A Special Day at Toma Mi Mano

All days are special at Take My Hand Child Care in Los Algodones, BC, Mexico but there are some that stand out from the others.  April 13th was one of those days.  Our helper, Adilene, turned 20 and we all celebrated with her. 

These three beautiful ladies work every day to make sure that all the children are safe and secure, are well fed, and are learning new skills.  Adilene on the right is a natural born caregiver of young children. Marver is on the left and she is the cook, but she also does hair and takes care of whatever needs to be done.  In the center of it all is Delia, the House Mama, who makes sure it all works right. 

Each of us had a role to play in making sure that Adi's birthday was a success.  Delia had told her to come to work late that day; she usually is there by 7:30 or 8:00 to help feed breakfast to the children.
Mike's task was to wait at the door and give her the birthday banner.

Malver made sure the ninos were ready to sing the birthday song.  (Of course, I was caught up in listening and never thought to record - sorry about that.)

Delia got the piñata with Adi's favorite cartoon character on it.

All of the children had a hand in making the decorations.  The birthday girl just needed to look beautiful.

The children love music and musical instruments.  Perhaps we will be able to find a musically gifted person to help out next year.  We also need instruments... so many things we would like to have.

Dancing is important and something everyone should experience.  (Sorry this is "tipped", I couldn't figure out how to flip it.)

The meal requested was Hawaiian Pizza and the gals got involved helping me. 

A pepperoni was made for those who don't love pineapple.

Two kinds of cupcakes overwhelmed the kids and birthday girl had to make a nibble of each.  Sweet treats are always appreciated especially "pastel" - cake.

Balloons entertained the older boys who had returned from school just in time for lunch.

 And the younger ones loved them.

And then it was time for the piñata.  Mike is getting to be a pretty good "shaker".

The blindfold makes Adi a dangerous person.  Kids were singing the piñata song.

Many of the children got to try and break it

but it didn't take long before the candy was flying and the kids were grabbing.

Some were happy with one piece that went quickly in the mouth.

This fellow scooped and he grabbed one of the "cones" on the piñata to keep his goodies - he's done this before.

Tradition says that each child get s bag of "dulce" - candy.

Most of the children sat down and immediately dug into the bag of treats.

This young one wanted the Mickey Mouse guy.

It was a joyous day. 

This safe and affordable child care facility, Toma Mi Mano, is made possible by generous donations from people like you.   Each day children learn new things and experience the love and attention they need to blossom into productive adults. 

With God's guidance "Take My Hand" came to be.  It is only with His Grace, it will continue.

Welcome to "Take My Hand"

Toma Mi Mano, Take My Hand in English, is an international nonprofit foundation serving children and families in Los Algodones, BC, Mexico.  It's primary focus today is to provide safe and affordable child care for the many working mamas in Los Algodones.

Los Algodones is a border town in Mexico, across from Yuma, AZ, that has long been known as a place to access reasonable priced dental care and pharmaceuticals, enjoy sidewalk shopping, and buy cheap booze.  All of these businesses employ ladies who earn $50 to $100 a week.  Before
Toma Mi Mano opened its doors in 2012, many children accompanied their mama to work or stayed in an unsafe or expensive setting which offered no educational stimulation for the child. 

Although the child care home has existed since 2012, it wasn't until January of 2016 that it gained an official name and began the process of becoming a fully accredited and licensed nonprofit facility.  The above photograph of the children was taken at a fund raising event sponsored by Sani Dental Group of Los Algodones.  It is only with the help of their legal team that we were able to take this important step.  Also in this photo is one of the Board of Directors, Moises, who is leading us in song.   Adilene is one of the helpers at Toma Mi Mano; she is third from the right.  Mike is on the far right and I am next to him.  My name is Janice.  As a retired married couple, our main mission is to raise money for Toma Mi Mano.

Toma Mi Mano is possible only with the generosity of individuals in Canada, the United States and Mexico.  Each child's family pays what they can each week but the majority of the food and all of the rent is paid for with donated money.  The toys, art and music supplies, books, and educational materials are all donated or bought with donated money. 

The best way to tell you about Toma Mi Mano is by showing you what a recent Saturday was like at the house.

This is Delia, the beautiful house mama.  She takes care of the house, makes sure that all is safe and
that the children are occupied and happy!

Helping the children to learn "opposites" in English and Spanish.

First day for a little 9 month old - needs to wait a few more months as we usually don't take children until they are 1 year old and can walk independently.

First day for this little girl and she really doesn't know what to think about all the people.

This young man takes a moment to himself; he has only been with us for a few days.

The smiles and missing teeth tell you she must be kindergarten age.

She seems to be saying... "well, maybe I could play..."

Boy's turn to make pizza for lunch for all seventeen children and 5 adults.
I love to give them new experiences.  Since my Spanish is limited - communication is sometimes quite funny!

Good Dough Makers

Fun to load it up with cheese and pepperoni.

Seems like it takes forever when you are watching it bake.  Many homes do not have ovens so this is a real treat for lots of reasons.

"Oh, this is hot"

"Good stuff"

After lunch, our little gal who goes to school in Yuma conducts her own class.

Recess on the bike is lots more fun than class.

Always good to have a man around to do the dishes...

"Oh, maybe this will be fun here"

Conversations...

Heavy equipment work...

This fellow was with us as a small child and is now in first grade and back with us - same great smile.

This little man was one of the children that inspired the creation of the house.

New a couple of weeks ago and very much at home now.

Love to pose - I frequently allow the children to use my camera and they take some fabulous photos.

No tears yet, just lots of apprehension.

Kleenix is in high demand year around!

I love when the kids need hugs!

"This lady is maybe ok - she gives me a bottle anyway"

Imaginative play... if only I could read minds.

Sometimes, a nap is in order.

Quiet play with Adilene

Back scratch for one of the pizza makers

Mike is teaching Adilene to read English using a child's book from Minnesota.

Nurturing...

Important discussions

Sometimes when the children photograph, their little fingers get in the way.

"Maybe she could be my friend. We both like bare feet"

"I'm ready to go home."

A little play...

Almost time for the end of the week...

Every day is a little bit different.  A few things are always the same; healthy food, a safe environment and lots of love for the children in Los Algodones, Mexico

Toma Mi Mano was started with God's guidance and it is only with His Grace that it will continue.

To read more about its beginnings, take a look at www.papasmissions.blogspot.com

If you would like to make a comment or a contribution, contact: 

Janice Fischer or Mike Enter 

enterfischer@hotmail.com