Information
Where does Changes for New Hope work:
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Changes for New Hope
Huaraz, Peru
Changes for New Hope, (Cambios para una Nueva Esperanza), is a project that was developed in 2009 by Jim Killon. We are located in Huaraz Peru in the Andes mountains. In response to the needs of the local children living in poverty, malnutrition, and substandard living conditions.
Changes for New Hope was created to help these children, and their familes, help themselves. To accomplish that goal, we currently have four locations in and around Huaraz bringing children into an environment that teaches them to develop their full potential. We teach English, math, creativity development through art projects, interpersonal communication skills, self esteem and values among many others.
We also want to meet every need of the children. While academics is important, we also address health, general welfare needs, medical and community concerns. We raise awareness within the local community for the children as well as throughout the international community.
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Current Projects
Our current projects include developing art exhibitions, publishing a childrens storybook, exploring options in microbusiness for families to become self sustaining among others. We are proud to announce the continuing project of the "Haz lo Correcto-Do the Right Thing" Campaign which is ongoing throughout Huaraz with the support of the Mayor and his staff. It is designed to raise the awareness and thinking of the community at large to 'do the right thing'. It encourages students and adults to consider their actions and how it affects others in the community. It has been very successful. We have been asked by community leaders in neighboring towns to bring the program to their people as well.
We have developed the First and Second Annual Huaraz Benefit Chess Tournaments to raise awareness and funds within the community. 2012 will be our third year to hold this event. Changes for New Hope has been featured in Expatperu.com an e-magazine and television news channel 41, which can be seen in our media page. We have also been covered by Living in Peru, another e-magazine, Radio talk show, ¨The Positive Pond¨ in Sydney Australia, featured Jim´s story about the success of Changes for New Hope with the children. In early 2011, Jim was also interviewed by You-The Movement in Kenya, and he is a regular well known face and commenator on Its One Humanity, a social humanitarian web based site as well.
Volunteer Match has written an interview article highlighting the project and its developments. The White Feather Foundation, a humanitarian project of Julian Lennon now actively supports this project's work.
We hope to expand in the near future to more groups which will be based on sufficient funding and incoming volunteers.
Partner Needs
Considering how Changes for New Hope is expanding and how many children and their families we have received requests from, our list of what we need would fill a department store.
We have been fortunate enough to be partnered with GivingSomeThing.org, which those interested in h elping us can see our wishlist of needed items and simply click on it and it will be sent to us. Cash donations can be made right through this Omprakash website, just click on donate.
There is no substitute for the time and love of volunteers coming to our project. Consider volunteering with us.
Financial Needs
Changes for New Hope currently operates on a very tight budget.
Fortunately, Peru is not an expensive place to develop a project, but it is not free. We stretch every dollar, pound, yen, sole and euro as far as it will go. Our primary objective is the direct benefit of the children.
Our long term goals include developing a comedor, or feeding program for the children on a regular basis among other similar direct benefit projects.
In Kind Needs
The number one way to escape poverty will be education once the immediate survival needs of the children are satisfied. It will take major financial support, dedicated volunteers and laser focus but we are determined to create a innovative change in the way people are assisted here in Peru.
In the end we hope to develop the children into solid adults in Peruvian society who will pass along the kindness they were shown as children. We are...the Hope of Change, ...Adelante!
Mission Statement
It is the mission of Changes for New Hope, to raise the poor and disadvantaged children and their families out of poverty and eliminate the desperation that poverty instills. This will be done by means of education, proper nutritional and medical/dental/mental health issues being addressed, and focusing on helping families to become self sufficient. We look to provide for the full welfare and education of children and give them opportunities which currently are unimaginable.