MISSION TEAMS

Ministry teams from the USA or Canada are WELCOME at Hope House.  As a non-profit, Hope House has ongoing needs.  Please consider sending a team to Mexico and be blessed by the experience. When your team arrives, they can look forward to serving in a variety of ways. If a trip is not possible, perhaps consider contributing financially. All monies donated are used 100% for monthly maintenance.  A Ministry Team outreach consists of two major parts: A WORK PROJECT at Hope House, or a FUN ACTIVITY (day field trip) or MINISTRY project with the boys.  Please read and email Hope House and let us answer any questions you may have.  MUCHO GRACIAS!  EMAIL: admin@hopehousemx.org

Sample WORK PROJECTS:
Painting a building, or rooms
Sealing the roofs
Painting trim, walls or safety areas
Constructing a wall, sidewalk, building, shed
Installation of a fence, solar elect or water
General electricity and/or plumbing
General maintenance: cutting grass, using weed eater, 

picking up rocks on playing field, laying sod or gravel. 
Creating a ministry informational or promotional video

Sample MINISTRY projects: 
VBS Vacation Bible Study
Craft projects
Daily devotionals
Sporting camp
Jesus Film (or other)

Sample FUN ACTIVITIES: 
Free days at Chapala Malacon or Ajijic Tiqngues
Taco dinner for team with or without boys 
Last Supper- team dines out at a local restaurant
Field trip with boys: to the local water park named Tobolandia, the movies, the PARK.

We can house teams up to 16 individuals. (youth, adult, families, a mix.) Hope House has four rooms, so they must be divided appropriately according to gender or family members. There is a B&B housing option for teams of 14 or less members. Under special circumstances, larger teams can be accommodated. 

Ministry Team cost:
$500 USD per person for a 5-8 day outreach
Additional $250 USD for B & B option
Additional fees vary according to the projects and activities selected.

What does Ministry Team cost include?
Once in Mexico: transportation to and from airport and all ministry activities, basic meals, purified drinking water, housing, ministry-set-up, translators, and a T-shirt. A portion of all team money is donated directly to Hope House General Operations.

EMAIL the dates your church is considering: admin@hopehousemx.org

Ministry teams arrive and depart on Saturdays. We advise NOT to drive through Mexico after 9:00 PM. Plan to remain SAFE when traveling by car or bus and stop at rated hotels before 9:00 pm. Again we thank you for taking the time to consider Hope House. MUCHO GRACIAS!!

PRACTICAL DAILY NEEDS

Hope House has needs for practical items:  

·         Toilet paper, laundry soap, vinegar

·         Body soap, shampoo

·         Cleaning supplies, fabuloso, mops

·        LED bulbs, flashlights, rechargeable lanterns

·         Tennis shoes, flip flops

·         Clothes baskets (4 or more )

·         School pants by 20th of Nov each year ( $700 pesos )

·         Printer ink - HP Deskjet 5525: Negra (Black), Cian (Cyan), Magenta (Magenta), Amarillo (Yellow)  - 670 (and/or 670 XL)

·         Our donated “gently-used” computers require a little upgrading. Hope House creates a computer lab with these computers, but wifi will not reach the lab from our office. The cost to upgrade all the computers and install network connections so they can all be online will be roughly $5,000 pesos. ($370 USA approximate)

Our administrative staff meets Monday and Friday mornings and during our time together we discuss any needs and attempt to maintain a current list. This November 2014 list of practical needs is constantly evolving. EMAIL for current list: admin@hopehousemx.org

NEW SMILING ARRIVAL

Dani has got to be one of the cutest little guys in the world! His smile and sparkling eyes captured my heart the first time I saw him. He is one of five new boys living at Hope House.

Corn (maiz) is an essential element of every Mexican families' diet. Corn tortillas and tamales, all made from masa, or grounded corn, can be found for sale on every street corner and on the table of every home in Mexico. In the same way that the "dinner roll" is a Southern necessity with dinner, a Mexican meal is not complete unless served with corn tortillas. As the harvesting begins, corn can be found literally everywhere. The preferred method of preparing it is to roast it over an open fire. Fire roasted corn is an autumn tradition where we live. Dani's corn is just the way he wanted it: blackened! He kept saying "Roast it more, roast it more!”

