Our mission is to bring a smile to life, to give hope and a better situation to a child or the entire family by networking and connecting those who need, with those who have.  There are many people who want to help when they come to visit Puerto Vallarta.  One way is to join our club as we pursue our goals in meeting some of the needs of the Bay Area.  Becoming a member enables you to work alongside those who are helping others.  You can also be sure that whatever you donate will go to those in need.  Most of our donors do not wish to visit the families; they are content just to contribute.  We appreciate all who enable us to REACH OUT.

To determine where we can help most, assessments are made, and a plan of action is established and carried out.  We then re-evaluate the situation.

School Supply Aid:

School begins at the height of the low tourist season when families are financially strapped the most.  Primary grades K through 5 are tuition free, but uniforms, shoes, backpacks and mandatory classroom supplies are not free.  Without these they cannot attend school, thus becoming street kids.  While not all children in need end this way, it is all too frequent for a child to be unable to attend regular classes.  They fall behind in their grade level making it easier for everyone to say “no need” to junior high or high school that is not mandatory or free!  Backpacks and colored pencils are the most needed.

Other places our Community Aid Services provides help is to the patients of the Regional Hospital and the Juvenile Reform facility with supplies of soap and shampoo.  You can donate any unused products from your hotel to our office for redistribution to the needy.

Dental Hygiene Aid:

Whether it is to the children in the cleft palate program, kids groups or to families in need, we provide dental hygiene education, booklets for toddlers on dental hygiene, also toothbrushes and toothpaste.

• Casa Infantil Mojoneras
• Football School
• Casa Hogar
• Down Syndrome Association

In summary, the International friendship Club is just that, a group of people coming together to have fun and make a positive change in the world around us.  We hope that you can be part of it.  Thank you.

This year monthly stipends are being granted to the following:

ARTURO’S HIJOS DE DIOS
  This group provides assistance to destitute families.

SANTA BARBARA REHABILITATION CLINIC
  We provide some financial assistance to this clinic for the physically disabled.

SALVATION ARMY
We provide funding for their “After School Program” where children are assisted with schoolwork, kept occupied with crafts and given a nutritious snack. 
  They also rescue children from the street. 
  They also offer counseling for families vulnerable to substance/drug addiction and child abuse.
 
IFC/DON POWELL RICE AND BEANS PROGRAM
  Provide funding for a “Rice and Beans” program that distributes food to families whose children attend school on a regular basis.

MAMAS UNIDAS POR LA REHABILITACION DE SUS HIJOS (Pasitos de Luz)
  We provide funds to help them with their physiotherapy staff needs for the severely handicapped children in their community.