HOPE HOUSE

I was introduced to the boys several years ago when I was active in wild life rescue, with Vern and Lori Geiger!  I was shocked to find out that @ 17 the boys were kicked to the curb so to speak!   There are no halfway houses for these children.  

I read the pathetic posts about saving cats and dogs, ignoring the children!   These boys are the future of Mexico,  or your worst nightmare as recruits of the cartels!

All being said, My son and I are delivering soccer balls and 10 extra large pizzas the 20th  of September.   Anyone interested in joining  us, please PM as you might enjoy the experience!     

The Kids are the future.... good job Jim.... wish I could be there with you....   

A few years ago, that was true. Now, the kids of age are being prepared for adult life via a mentoring program of volunteers, as I understand it. Periodically, I see a throng of them with an escort walking hither and thither. The present kids are more adolescent over all. Still some young ones though. Fortunately due to some church sponsorships their finances are better than before. That has allowed more outside activities as well. I am sure the Pizza and balls will be greatly appreciated and put to good use. The preparations for adult independent living will help a lot to avoid going back to a street life.

Not being a smart ass or anything like that but we can take care of the kids AND the Animals. I do.

Z

A few years ago Hope House rejected some gay men who wanted to provide "adoption level" financial support for some of the boys.  It was too bad because these were good men, not pedophiles, who wanted to give money.  Since then I have actively avoided supporting Hope House.  If the current Hope House leadership is more open minded I hope they will let everyone know.

I understand your position.  But reality states they are getting funding by a church.  I do not know the position of the church regarding the gay life style.  But if I were the board or director I would have to decline as well.

The last two posts sound like a topic for another thread. I hope this one will not be highjacked.

Thank You Lady O!!!

Lady Otter Latté wrote:The last two posts sound like a topic for another thread. I hope this one will not be highjacked.

why? it is not being hijacked. if you open a topic about something-what is wrong with getting full info? some people have known what the 2 posters you object to have said, for quite some time including a  prominent poster on this and  chapala.com and that person expressed their disinterest in supporting this place vociferously until/if circumstances change.
by the way,being "gay" is not a life style and why would anyone object to a gay person offering financial support. in more enlightened environs same sex couples can adopt.

You´re welcome, Jim.

1. Attempting to improve the lives of abandoned cats and dogs is not pathetic. It's humane.
2. Many people here support animals and children. Do you?
3. Hope House receives monthly support from Upscale Resale in addition to other resources.
4. Have you checked the large number of organizations and resale shops that support children?
5. We support what we can, according to our interests and means.

char-ming wrote:1. Attempting to improve the lives of abandoned cats and dogs is not pathetic. It's humane.
2. Many people here support animals and children.  Do you?
3. Hope House receives monthly support from Upscale Resale in addition to other resources.
4. Have you checked the large number of organizations and resale shops that support children?  
5. We support what we can, according to our interests and means.

as it should be, re:#2 and especially # 5.

char-ming wrote:1. Attempting to improve the lives of abandoned cats and dogs is not pathetic. It's humane.
2. Many people here support animals and children.  Do you?
3. Hope House receives monthly support from Upscale Resale in addition to other resources.
4. Have you checked the large number of organizations and resale shops that support children?  
5. We support what we can, according to our interests and means.

Don't git yer panties in a bunch... the dogs and cats can have a keyboard too...

Just don't like the see the needs of any living being called pathetic.

First of all, Hockables, had to lol about the dogs and cats keyboard
issue. By the way, thank you for the second keyboard.
I also agree that donations should be accepted from EVERYONE,
but certain criteria (whatever that may be ) must be met to receive
funds from the government/ church, so I chose to think of the boys
instead of the bureaucracy , that is , and should be, every persons
personal decision.
While "pathetic" was probably not the best descriptor for Jim to use, I hope he may be forgiven. I personally have witnesses many, very
generous acts of kindness and giving from Jim (and his pocketbook),
towards the boys at Hope House. I also know he is active in the
Wildlife Rescue , as well as the Ajijic Soccer sponsorship(and more that I am not privvy to, since he is quiet about his generousity). He has a passionate nature but does put his time (and money)toward
many, many good causes. Of course, one should be able to give to whom , and or what ever cause they wish. The important thing is that they do give. It amazes me, all the generosity I have
seen(and there is a lot that I have no idea ) from the American/
Canadian community in the lakeside area towards assisting the
unmet needs in our new homeland.

Well said, 2mexicos - I agree with both of you! I met Jim through the soccer program, and I know we don't see eye to eye on politics, but I feel honoured to know him for his generosity and warmth to the community. I have the soccer balls, Jim, and if I get the chance would love to visit Hope House. I was there last Christmas and listening to the stories of the young lads there, even as an atheist, made me feel that my life had somehow been blessed. I didn't know about the gay adoption issue and personally I think it is crazy for not to take up the offer of any loving family. I am very pro gay rights, but this would not have stopped me adopting a kid for Christmas. The catholic church is an old, but not totally, inflexible institution. Fish on Fridays, the existence of Limbo - things do change and I am sure one day they will be enlightened enough to recognize the rights of gay families to adopt. 'Til then, we have to set a good example for them by continuing to do the right thing - support people less fortunate than ourselves and demonstrate that charity is universal.