It is always bittersweet when new boys arrive at Hope House. On one hand we know that now they will experience love and kindness in ways many of them have never experienced before, but on the other hand, we know that their story is usually one of great tragedy and pain. Many boys arrive scared and shy, some arrive angry and then there are others who seem to be happy to have the opportunity to begin a new life. Dani is one of the happy ones. He arrived with a smile on his face, and his smile has not only captured my heart but also those of our staff. It's as if the entire world is Dani's stage and wherever he goes he turns heads and wins hearts.

How your GIFT of HOPE works

Sow a SEED by making a GIFT of HOPE into the good soil of Hope House and watch that seed produce a healthy crop of productive teens.  100% of all gifts go to Hope House without a management fee.  The Hope House is registered under the name of Casa Hogar Una Esperanza en el Corazon, A.C. as a Mexican Civil Association located in Ixtlahuacan de los Membrillos, Jalisco, Mexico.   (the A.C. is an abbreviation for Asociación Civil) Mexico recognizes two types of not-for-profit institutions: Civil Associations (A.C.) and Religious Associations (A.R.). Only a church can be a religious association and this is very closely monitored by the government. Because of our community outreach directly to minors, Hope House is a civil association, and also closely monitored by state and local governmental entities. Therefore the name "Hope House" is not registered in Mexico or in the U.S.  Shepherd's Heart Ministries, Inc., is the  501(c)(3)  nonprofit organization in the USA that receives donations for supporting Hope House financially.  All financial activity is monitored and regularly audited by the Secretaria de Hacienda.  All financial records are available to the public. Click here for more information on Shepherd's Heart Ministries, Inc.  Hope House is overseen by a Board of Directors who are supervised by the Mexican government agencies IJAS (Instituto Jaliscience de Asistencia Social), and Consejo Estatal de Familia. Click here to visit  HOPE HOUSE WEBSITE .  We believe all true gifts come as God moves in the hearts of His people.  Our joy is to inform and give opportunity without imposing undue obligation or pressure.  The identity of our donors is kept confidential. We do NOT sell or rent names to other organizations. Herein are the current methods of receiving financial gifts: 

METHODS OF MAKING HOPE HOUSE TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS:
A) PAYPAL link found on the HOPE HOUSE WEB link - one time donations or regular monthly donations can be made efficiently on PAYPAL

B) Write a personal check and MAIL in USA:
* Make check payable to: Shepherd's Heart Ministries, Inc.
* Designate donation on check to: The Hope House
* MAIL TO:  Shepherd's Heart Ministries, Inc
                   135 Bill Cox Road
                   Jonesborough, TN 37659

C)  Transfer funds directly to Shepherdʼs Heart Ministries, Inc. account in the U.S. for the Hope House. Please email donate@shmius.org for more information.

D) Mexican residents or expats can write USA or Canadian checks or give cash in dollars, or pesos and deliver to Hope House.  Any check written MUST be made payable to this full name if delivered to Hope House directly: Casa Hogar Una Esperanza en el Corazón, A.C.

Since 2008 the founders Rodney Dutro and his wife Kina have served full time at Hope House. With four daughters at home, Rodney delights in spending quality time with the boys and watching their confidence and faith grow.  Prior to Hope House, Rodney and his wife worked for four years at another orphanage in Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico.  Rodney and Kina work closely with a greatly respected board of Directors and together they have diligently worked to maximize all sources of funding to make Hope House not only efficient, but they have produced a "happy" environment for their staff. 

Solar system donated by Rotary Club Ajijic

1) Solar power has reduced energy costs significantly.  

2) The organic garden produces a great supply of food.  

3) The wood shop has increased revenues while teaching a trade.

If you choose to visit Hope House you will notice a standard of excellence that is maintained by a cohesive and congenial staff.  Hope House is a place where volunteers actually enjoy serving, and so they return regularly.  This says a lot about Hope House management.

The monthly overhead is $15,000 USA dollars.  This amount pays minimum wages, insurance, gas, electricity, truck repairs and building maintenance. This facility provides safety for up to 25 boys. It operates by the ongoing generous support of:

• Private Financial Donations
• Volunteer help
• Walmart food donations
• Shepherd's Heart Ministries
• Lake Chapala Baptist Church
• The Rotary Club in Ajijic, Jalisco
• The Rotary Club in Langley, Canada
• Upscale Resale, located just east of Mom's Cafe in Las Riberas, accepts quality donations and consignments with a 70% - 30% split. Proceeds from the sale of these items support Hope House and other children ministries. 

