My name is Carl Welder and I volunteer at an orphanage in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I am a special education teacher and a play/art therapist working to help the children at RISE. RISE is a small orphanage housed behind the Iglesia San Martin de Porres Catholic Church. These children come from impoverished, violent, addictive backgrounds and have a multitude of needs. Most come to us with physical and mental health challenges, severe trauma, and great gaps in their academic learning. These children are all so precious and it doesn't take long to see their potential. The funding for the orphanage is solely through private donations. The Mexican government nor the Catholic Church contributes to the working budget of the orphanage. It is a daily struggle to keep the orphanage open and provide proper care for these beautiful children. Currently, the orphanage is a safe, warm environment with many programs in place to help the children overcome their unfortunate circumstances. Please join me in giving these children a hand-up and a chance to discover their true potential.