Overdue Additions/Extentions to Casas
In our Jan. / Feb. / Mar. 08 newsletter, we told everyone about the construction of a brand new Home at Refugio, through Rocky Rhoade’s ministry “Hero Makers”. The floor plan is exactly like our other “casas” with the exception of two additional bedrooms attached to the House parent’s quarters. Though construction is moving along very well, the need for these extra rooms for the house parent’s children on all of our existing homes is urgent! Take Casa 1 for example, Tio Hugo and Tia Rosa have been with us for 5 years; their daughter Dalia ,14 (our next quinceñera), has shared their bedroom for almost that long, until recently, when little Jonathan’s crib forced her out- to share a room with 2 RIN girls, much younger than her. Never in the History of CHI/RIN have the House parents stayed as long as have our present staff. By adding these additional rooms (324 sq. ft) not only are we pretty much doubling their private living area, but we are also placing value on their children; who have to share their parents love & attention daily, with children from very difficult backgrounds. Each addition will cost approximately $5,000. Mr. & Mrs. Crowell‘s generosity helped us begin the first addition, which as you can see is almost completed. We hope others too, will also feel led to make special donations to this worthy project.
Since this article was originally published in July of 2008, we’re happy to report that three extensions have been completed in the last year and 1/2. Tio Hugo, Tia Rosa and Dahlia only got to enjoy their extra space in Casa #1 for one year, but it is now being used by our newest Tios, who have two daughters ages 3 & 10.
Our next extension was added to casa #4, for Tio Teo, Tia Elsa and their sons Felix (14) and Thomas (12). This fine couple has been with CHI/RIN for five years and you can imagine what this additional space has meant to their family, especially their sons. Well, now that I think about it, since this is still an “all boys” house, it probably has meant the most to Tia Elsa … Moms, can you imagine living 24/6 with 13 males and sharing your only “private space” with a husband and two teen boys?
Our third extension was built onto casa # 5, (order of construction was based on seniority of the houseparent’s on staff at the time). It is now being enjoyed by Tio Jorge,Tia Lucy & their daughter Karen (11). Casa # 5 is our older teen boy’s home, and really shows how without these extensions our house parents would have no other choice than to share their 325 sq. ft. bed/living room with their own kids or be forced to put them in a bedroom with the RIN kids. Which in Karen’s case would obviously be a big problem, but in actuality would be a problem for any of our families, since:
- Most of our RIN children come from homes where abuse, both sexual and physical, was a factor. That is a harsh reality that must be faced in all Children’s Homes and the consequences are something that have to be dealt with and monitored continuously.
- The children of the house parents really are “forced” to share so much of themselves; they are removed from their own homes and relatives, they have to share their parents love and time with so many others, they can’t wear or eat many things their parents would have permitted before they came to the home, since “it’s not on our menu”, or “we don’t have enough for everybody”.
I know I may have gotten off on a tangent, but when Randall and I were house parents/directors at RIN 10 years ago, we didn’t have any children of our own. Now we are blessed to have a son, Benjamin (4) and this has really given us a new perspective on the sacrifices that our house parents and their children make. As a ministry to children, we must care about these children too and realize that as an organization, we have a responsibility to strengthen and facilitate the bond with their loving, caring, self-sacrificing parents who Lord willing, will always remain a part of their lives. These additions give us a “concrete” way to help do so – pun definitely intended!
Please remember them in a special way when you pray for our RIN children. For as I’ve said before, THEY are the hands and feet that provide our loving Christian care! And, please let us know if you can help us with Project Makeover mi Casita and get the last two extensions done. Tio Mariano and Tia Sylvia in casa # 2 already have the “concrete block shell” we just need to put on the roof and do the interior work. ($3000 approx.)
-Betsy Chacon
Please go to the RIN tab to read more about our fabulous house parents (link to follow)
To read more about Project Makeover mi Casita please visit our ”How to help page” (link to follow)
