Refugio De Amor

Refugio de Amor, translated from Spanish as Refuge of Love, is a men's mental health facility in Mexicali, Mexico. It provides shelter, food, clothing, medication and lots of love to about 45 men with cognitive differences (schizophrenia, autism, learning disabilities, etc.). Most of the residents had previously lived on the streets, resided in other mental institutions, grew up in orphanages, or were dropped off directly by their family.

Each of the men have a story and a full life ahead of them. For example, Emilio loves playing the ukulele (especially to Justin Bieber songs) and taking pictures with friends. He would be the first person to greet you at the door if you visited!

Last year we asked the nurse on staff for advice regarding how to help the men. The nurse responded, "There is a very fine line between you and the patients. And that line is the door. You are invited to walk through it today."

Youth and young adults from Idaho, Arizona and California, are working together with goal to encourage and support Refugio de amor. The plan is to remove trash, do a deep cleaning, engage the men with sports, art and musical activities, and encourage the staff by alleviating some of their work for the week. It is our hope to work together with our friends in Mexico to share the love of Christ with the residents and staff of Refugio in these ways. We also hope to promote and maintain optimal health for all them men.

We would love to partner with you in prayer. It's a powerful, integral part of our ministry. Please pray for:

                - Discernment of the Lord's will each day
                - That the men would know and encounter Jesus
                - Partnership, friendship, and support of Refugio staff
                - The Lord's provision for resources, communication, and safety

Most of Refugio's funding comes from donations supplemented by a minimal amount from the government. The staff have expressed some needs that we are hoping to meet:

                   - Air conditioning system (it gets to 118 degrees on a normal day)

                   - Pill box organizers (35)

                   - Scale to measure weight

                   - Automatic blood pressure monitor

                   - Blood pressure cuff

                   - Stethoscope

                   - Teaching Stethoscope 
                   
                   - Pulse oximeter

                    - Misc. items (stocked pantry, medical supplies, cleaning products, art supplies, etc.)

All of these items promote the safety and quality of life for the men at Refugio. Any extra funds will go towards helping Refugio sustain itself for the years to come.

All donations go directly towards the items listed above - we'll fund our own way there. Thank you for considering supporting the people we love so dearly in Mexico!

Questions, encouragements, concerns? Email us at [email redacted]!

With amor,
Rebekah, Shannon and Lia