For the past several years, our church has sought to answer the call of James 1:27, “Pure and undefiled religion
before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” It was not long before we crossed paths with this home that gives care, hope, and restoration to the children of Guatemala. 

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Hogar Luz de Maria (HLDM) was founded by Mrs. Dinora Palacios, opening its doors in 2004. She was inspired to dream and to take action for the 5000+ children who are abandoned, orphaned, abused and/or victims of violence, most of which starts in their homes. HLDM began with 15 children less than 1 year old, and it presently serves around 80 children under 10 years of age annually. In 15 years, it has helped more than 1200 boys and girls. 

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To better understand all about Hogar Luz De Maria, click here to visit their website. 

 

PROGRAMS at HLDM

 

Our focus is to give every child a sense of dignity as they receive: 

•   A home 

•   Food monitored by a nutritionist

•   Clothing       

•   Medical services 

•   Special therapies as needed  

•   Vaccinations
   

In addition to meeting practical needs, we also meet social needs: 

•  A Psychologist – To promote adaptive behavior and emotional development.

•  A Social Worker – To train staff and to educate through parenting classes, child development lessons,  and  the implementation of training programs focused on human rights for children.  

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Our goal is the care and rehabilitation of kids, and when possible, family reconciliation. Often, we receive children until legal issues are resolved. However, when children have been completely abandoned, they are placed with families willing to adopt, remaining in our care as long as is necessary.  

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Our Essential Needs At The Present Time

 

With great opportunity comes great need. In order to continue to operate, HLDM needs $14,000 each month so that all children that come to us can equally access all of our programs. We are a private, non-profit, non-governmental institution that operates completely through the generous giving of its donors.

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     * Rent for our current home - $1900

   * Babysitters (We are required to have 1 for every 4 children)

   * A Full-time Social Worker – we do not currently have the finances for this position.

   * A Driver/maintenance person (transport for children to therapy, excursions, court hearings, and to
      accompany our social worker while she visits and supervises the placement homes for the children).

   *Financial aid to cover shortages in some programs.

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Testimonies... 

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At the end of 2018, three children (whose names will remain private) were home alone for 5 days without food or care, which unfortunately was not the first time as their mother is an alcoholic and frequently leaves them alone. The three siblings were rescued and brought to HLDM. They were dirty, full of lice, and hungry. Today, they are very happy at HLDM as they enjoy all of activities, including attending school! One of the young boys said, "I would always like to live here because we have food, but I love my Mom and I hope God will help her."

A young boy came to HLDM when he was 4 months old. His mother and only relative, who was also an alcoholic, left him with a neighbor and never came back. After months with the social worker and the judge, he was placed with an adoptive family in late 2018. Today, he is very happy and fully adapted to his new home. His adoptive parents said, "We are very grateful to Hogar Luz de Maria for taking good care of our son all this time, through you we have been given a beautiful gift ."