to this moment Dialogue in the Dark has been presented in more than 160 sites all over the world including countries in Europe, Asia, Middle East and America. Some of these sites have a permanent exhibition, like the one we have here at Nuevo Leon, but many other are not stationary. Inside Dialogue In the Dark you are separated in groups and given a cane. You go into a completely dark room. You can't see absolutely anything. You only depend on the help of your other peers and of the guide. You perform several activities like crossing streets, grabbing food from a "market", eating, ordering food between many other activities. This obviously is a safe ride. The intention is to understand the situation of our brothers with certain disabilities. At many points of the ride it is difficult completing the task, but at all points fun. One amazing discovery you make at the end of the ride, if you haven't been told nor gone before, is that the guide who was leading you all through the exhibition is blind. Many people cry at this point because of that empathy that all achieved towards the guide. In my experience the guide was really nice to all of us and always very helping. Nobody could believe he was blind because he had such an easy way of doing everything. Dialogue In the Dark tour guides are all blind people and all are as nice. Up to this moment over 6,000 blind people have found jobs in this institution. This people have gone beyond their disabilities and made the best they could. They are an example to follow. Dialogue In the Dark also hires people with walking disabilities as secretaries which really help a lot. By: Edgar Salgado
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How would you feel if you didn’t have the resources necessary to treat your sick child with cerebral palsy? Maybe you are wondering what exactly is cerebral palsy. Well, cerebral palsy is a devastating disease that affects the brain in a shocking way, leaving the victim with numerous health complications including mental retardation, visual and hearing problems, weak muscles, and epilepsy. Unfortunately there are a lot of children affected with this serious condition, and some parents don’t have the resources to help their children and get them through a better life. Fortunately for the people of Mexico, a wonderful organization exists to help the citizens whose offspring’s are affected with the condition, to prosper and live a much more healthier life. The Instituto Nuevo Amanecer was founded September 9, 1978 by a family in Monterrey, whose children was affected by cerebral palsy and faced a society who did not understand this children, a medical institute not properly informed, and no schools that specialized in this type of children. So the Instituto Nuevo Amanecer was founded by this family, not only to help their son, but also to all those other families that were in the same position as them and did not have the economic stability to help their affected children. The Instituto Nuevo Amanecer started with 6 patients with 3 therapists bringing them physical therapy and education, with the objective to make their life’s better and healthier so they can have a better future. Nowadays, the Instituto Nuevo Amanecer is expanding, it counts with 31 years of experience, 112 employees and the capacity to treat up to 500 children annually. It’s mission is to help this children and teens to have a better quality of life with extensive and effective programs of education, health, therapy, and emotional control. With the Institutes trained personnel, they are treated with respect and with the proper attention they deserve. Programs are developed in a environment simple and comfortable for the children, whose parents can also join in to be with them throughout the treatment. So with this philosophy, there are also helping the families of this children, giving them joy that their children are getting better, and with the relief that they don’t have to pay abundant amounts of money. By: Alberto LLorens
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Lorem Ipsum Dolor Katya Villarreal is a 16 year-old girl that goes to ASFM. She helps others just by being her everyday but she also goes above and beyond by helping out in institutions like Unidos. She is also staff in CSL in school. What made you to want to work in the non-profit sector? KV: What inspired me the most to help others was my family. It’s been a family tradition to constantly go and help poor communities and help people with disabilities. At what age did you start? KV: 7 What does your family feel about this? KV: My family loves that helping others has become a big part of my life and that I do it because I want to. Which institutions have you volunteered in? KV: I’ve volunteered in Unidos an association which helps handicap people. What is the most important thing you have learned by helping others? KV: What I’ve learned the most is that when you try to help others with disabilities they are the ones that will teach you the greatest lessons in life. How has this changed you? KV: This has changed me because at first I thought I was going there to help people and now I go to coexist with them and just make them smile. What would you like to do to help others in the future? KV: I would like to create a project in school where we go and just talk to troubled boys and girls who need a friend or a companion for the day. Because helping others isn’t just about giving out money and food supplies, it is about being with them and making them happy. What is the thing you like the most about helping others? KV: What I like the most is all that big satisfaction that they are all capable of leaving in your heart that nobody else will. Its that feeling that whenever you feel sad and lonely you will always find inside yourself. What is the hardest thing that you have ever done for the benefit of another person? KV: I really can’t tell what has been the hardest thing I’ve done for someone because when you do it with love and you are give it without expecting anything in return it feels just perfect and simple. It isn’t about how big it is but about how much love you put into it. doing anything to help others? KV: I would tell them that the only thing that could change the world is us. And the only thing that limits us is ourselves. Katya will continue to help people like she does today and hopefully she will accomplish all her goals about helping others. She will keep giving hope in peoples lives and change the lives of many more people that need her help. By: Mayela Giacoman 12
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