TrueBrit wrote:The catholic church is an old, but not totally, inflexible institution.  Fish on Fridays, the existence of Limbo - things do change and I am sure one day they will be enlightened enough to recognize the rights of gay families to adopt.  'Til then, we have to set a good example for them by continuing to do the right thing - support people less fortunate than ourselves and demonstrate that charity is universal.

TrueBrit, Hope House is not affiliated with the Catholic church.  It is operated by Shepherd's Heart Ministries, with a mailing address in Jonesboro, Tennessee.

Char-ming, PLEASE re- read, as I  a said nothing other than a possible insult to the posters  about their position supporting domestic animal's vs. children!


"I read the pathetic posts about saving cats and dogs, ignoring the children!   These boys are the future of Mexico,  or your worst nightmare as recruits of the cartels!"

Comparing monies received by orphanages vs. donations for cats and dogs shows you need a reality check. 

In my world, human quality of life is number 1.   Wild Life is nearly as important as our Eco system needs to protect them.   Far down the list are domestic pets.  I bought my home here in 2005, and as a long term resident find that the stray/abandoned domestic pets is getting worse.  All strays could be euthanized, and within 3 years  the number of strays would be the same.  The problem is irresponsible pet owners abandoning their pets when they move NOB.  

I retract the pathetic, and suggest the domestic animal lovers refrain from brow beating people like Sunfan to accept a stray cat on another thread.  

You can protect domestic animal's, and that is your choice.  Me, I will continue   to support wild life and above all, children!

Jim

Jim, you know I love you, BUT, no matter what you do for the boys at Hope House there will always be more boys needing more help. That does not (nor should it) stop you from reaching out to those you can.
Others know they can not save every dog and cat but that does not stop them from reaching out to those they can help. You place no value on those lives. That does not mean they actually have no value.
In both cases, spay and neuter would solve the problems. Until that happens, I am grateful to live in a place with people who have the resources to help as best they can to make things just a little better for the sentient beings around them.
Thank you to all who spend time, effort, and money to help make this corner of the world a little better.

IMO, The difference between here and NOB is that NOB they have government agencies to help poor, under privileged children. Here there is practically no government help for the children. I too have wondered why so much support and effort down here goes into domestic animals versus people. Just look at these forums. There always seems to be far more talk about dog and cat shelters than orphanages. I know some people support both but I also know quite a few that only seem to support the dogs and cats. I am with Jim on this one.

So, you read far more on the forums about helping dogs and cats than children? Whose fault is that? The people who passionately and vocally speak up for animals or those who say little or nothing about helping children? SPEAK UP for your passion instead of telling other people to shut up about theirs.

I don't think anyone told anyone to shut up. That seems to be your take on things? I was just expressing my own opinion.

You noted that on these forums there "always seems to be far more talk about dog and cat shelters than orphanages. I know some people support both but I also know quite a few that only seem to support the dogs and cats."
That is your opinion. My opinion is that talking more about your passion seems a better answer than criticizing others for theirs. Sure, you did not use the words "shut up." That was my interpretation.
If this community can support restaurants with 500 pesos lunches for two then it can help both children and animals. That is my opinion.

Lady Otter Latté wrote:Jim, you know I love you, BUT, no matter what you do for the boys at Hope House there will always be more boys needing more help. That does not (nor should it) stop you from reaching out to those you can.
Others know they can not save every dog and cat but that does not stop them from reaching out to those they can help. You place no value on those lives. That does not mean they actually have no value.
In both cases, spay and neuter would solve the problems. Until that happens, I am grateful to live in a place with people who have the resources to help as best they can to make things just a little better for the sentient beings around them.
Thank you to all who spend time, effort, and money to help make this corner of the world a little better.

Lady O, we share a mutual respect and caring.   You are correct, spay and neuter is important.  However, irresponsible pet owners are the problem.  They adopt, and release them when they leave.   Really sucks!

As far as the children goes, I will never abandon them.     They are human beings.  They deserve our help, far more than a domestic animal.
My last visit to Hope House in Chapala, I met a 8 year old girl, she had scars all over her body, her mother doused her in burning oil. 
Does that suck?   That being said, I stand by my statement.......children in Mexico deserve more support......domestic animals are there for self gratification.

BTW, putting a domestic pet on  the same page as human life....sends me to the anger zone.

You express an opinion shared by many. Your heart is generous and you put your money where your mouth is. I do not have to agree with you to respect you. Rock on, Jim!