Dynamic. Inspirational. Encouraging.
Helping Disabled Children Living in Mexico’s Extreme Poverty
Helping Disabled Children Living
in Mexico’s Extreme Poverty
On January 21, 2024, I embarked on a heartfelt journey to Puerto Vallarta, where I lent a helping hand to a family facing immense challenges.
Meet Hanna, the brave little girl in these photos. Born prematurely at just 31 weeks, Hanna battles with breathing difficulties and is currently fighting double pneumonia. Tragically, her twin sister couldn’t make it, leaving her family engulfed in sorrow.
Their living conditions are far from ideal, situated perilously close to an old dumpsite. Despite their tireless efforts to secure a small piece of land and gather some basic building materials, building a safe home seems like a distant dream at their current pace.
I am committed to raising funds to turn this dream into a reality for Hanna’s family. I’ve kickstarted this mission with the first $1,000. Now, I turn to you for support. Will you join me in this cause? Your donations are not only greatly appreciated but also tax deductible.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has already contributed. We are already less than $5,000 away from our goal! I am thrilled to announce that construction efforts kicked off during Easter week.
For more details or to lend your support, please don’t hesitate to directly message me. Beyond financial aid, your prayers for those suffering in Puerto Vallarta are invaluable and deeply needed.
Shari
Three ways to make a US tax deductible donation:
- Make your check out to Christs Church and write Hanna’s House in the note section. Mail it to:
c/o Shari Fitzpatrick
PO Box 243
Somerset, CA 95684
A tax receipt will be sent to the name and address on the check. - Pay via Venmo here. Put “Hanna’s House” in the What’s this for? section along with your name and mailing address for tax receipt.
- Pay via Zelle. The account number is 5309573341. Put “Hanna’s House” in the note section along with your name and mailing address for tax receipt.
For more information on groups that are helping those living in extreme poverty in Puerto Vallarta, visit: New Beginnings Mexico and Pasitos de Luz.
Make a Difference
Donate to Pasitos de Luz & CASA Connor today! Please specify in the comments section of PayPal and on ALL donations "Pasitos de Luz/BNB." This helps us track our efforts.
Make a Difference
Donate to Pasitos de Luz & CASA Connor today! Please specify in the comments section of PayPal and on ALL donations "Pasitos de Luz/BNB." This helps us track our efforts.
Little Steps to the Light
I took this photo at the entrance of Casa Connor. Please note the English translation of Pasitos De Luz here: “Little Steps to the light.” This artwork depicts my friend Teena’s grandson, Connor, walking with Jesus in heaven.
Little Steps to the Light
I took this photo at the entrance of Casa Connor. Please note the English translation of Pasitos De Luz here: “Little Steps to the light.” This artwork depicts my friend Teena’s grandson, Connor, walking with Jesus in heaven.
Pasitos/CASA Connor in Action
Pasitos/CASA Connor in Action
How I Discovered My Passion for Puerto Vallarta
The Second Special Vera in My Life
A few years ago, I read a story about children in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico that lived in the dump. I couldn’t stop thinking about it and needed to know if it was true. I began to do some research and blindly went on my first discovery trip to my beloved PV along with toys, candy and toothbrushes for 100 kids. Because of the relationships and information I acquired online before my trip, I was able to hit the ground running my first morning there.
Through a downtown church pastor, I was introduced to a lady named Vera. She was interrupted and pulled out of her morning Bible study session to come out and meet me. I couldn’t believe how clearly God was lighting up my path, to help Him to do His work. He conveniently dropped a unique lady into my life, with a name equally special. All of my childhood, I had been called “little Vera” after my maternal grandmother.
During the next week, I would visit and start directly supporting several families, including those living at the dump. It was profound. Never again could I look at my beloved Puerto Vallarta the same way. I had found my new passion.
“Over decades, Vera Faulk has become a one-woman charitable institution for the kids who live around the dump at Puerto Vallarta in Mexico.”
Video courtesy of The News Tribune of Tacoma, Washington; interview by Peter Haley on August 30, 2018.
“Over decades, Vera Faulk has become a one-woman charitable institution for the kids who live around the dump at Puerto Vallarta in Mexico.”
Video courtesy of The News Tribune of Tacoma, Washington; interview by Peter Haley on August 30, 2018.
“Over decades, Vera Faulk has become a one-woman charitable institution for the kids who live around the dump at Puerto Vallarta in Mexico.”
Video courtesy of The News Tribune of Tacoma, Washington; interview by Peter Haley on August 30, 2018.
The FIRST Vera In My Life
I think Grannie had such a big effect on me because we were so alike. Everyone noticed it – in fact I used to be called “Little Vera.” For one thing, I looked just like her. We’re the only two in the family with fair skin and blue eyes.
