The number varies between 90 and 110 boys. We work with the objective that the children reintegrate into their family nucleus, as soon as the problem that caused them to be admitted to the Home is solved, that is why the number varies.

We also help other children the same way that for some reason could not enter the Institution.

They are admitted by the State Social Assistance authorities (from the DIF or IJAS) or by the Police when they are found on the street. On occasions they are also brought to the Albergue by a person of good will that wants to help them. In these cases, we always request an investigation by the Social Services Department of IJAS, and an official notification that they support their admittance.

We accept children 4 to 10 years of age, who are behind in school not more than 2 years and who come from dysfunctional families or extreme poverty. The children leave the Institution when they finish their dismissal plan and when they are able to solve all the problems they had when they were admitted.

None of the children at the Institution are orphans; however, a small part of the ones we benefit are under the charge of the State Family Council, since for some reason their parents cannot live with the child. The majority of the children who enter come from dysfunctional or extremely poor families, who need integral support in order to overcome the conditions they live in.

At the Albergue we have educators and psychologists who are in charge of offering adequate care to each one of the beneficiaries. We also have kitchen and maintenance personnel, as well as groups of volunteers that provide support in different areas.

No. The Institution was founded by a group of professionals, who were friends, with the sole intention to help needy children. The objective has always been to provide them with a home and a formation based on human and spiritual values. Since the people of our country are mainly Catholic, we see that the children receive catechism classes and live the religious practices that are customary in Mexican families. We respect each child’s inclination, in this regard, as well as the future decisions they will make as adults. We wish to offer them an option that can give their lives sense and an answer to their present and future spiritual needs.

The Institution is sustained by the donations that it receives from all the friends who generously contribute a monthly donation which is charged to their credit cards, or that is collected at their homes. Some companies pay for one or more food or educational scholarships for the children. We also receive occasional donations from individuals, companies, or Foundations: as well as in kind donations: food, clothing, shoes, etc.

Our Institution does not give children in adoption; but we can help you through “New Time de Guadalajara/Tiempo Nuevo de Guadalajara, A.C.” It is a serious Institution that prepares and trains people for adoptions. Their phone number is 3616 4283 ( www.tiemponuevo.org ). Another option is the (Life and Famliy) Association/ Asociación VIFAC (Vida y Familia). Their phone numbers are: 3817 7402 with endings 03 y 04   (  www.vifac.org ).

Yes, they are tax deductible. The Albergue Infantil los Pinos, A.C. is registered with the DIF, and with JAS and with the Secretary of Finance. Its name has appeared, year after year in the Government´s Official Diary as an Institution that is authorized to issue tax deductible receipts; which is an additional benefit for those who obtain the personal satisfaction of donating something to help the needy.

Of course, it does. We invite everyone to come to visit us and spend some time with the children and verify the educational work that is being done. The only thing we ask is that you contact Sandra Ortega, in order to make an appointment and program your visit.

Being a child´s sponsor is a very rewarding experience and it is normal for you to want to visit your “Godchild”, bring him gifts and spend time with him. Unfortunately, due to our rules and regulations this is prohibited. Of course, on some important date you can bring the child a gift, but you are not permitted to have direct contact with him; since this causes other children, who do not have sponsors, to be envious. In this case, we receive the gifts and when the educator decides it is the correct time the gift is given to the child.

No, the majority go home with their families on the weekends. We do not want to alienate the children, nor do we want to promote irresponsibility on the part of their families. Those who do not have anyone or those who should not visit their family nucleus, due to violent interfamily situations or for some other reasons, stay at the Institution under the care of the educators and occasionally go on outings, to a park, sport unit, etc. Every year we also program one or two outings for all of the children together, during vacation time; to go camping or to recreational places near the City.

We always try to help the children reach the highest level of education possible. Some of them reach Preparatory level and some have even gone to the University. Unfortunately, the majority of the children who enter the Albergue, suffered from malnutrition during the first years of their lives and their early stimulation was very deficient. This later reflects on their ability to handle abstract and complex concepts demanded by medium and higher levels of education. When this occurs, we direct the young people to technical careers and trades that are less demanding in the intellectual area, but at times they achieve economical remunerations similar to those of the professionals, and sometimes even superior to them. The important part is that they become good persons and promoters of a better, more just and more human society; which is the same thing, all of us who collaborate with this noble Institution, are trying to do.

It is important that all the children learn to cooperate and do house chores, according to their age. The cleaning activities are an excellent opportunity to start acquiring the habits that will permit them to get jobs in the future and the opportunities they are going to need to become self-sufficient and open up a path for them in life. The Workshops the adolescents attend are an excellent school for this objective. They often help out in the kitchen, learning to prepare new meals, or in the basic maintenance areas; and in general, we always seek to involve them in this type of activities which are highly formative.