Dear Friends,
Poverty can feel relentless at times. Occasionally, we forget that “poverty” is an impersonal designation, a convenient concept, disassociated from its most important aspect: human beings.
Together, we’re dedicated not to the eradication of poverty – it’ll always be there – but to helping people who – for whatever reason – live in challenging conditions. Because even some alleviation from poverty through education, nutrition, and medical provides a little freedom. It makes room for light and hope to enter. It’s a reminder that others care and that our friends are remembered and appreciated, not forgotten.
On July 29th, we’ll return to Nicaragua to be with the great people you make possible for us to help. They will thank us, and we thank you for your faith in us.
With gratitude,
Chuck
Our Mid-Year Appeal
Although all non-profits need to ask for help, we are aware (from our own mailboxes) of the abundance of marketing dollars that are spent doing this. Neighbors to Nicaragua sends only two appeals each year. Our 2023 mid-year appeal has arrived. It contains several practical ideas for ways to participate. If you know anyone who may want to join our efforts, we’d love to send one to them, so please let us know. Thank you in advance for responding!
Quiet Heroes
We met Doña Manuela del Carmen Sevilla (age 60) a year ago when she was brought to our attention by one of her neighbors.
Her granddaughter is Kelly de los Ángeles Mercado Sevilla, age 18. She was abandoned by her parents shortly after birth, and they never returned. Kelly lives with neurological challenges that render her unable to speak. Doña Manuela takes full care of her. Together, they live in a one-room, concrete-block home, and Neighbors to Nicaragua assists with their medical and nutritional needs. We are also helping with plans for Kelly’s care after Doña Manuela is unable to continue.
Let’s take a break and eat some cake
Our dedicated staff works hard each day (in very hot conditions). So we’re pleased for small opportunities to say, “thank you” for all they do.
We recently celebrated Jenny, our primary literacy teacher, on her birthday. Last week was also “Dia de los Maestros” (Teachers Day), and our great staff enjoyed a special lunch. We couldn’t do all we do without their spirit of service.
N-2-N Sponsorship Corner
Our school, Centro de Oportunidad, has 90 students whom attend class and receive a hot meal each day (Many others come for meals as well). We are privileged to have sponsors for 46 of them.
Each sponsor donates $70 a month. Our student sponsorships are one of the financial cornerstones of our mission. If you would like to become a sponsor for one or more of our students, please let us know.
Each month, we will feature one of our un-sponsored students for consideration in this spot. This month’s student:
Milton de Jesus Monjares Robleto
Milton came to Centro de Oportunidad in February. He is 11 years old and is in 6th Grade. His teacher, Jenny, writes that he lives with his mom and dad, one brother, and four sisters. His reading skills are good, he participates in class, and he gets along well with his classmates. He came to us to bolster his math skills and has made remarkable progress since arriving. We’re proud of him and happy to have him with us!
Our Wish List
We finally convinced our director, Maycól to have a separate cell phone for work and to turn it off at the end of his long days. If you have a phone that you’re thinking of replacing, please consider wiping and donating it. We could use it for our director. As an alternative, I will purchase a second-hand phone in Nicaragua for $200 if you’d like to contribute.