EMAIL HOPE HOUSE: admin@hopehousemx.org
PHONE HOPE HOUSE: In Mexico 376-762-0032

HOPE HOUSE LOCATION:

Rio Lerma No. 4

Col. Aqua Escondida

Ixtlahuacan de los Membrillos

Jalisco, México 45850

FIRST ANNUAL FUND RAISER

The first annual fund raiser was held at the historical Railroad Station in Chapala on Saturday November 15, 2014.   Many people worked for months behind the scenes to make this event successful. Dr Pinto and friends cooked up a fantastic meal and the Hope House Boys served us under a canopy on the green grounds of this spectacular museum.  The silent auction was very profitable as it featured beautiful items that the boys had crafted in the wood shop. Kina Dutro announced her gratitude for the support of all who attended.  Hope House plans to hold their second annual fund raiser at this fantastic location once again next year.  The boys had fun and we are entirely thankful to God for His many blessings.  MUCHO GRACIAS to all who supported Hope House!

THE MISSION OF HOPE HOUSE

Hope House is dedicated to providing abandoned, abused, poverty-stricken boys with a safe and loving home. All children receive a primary education and vocational training. They are taught relational skills that enable them to mature socially and develop needed confidence. Hope House is a children's shelter that provides housing and foster care for boys from the age of 6-18. Government agencies take these boys from unsafe homes and place them in the foster care of registered orphanages while permanent housing is found, a process that may take several years. Boys that had zero dreams and most often, no birth certificate, are given genuine encouragement and a schedule of disciplined hours to learn to read and write. They also learn about God, His

ways, His love and His promises.  When the boys arrive, they have no possessions only the clothes they are wearing. Often times they came from homes that did not have running water, or a roof. Some have never sat at a table to eat a meal, been to school, or owned something as meager as a belt, a blanket, or a coffee mug of their own.  Many have been the subject of horrific abuse, or they have personally watched their mothers and siblings being beaten, even die at the hand of their father.  Hope House is a faith-based organization that operates with the help of volunteers and from donations by people who desire to make a difference in the life of a child. 

Upon arriving at Hope House, each boy receives clean clothing, a school uniform, their own bunk and a coffee mug with their name on it. All boys are given the opportunity to earn merits for good behavior and doing chores. By collecting good merits they can purchase luxury items such as hair cream, new shoes, books, cologne and other prized personal possessions.   

All boys receive medical and dental care.  They also receive counseling from a qualified therapist. Once a boy reaches the age of 18, according to the Mexican government, the teen must depart from any state authorized institution.  Hope House works hard to prepare them by teaching the boys how to read, write and a trade that will allow them to be self-supporting.

Hope House receives 2-3 calls per week from the Mexican government with candidates to interview.  All boys admitted to Hope House have been rescued by the government from an unsafe home. Because of limited funds and qualified staffing, Hope House is unable to provide a home for any boy that has tested positive for drug abuse.  Find out how you could make a difference. Click onto the HOPE HOUSE NEWS link entitled: How your GIFT of HOPE works --- Thanks!

HISTORY OF HOPE HOUSE

Hope House grew out of Rodney and Kina Dutro's heart's desire to serve God by helping the needy. This couple dreamed of reaching out to the under privileged, the orphans, families and individuals. Shepherd’s Heart Ministries Inc. was founded in 1995. Rodney Dutro is an ordained minister through Calvary Church, which is a part of the Calvary Alliance of Churches. Both Rodney and Kina have received a Master of Arts in Christian Theology from Life Christian University and they both hold several secular degrees as well.  The Dutro's dream resulted in their early mission work teaching English as a Second Language in Hong Kong, traveling to India to document a children’s home and leading many short-term mission teams to Mexico. What they experienced on these travels transformed their lives and left them with a passion to serve God and provide an answer to the cries of poverty and hopelessness they encountered. Inspired by the passionate description of the “heart” of a shepherd rescuing a sheep from the mouth of a lion. God's word Amos 3:12.  The Dutro's received their 501(c)(3) status in 2002.  

