Ayumame!

Though, it was four years ago, shortly after I moved into the neighborhood, I can still remember it very clearly today.  “Ayumame, Chawn-yell-ya!” Veronica shouted, “Ayumame!” (Spanish translation – “Ayudame, Daniela, Ayudame!”; English translation – “Help me,...

Summer 2011 Indigenous Leader: Brenda Polio

Thanks to the Casa Chiri newsletter readership and their generous responses, we were able to hire a second indigenous leader for summer 2011. Brenda Polio, nineteen and a mother of a beautiful two-year-old daughter, first came into our lives two and a half years ago...

Volunteer Spotlight: Beth Taylor

Beth Taylor is the self-motivated volunteer every non-profit organization would love to have. She is vested and dedicated to the work and ministry of Casa Chirilagua and has committed her time, talents and treasure to help meet the needs of both the community and the...

D’s Corner: It’s REALLY Official!

It’s really official! On May 19th, Casa Chirilagua received 501(c)(3) exemption status from the IRS. The approval came in record time (less than a one month turn around) allowing us to apply for grants, enroll in programs only available to 501(c)(3) organizations and...

Onelio – Summer 2011 Indigenous Leader Intern

We first met Onelio in the fall of 2009 through the program Building Better Futures. From our first interactions with Onelio, we knew there was something different about this kid. He had a spirit of determination, a heart of service and a deep love for God. Slowly, as...

Kids Club June Update

Unbelievable, but true:  The 2010-2011 Kids Club after-school program has come to an end!  Here are some highlights of our last few weeks:   Lemonade Stand – Keeping Cool and Doing Good: In a desire to help families affected by the earthquakes in Haiti and Japan,...