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Posted on 09/23/2016 12:42:43 PM PDT by Ebenezer
Love, solidarity, understanding, responsibility, and education are some of the words that may describe the work done by the Manuel Fernández Juncos Boys' Home located in [the] Miramar [section of San Juan].
This not-for-profit institution which houses and provides support services to boys 8 to 18 years of age who have been victims of abuse, abandonment, and neglect is known to be a helping hand to all the boys and young men who live there through education, sports, work, and discipline.
"I'm fine. Very happy. Being in this home has been a very beautiful experience because I have done so many things. I have done sports, cleaning, and other things which entertain me. They are preparing us for the future so that, when we leave the home, we will know how to solve the things of life," 18-year-old Gabriel Santiago said.
The young man, who wants to be a great pastry chef, mentioned that, upon leaving the home, he "will take the values, the advice they give me in the home. I will take the memories because the memories are very beautiful, and the experience."
Like Santiago, 33 other boys live in the institution, which offers them not only a roof [under their heads], but [also] the responsibility of knowing a different, love-filled life.
In fact, the boys learn the meaning of responsibility through an in-house currency called the “coquí” which the boys earn only through their effort, behavior, camaraderie, and even sports. With this currency, the boys may buy basic articles, clothes, and even shoes at the home's bazaar.
In light of these teachings, Amigonian Friar Vicente Gregori Costa stated that the message they inculcate to [the boys] is always that "their lives can have a very beautiful, hopeful future, that they can change their families' situation."
"We are with them always, and that is very important. An education of love. Love is very demanding, and we are very demanding to them," he added.
At the Home, the boys are divided into 8-10, 11-13, and 14-18 year age groups, which allows them to develop and interact better.
In addition, they go to a school, may visit their relatives, and participate in outings organized by the institution.
"We try to form them integrally, spiritually, so they may have a better life in the future, for the benefit of society," Gregori said.
Meanwhile, Edgardo Cabanillas stated that the institution always tries to give them the best in order to heal the wounds many of them arrive with.
"Their lives have meaning, and they return and thank us 6 to 8 years after they have left the institution," Cabanillas explained.
"Some don't have fathers, don't have mothers. Some know their mothers aren't having the best life and are lost in drugs.
Many come being behind in school, but thank God we are going after them. After the fifth grade, we begin to evaluate them to see if we can bring them to private schools so they avoid weapons, drug dealers, and drugs," he stressed.
This hard work is now 110 years old, for which a gala will be held next Saturday at 8:00 PM at the Sheraton Hotel in Miramar.
However, any donation that will benefit these young men will be well-received. Those interested in donating and being sponsors may call (787) 724-2904.
[http://www.casadeninosmfj.org/]
Puerto Rico ping
A bright ray of sunshine among the not-too-good news.
It’s sad to think of the centenarians living there, still waiting to be adopted.....
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Hopefully the electricity will be on for the celebration.
A “welfare” check can never do what this home does for these boys.
¡Muy bien!
Thanks for posting.
Fixed it
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