They effectively helped increase awareness and turn hearts toward the underprivileged and in 2008, they founded Hope House, a home for abused, abandoned and neglected boys ages 2-18.  In obedience to God’s calling, in 2008 they also moved to Mexico as full-time missionaries. Living among the people in a small “pueblo” they began to learn the language and culture of rural Mexico. For years they assisted poor families through a Sponsor-A-Child program which allowed children living in poverty to have nourishing meals, receive an education and medical care. The program also offered emergency financial assistance to families, bible studies, English classes and practical infant care seminars.  Over the years, Shepherd’s Heart has co-labored with many churches, ministries and missionaries both in the United States and Mexico to help meet the spiritual and physical needs of the poor and destitute.

It is the policy of Shepherd's Heart Ministries, Inc. to honestly share the challenges and situations we face. We make these needs and potential solutions known so that our ministry partners can prayerfully consider sharing financially.  We are responsible in our management, truthful in our advertising,  cost-effective in our purchasing, and prudent when applying funds towards the most important needs.  As responsible stewards, when funding requirements for a designated need or project are met, the policy of Shepherd's Heart Ministries, Inc is to apply any excess funds to the next priority, project of Hope House in Mexico.

HOPE WOOD SHOP

Al Reynolds and Walt teach the boys

The Rotary has provided an up-to-date WOOD workshop facility. Although the workshop is a highly professional facility, it lacks adequate professional training capabilities, equipment and staff. This program seeks to provide the necessary skills to develop a curriculum, train the boys and maintain the facility so that the boys have a distinct advantage in learning life skills and professional skills to help make them financially independent once leaving HOPE HOUSE at the age of 18. You might ask: How can you help?  

Have you been thinking about having a custom desk, bed frame, a cabinet, step stairs custom built? How about some Christmas gifts? The boys at HOPE HOUSE would love to build what you want according to your needed measurements.  Give them a project to work on, and at the same time know that your project will be increasing revenues to keep this shop running, and it will also build confidence in the new vocation of these boys. 

This WOOD workshop program is being worked in conjunction with Rotary Club of Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico. http://www.rotaryajijic.org - The soap dish above sells for about 50 pesos, the vase 100 pesos, the wooden pen sells for 300 pesos.  Items can all be made to customize your gift giving.  Anything above the listed price of course goes towards supporting HOPE HOUSE monthly operational cost.

HOPE GARDEN

HOPE HOUSE has a section of land dedicated for growing fruits and veggies. It is an active vocational training area for HOPE HOUSE boys to master gardening. Three methods are available - normal ground level gardening, raised bed gardening and aquaponics. 

HOPE HOUSE is in need of another volunteer willing to help train the boys and maintain the garden.  This totally organic garden grows lettuce, zucchini  tomatoes, and some flowers.

Another plan is to remove some trees in a large unused area and install a soccer field for the boys recreation.  For abused boys to learn team sports and rules of conduct will help them when they must leave HOPE HOUSE at the age of 18.

Do you have a green thumb? Do you enjoy gardening but have no space at your home in Mexico to grow vegetables? Do you have valuable gardening experience to share at HOPE HOUSE? We could use your expertise!

CONTACT HOPE HOUSE at 376-762-0032
Set up an interview for the purpose of becoming a registered VOLUNTEER!

Rodrigo's Dream

This is Rodrigo, at the age of 13. Rodrigo learned much in the four years that he lived at Hope House. He ventured out with improved confidence as a result of the schooling and emotional support he received from the entire Hope House staff. He excelled in math, and enjoyed learning how to read and write.  At home he was never encouraged to be creative or learn.  In his new supportive environment he became proud of his talent for drawing. Rodrigo was a great help in the kitchen and a very hard worker in the garden. He departed with the dream of becoming a chef.  Rodrigo is remembered fondly for his love of pizza and music. The staff could hear him singing as he did his assigned chores.  He entertained the boys with fun songs. Rodrigo's memory Bible verse is in Philippians and it says, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Your monthly GIFTS encourage boys like Rodrigo to believe in their dreams. You can GIVE with confidence that your GIFT changed a life! Thank You!

GIVE WISELY

You should investigate us and FEEL GOOD about your donation.  Hope House invites you to research us before you donate. WISE ADVICE:

Budget for giving. Include DONATIONS in your budget.  It is a financial commitment.

Be informed. Investigate the charity’s 501(c)3 number, the solicitor’s name and relationship to the organization. CLICK this LINK to Shepherd's Heart Ministries, Inc .  Hope House is registered under the name of Casa Hogar Una Esperanza en el Corazon, A.C. as a Mexican Civil Association located in Ixtlahuacan de los Membrillos, Jalisco, Mexico.  It is supported by Shepherd's Heart Ministries, Inc as an outreach.

