(a 2nd year of pandemic challenges)
In spite of the challenges, Cara Adelante completed 3 years of successful operation in December.
2021 began with continued challenges living in a multi-person environment during Covid-19. The students returned to online studies at our group home for the January to July semester. Throughout the semester academic counseling sessions and English classes resumed. Despite the routine and monotonous conditions caused by confinement, these young women were collaborative and participated in activities and workshops designed to release pent up frustration.
The staff responded with appropriate interventions and flexible support to help the students cope with their stress and anxiety. Individual external counseling was also provided as needed.
Diversion activities were also carried out including:
Organic Garden – The addition of Gaby Knobl to our board launched a new project. Gaby, assisted by Alice Garcia, helped the girls start a container garden on the terrace. It has become a favorite activity generating healthy fresh vegetables used in their meal planning and cooking. Composting of all food waste was also introduced. This project has created an environment of healthy eating and environmental responsibility.
Weekend Hikes/Visits – Mark Emmer and Nancy Vickery organized the hikes, an outside activity that was safe and helped unload accumulated energy. Edmundo Arciga, Luis Olivares and Connie Pareskeva opened their homes to students as a getaway.
Motivational Talks/Workshops – Friends of Gaby’s, professionals in specific careers, shared their stories with the girls introducing positive role models and expanding vocational options. Two sketching workshops by local artist Susan Dorf unleashed creativity and taught basic sketching skills.
Book/Movie Club – A selected book or movie was read/viewed, followed by discussion facilitated by staff.
By the end of June, grades had improved. Also, Adri completed her studies and began her college career in September at UPM in Patzcuaro studying Industrial Agronomy Engineering.
In August, everyone returned to the house and 2nd semester was a hybrid, alternating in-person school for one week and the following week online. Our students commented that even having a few days of in-person school helped them keep sane and be happier.
All of the staff and students were vaccinated upon return.
Workshops were presented in Strengthening Autonomy (initiative and decision making in running the daily activities of the house) and Personal Financial Skills.
An acting and editing workshop was presented by Mora Goistein, where the students made video clips and learned how to edit them.
The students visited the office of nutritionist Karina Sosa. She introduced them to healthy food choices, intake, nutrients and proper diet. They came away realizing good nutrition serves not only as treatment but also as prevention, leading to a healthy lifestyle.
We currently have 6 young women living at Cara Adelante. Two in 4th semester (Nubia and Navidad), two in 6th semester (Carmen and Alma) and two in university (Adri and Ana). Grades from August to December improved again.
We finished the year with our annual posada. It was a lovely afternoon and very gratifying to look around the table at these bright, dedicated and flexible young women. Their resilience and strength is to be commended.
The pandemic protocols also affected parental visits to their daughters. Workshops for family members and visits will be increased in 2022.
Since we suspended recruiting during the pandemic, we have resumed sourcing new students immediately. We have tasked our staff Laura Huerta (Program Director) and Carolina Piñon (Education Specialist) with adding 3-4 new students in August 2022.
We have extended our geography (including Pátzcuaro) to identify new young women. The qualifications include:
- Grades – finishing Secundaria with marks averaging 8.5 – 10
- Socio economic – coming from homes where economic hardship or no access to high school exists
The Board of Directors is investigating a transition of our organizational structure from an AC (Civil Association) to an IAP (Private Assistance Institution). This designation would allow us to broaden our donor base and secure our future with the ability to apply for grants from Foundations. The Board was reconfigured at the last annual meeting in anticipation of this designation.
We finished the year on budget under the watchful care of Mark Emmer, our Treasurer. Cara Adelante continues to be funded through private donations. We thank you again for your invaluable contributions and enthusiastic support.
Cara Adelante, AC Board of Directors
Luis, Edmundo, Mark, Gaby, Suzanne