The Need

The areas of extreme poverty in Latin America are hard places to visit and much harder places to live.   Thousands of people living in deplorable conditions and abject poverty call these communities home.  Child abuse, child prostitution, and child labor are common problems.  Life’s essential elements for survival are simple: food, water, and shelter.  Yet in many of these communities, children and families suffer and die from unclean water, malnutrition, and exposure.  Too many children are burdened with the weight of where there next meal will come from, if they will have medicine when t hey are sick, or even if they can go to school like other boys and girls their age.  Too many have no hope, too many do not know the love of Jesus.  Thank God there is something we can do…

Child Sponsorship

ORC has established child sponsorship programs in Peru and Honduras, providing the opportunity for children to receive benefits such as pastoral care/discipleship, nutritious meals, potable water, health care, and educational opportunities.  Through the monthly giving of US-based sponsors, children residing in these impoverished communities have the opportunity to rise above the poverty that surrounds them and have a future filled with dignity and hope.

Feeding Centers

Nutritious meals are being provided to underprivileged children living in poverty-stricken communities in Honduras and Peru. This is accomplished through the establishment of local Feeding Centers in partnership with locally-based ministries and churches. ORC opened its first feeding center in November 2002 in Japon, Honduras. In May 2006, Peru’s first feeding center was opened in the slums of Lima, Peru and our most recent feeding center was opened in Lurin, Peru in June 2007.

Health Care Services

Medical care in Honduras began in May 2003 for those children enrolled in the feeding program.  Since this program began, medications, vitamins, as well as minor surgical procedures and dental health services have been provided to the community.  In Rimac, Peru children and their families receive a monthly medical check up and basic necessary medicines.

Education

ORC instituted a Kindergarten program in Honduras in May 2003. This program currently reaches approximately 35 children, who range from 4 to 6 years of age.  In 2004, a preparatory level was also established for these children to continue their education.  All of the equipment, supplies, and uniforms for this program have been made available through the generosity of our U.S. partners.  In 2007, construction of 3 classrooms, an administrative office, and bathrooms was completed.  300 students are benefiting from this addition with 1st – 6th grade using it in the mornings, and 7th – 12th grade in the afternoon.  In both Honduras and Peru, select volunteers and children who have finished high-school have been offered full scholarship opportunities providing them the opportunity to further their studies to a university-level education.

Community Development

The children and families of Japon, Honduras have benefited over the last few years with a potable water system and a playground in their community.

Housing Projects

ORC has constructed homes for the poorest of the poor in Japon, Honduras. ORC and its affiliate partners built five houses in the summer of 2002, fourteen prefabricated houses in 2003, and another three homes in 2006. These homes have been provided free of cost to qualifying families through the generosity of our U.S. partners.

Youth Outreach

A Youth Outreach Program began in Honduras in 2006, reaching its first 50 adolescents through the development of programs that aid in the prevention of juvenile delinquency, sexual promiscuity, and truancy. This program has grown to over 100 adolescents. While targeting these areas of prevention, the Youth Outreach Program also meets physical fitness needs through recreational activities and spiritual needs through ongoing discipleship.

Clothing Assistance

Clothing and toys are provided on a regular basis to the children and families of our projects. These items are made available through donations from US-based churches and families.