Hope House is overseen by a Board of Directors who are supervised by the Mexican government agencies IJAS (Instituto Jaliscience de Asistencia Social), and Consejo Estatal de Familia.  All financial activity is monitored and regularly audited by the Secretaria de Hacienda.  

Check Non-Profit Status:  Shepherd's Heart Ministries, Inc in Jonesborough, TN.  Shepherd's Heart partners with existing churches in Mexico in order to bridge cultural barriers and to assist these churches in meeting the needs within their community. This, in turn, creates a ministry that is more than just a "hand out" because it establishes an accountable relationship between the family receiving the assistance and the local church. As a result, families receive practical, physical assistance and Biblical discipleship training while the local church grows and matures.

Keep records. For gifts of less than $250, a canceled check is sufficient for IRS requirements. For larger gifts, you’ll need a tax-deductible receipt from the charity as confirmation. (Donations made through PAYPAL, to benefit HOPE HOUSE, receive an email confirmation, which serves as a receipt.)

Understand how much is really tax deductible. If you receive a premium in exchange for your gift (such as a book or a dinner), the amount of your tax deduction is reduced by the fair market value of that item. You can turn down the incentive if you wish to claim the full deduction.

VIDEO TOUR of HOPE HOUSE

SONG: In Christ Alone

SHEPHERDS HEART MINISTRIES, INC

CLICK this LINK to go to Shepherd's Heart Ministries, Inc
Shepherd's Heart Ministries, Inc

HOPE HOUSE WEBSITE and PAYPAL LINK

CLICK this LINK
HOPE HOUSE WEBSITE / PAYPAL button

Taken from Poverty

The boys that Hope House receive, often times have lived within brick rubble, without a roof, windows or running water.  With rarely more than a taco to eat for the day, they arrive dirty, under nourished, and sometimes physically abused.  What Hope House provides is a clean atmosphere, a bed of their own, a pair of shoes, clean clothing and the much needed emotional and psychological care.  When visitors come to Mexico they will discover unimaginable poverty, and many different orphanages that care for discarded children.  100% of each gift passes through to Hope House without a management fee. We teach our boys by example, and our example of cleanliness gives the boys a new way,  a better way of living and of caring for themselves.  Hope House features a merit program whereby the boys earn points towards purchasing a hairbrush, hair tonic, or a wallet.  We discipline the boys carefully while requiring that the boys each make their own bed, and complete their assigned chores.  In this way the boys learn to regard their few possessions responsibly.  In the wide world of non-profit gift giving towards discarded children, there are a few orphanages that intentionally appeal to a facilities great financial need by not keeping it clean, or by housing too many kids in one room.  Hope House encourages sponsors to investigate our facility and our financial records as they consider our accumulated experience since 2008, and our successful administration of funds and grants.  Because Hope House has managed the incoming donations prudently, a visitor may witness  a notable difference in the appearance of each orphanage they might visit while in Mexico.

BACK TO SCHOOL

August is always a BIG month for Hope House.  Public schools in Mexico require that all students wear a uniform, and that they come with new school books for their elementary class.  In addition to the monthly maintenance cost of feeding and housing 25 boys, Hope House is always pinched in the month of August to also pay for shoes, uniforms, and various school books for a wide age range.

We so appreciate the extra  financial donations during the month of August each year.  May God bless you richly for your continued support and welcomed generosity.

In 2013 it cost Hope House $----- to get the boys ready for BACK to SCHOOL.  In 2014 we anticipate an extra $----- needed.

Mission Team Projects

Mission Teams from a Christian college in the bay area of California have traveled to Hope House on three different occasions.  One crew of students poured a cement walkway, another helped in the garden, and another team came to help paint the main facility.  Mission Teams that come to help Hope House, sometimes provide all the funds necessary to complete a particular project, or they provide all the skilled labor, or both.  We welcome all teams and Hope House takes each team on tours of the area, and to church IF the team remain on a Sunday.  Herein is a list of projects along with the anticipated cost of materials, and the necessary work skills required to complete those projects.  Hope House has been blessed to establish relationships with many different churches in the area, and also with many qualified contractors who gift some of their labor.

Sponsored Outings

Mission Teams often times sponsor the cost of an outing for the boys while they are in Mexico. Here is a list of a few places that the boys have enjoyed in the past: