THE QUERENCIA FOUNDATION
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Dear Members,
As we close our Foundation’s inaugural year, I am grateful and proud as I reflect on the fine work The Querencia Foundation’s partners have accomplished. Thanks to the generosity of our Members and the hard work of our partners, we are continuing to make meaningful differences in the lives of those in need in the Los Cabos community, strengthening our Foundation’s roots in this incredible place we call home.
With your support, we’ve been able to fund vital programs and collaborate with inspiring organizations, which have empowered countless individuals. From addressing critical health and educational needs, to fostering new opportunities for growth and well-being, the projects we supported in 2024 reflect the heart of our mission: creating a brighter future for Los Cabos.
One of the highlights of 2024 was witnessing the tangible impact of our grants. We saw the smiles of children whose lives were improved through education and healthcare initiatives and heard the stories of families who have benefitted from our collective efforts. Each story reminds us why we do what we do and why your involvement is so essential.
Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited to build on this momentum. With your continued support, we aim to expand our reach, deepen our roots and invest in partners who will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
On behalf of The Querencia Foundation Board, thank you for contributing your time, resources and passion to our mission. It’s because of you that our partners were able to achieve so much.
Together, let’s continue to make a difference.
With gratitude and optimism,
Tom McCloskey President | Querencia Foundation Board
ABOUT US
The Querencia Foundation exists to partner with local nonprofits to enhance their fundraising efforts and meet immediate budgetary needs via a grant process. Contributions to the Foundation support not only established local charities, but also lesser-known ones with equally important and impactful missions.
Querencia underwrites/donates all administrative costs for The Querencia Foundation so that all funds received go directly to our partners.
Mission Statement
Established in 2024, The Querencia Foundation was created in recognition of the expanding needs of the Los Cabos community. Serving as a vital bridge and working with established and vetted non-profit organizations, the mission of The Querencia Foundation is to connect the immediate needs of our Los Cabos community to Querencia Members in order to make organized, positive change.
Vision Statement
We believe we should give where we live. This simple, yet profound truth inspired the vision of The Querencia Foundation. We are committed to empowering the local community and inspiring our members to discover their true passion for giving, creating a ripple effect which extends far beyond our immediate surrounding and ignites a spirit of compassion and generosity which transcends and touches the lives of everyone in the community.
How we choose charities
In order to determine compatibility and viability, local charities are vetted and scored by the Foundation Board based on eight categories:
· Legal and Regulatory Compliance
· Financial Health
· Mission Alignment
· Program Effectiveness
· Governance and Transparency
· Impact Measurement and Reporting
· Collaboration
· Long-term Viability
CLEFT PALATE CARE PROGRAM
SUPPORTING SMILE TRAIN AND COMUNICABO
Smile Train is a leading global organization focused on providing free and comprehensive cleft care to children in underserved areas. They empower local medical professionals to carry out life-changing procedures, helping children live fuller, healthier lives.
Total Grant $137,000 USD
With our support, Smile Train has expanded their cleft care program in Los Cabos, allowing for more surgeries, ongoing speech therapy and critical orthodontic care.
This year, over 165 children received free, life-changing cleft care. More than 80 children underwent surgeries, 3,000+ hours of speech therapy was provided and orthodontic services transformed the lives of 55+ children.
Thanks to the funding, Smile Train has increased their capacity to perform surgeries on a weekly basis, with plans to offer this service every month starting in February 2025.
Benefits:
· Advanced surgical capabilities and improved cleft care in the region.
· Strengthened local medical infrastructure.
ComuniCabo is a local organization providing speech therapy and orthodontic services to children affected by cleft conditions. Through their early intervention programs, they ensure that children in Los Cabos have access to the care they need to thrive
Total Grant $67,000 USD
Our grant helped ComuniCabo expand their services to more children in need, with a focus on providing speech therapy and orthodontics for those born with cleft lips and palates.
Over 366 hours of speech therapy was provided, along with orthodontic care for 28 children. The Early Intervention Program reached six newborns, giving families the support and guidance they need to begin their child’s treatment journey.
ComuniCabo has expanded the program significantly, increasing the number of children receiving care and improving the quality of services offered to the local community.
Benefits:
· Improved access to specialized therapy services.
· Enhanced capacity for long-term care and support.
HEALTH & WELLNESS PROGRAM
SUPPORTING CASA HOGAR, TELETON AND LOS CABOS CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION
Casa Hogar is a safe haven for children who have been removed from difficult family situations. The organization provides shelter, food, education and psychological support to children in need.
Total Grant $49,355 USD
The support has had a profound impact on the lives of 35 children, giving them a sense of security and the tools to build a bright future. PURPOSE
Our grant enabled Casa Hogar to enhance its human development programs, focusing on physical health, nutrition and emotional well-being for the children in their care.
This year, 375 therapy sessions were conducted, 41 medical consultations were provided and 4,590 nutritious meals were served. The grant also contributed to the development of a new youth community center that will further empower the children and provide them with a space to grow and heal.
Benefits:
· Comprehensive support for children and adolescents’ physical and emotional well-being.
· Improved transportation and storage for program activities.
Teletón’s CRIT centers provide state-of-the-art rehabilitation for children with disabilities, including those with complex medical conditions. The organization is committed to improving the quality of life for children across Mexico, offering specialized care that would otherwise be out of reach for many families.
Total Grant $120,000 USD
Our grant will fund the construction of a pulmonary therapy room at CRIT San José del Cabo, allowing the center to expand its respiratory therapy offerings for children in need.
The new pulmonary therapy room will provide vital care for children with respiratory issues, improving their recovery and quality of life.
This collaboration has led to expanded services, enhancing the ability of CRIT to offer comprehensive care for children with complex needs.
· Introduced specialized pulmonary therapy services to the community.
· Enhanced local rehabilitation options for patients.
The Los Cabos Children’s Foundation is dedicated to supporting children in the region through medical care and more services that improve their well-being. The foundation works to ensure that children in Los Cabos have access to the resources they need to grow and thrive.
Total Grant $294,360 USD
Our grant supported pediatric care, including services for children with cancer, heart conditions and those requiring surgery. It also helped fund medical equipment and training for hospital staff.
This year, LCCF enabled 2,521 medical services for children, provided 12 training sessions for medical staff and supported life-saving treatments for 19 children in the Hematology-Oncology Unit and 55 in the Cardiology Program. The grant also bolstered the organization’s endowment, ensuring that these vital services will continue for years to come.
The funding has allowed LCCF to provide comprehensive care, improving the health and lives of countless children and families in Los Cabos.
Benefits:
· Long-term stability of LCCF through endowment contributions.
· Enhanced pediatric healthcare services in the region.
EMPOWERING THE FUTURE
PROGRAM SUPPORTING LIGA MAC
Liga MAC is an organization dedicated to empowering children from underserved communities by providing educational resources and a safe space for academic and personal growth. Their Learning Center offers a comprehensive educational program, including mentorship, tutoring and psychological support.
Total Grant $58,080 USD
Our grant helped Liga MAC expand their Learning Center and further develop programs that equip underprivileged students with the tools they need to succeed academically and socially.
Over 300 students benefited from educational support, with increased academic performance and emotional well-being. The Learning Center also improved its facilities, including enhancing security and acoustics to create a more conducive learning environment.
Liga MAC has strengthened its outreach and support, helping students stay in school and prepare for a brighter future, whether that’s pursuing higher education or entering the workforce.
Benefits:
· Enhanced learning environment for underprivileged youth.
· Greater capacity to deliver educational programs effectively.