“Watch your pennies, Shari,” she told me many times. “Then you won’t have to worry about the dollars. They will be there.” I listened to her because, like me, Grannie had a feeling for money. She too liked the way it built up over time. This lesson that I learned from her has stuck with me all my life.
— excerpt from Berried In Chocolate by Shari Fitzpatrick, pg. 43
The FIRST Vera In My Life
I think Grannie had such a big effect on me because we were so alike. Everyone noticed it – in fact I used to be called “Little Vera.” For one thing, I looked just like her. We’re the only two in the family with fair skin and blue eyes.
“Watch your pennies, Shari,” she told me many times. “Then you won’t have to worry about the dollars. They will be there.” I listened to her because, like me, Grannie had a feeling for money. She too liked the way it built up over time. This lesson that I learned from her has stuck with me all my life.
— excerpt from Berried In Chocolate by Shari Fitzpatrick, pg. 43
The FIRST Vera In My Life
I think Grannie had such a big effect on me because we were so alike. Everyone noticed it – in fact I used to be called “Little Vera.” For one thing, I looked just like her. We’re the only two in the family with fair skin and blue eyes.
“Watch your pennies, Shari,” she told me many times. “Then you won’t have to worry about the dollars. They will be there.” I listened to her because, like me, Grannie had a feeling for money. She too liked the way it built up over time. This lesson that I learned from her has stuck with me all my life.
— excerpt from Berried In Chocolate by Shari Fitzpatrick, pg. 43
Make a Difference
Donate to Pasitos de Luz & CASA Connor today! Please specify in the comments section of PayPal and on ALL donations "Pasitos de Luz/BNB." This helps us track our efforts.
Make a Difference
Donate to Pasitos de Luz & CASA Connor today! Please specify in the comments section of PayPal and on ALL donations "Pasitos de Luz/BNB." This helps us track our efforts.
Supporting Pasitos de Luz
Vera introduced me to Pasitos de Luz, another WONDERFUL organization in Puerto Vallarta. It’s another amazing effort in PV, and as a non-profit it can provide a tax deductible receipt. The primary mission of Pasitos de Luz is to support low-income families with free daycare for their disabled children. This a civil association in Banderas Bay. It is a registered non-profit organization founded by mothers of disabled children to achieve their therapeutic, psychological, nutritional, educational, and basic needs.
“Imagine a single mother who lives on the breadline trying to take care of little girl with cerebral palsy while also supporting three other children. Then imagine that this whole family lives in a single room constructed from corrugated iron and cardboard. Pasitos enables this family to survive.”
— “Making a Difference,” Pasitos de Luz
My favorite Casa Connor visitor is Xochiti. (See below for photos of her!)
Nurses travel from all over and donate their time and TLC.
Instead of lying on a dirty mattress on the floor of a pallet fort on the edge of the dump… Kids are experiencing joy, fed nourishing meals, and learning to walk.
Supporting Pasitos de Luz
Vera introduced me to Pasitos de Luz, another WONDERFUL organization in Puerto Vallarta. It’s another amazing effort in PV, and as a non-profit it can provide a tax deductible receipt. The primary mission of Pasitos de Luz is to support low-income families with free daycare for their disabled children. This a civil association in Banderas Bay. It is a registered non-profit organization founded by mothers of disabled children to achieve their therapeutic, psychological, nutritional, educational, and basic needs.
“Imagine a single mother who lives on the breadline trying to take care of little girl with cerebral palsy while also supporting three other children. Then imagine that this whole family lives in a single room constructed from corrugated iron and cardboard. Pasitos enables this family to survive.”
— “Making a Difference,” Pasitos de Luz
My favorite Casa Connor visitor is Xochiti. (See below for photos of her!)
Nurses travel from all over and donate their time and TLC.
Instead of lying on a dirty mattress on the floor of a pallet fort on the edge of the dump… Kids are experiencing joy, fed nourishing meals, and learning to walk.
Make a Difference
Donate to Pasitos de Luz & CASA Connor today! Please specify in the comments section of PayPal and on ALL donations "Pasitos de Luz/BNB." This helps us track our efforts.
Make a Difference
Donate to Pasitos de Luz & CASA Connor today! Please specify in the comments section of PayPal and on ALL donations "Pasitos de Luz/BNB." This helps us track our efforts.
Another Way to Show Your Support
When you stay at Shari’s Bed and Berries, you support Boys and Berries Ministry. Spend your next vacation at her beautiful property in California’s Fairplay Wine Region, and contribute to the children of Puerto Vallarta at the same time!
Another Way to Show Your Support
When you stay at Shari’s Bed and Berries, you support Boys and Berries Ministry. Spend your next vacation at her beautiful property in California’s Fairplay Wine Region, and contribute to the children of Puerto Vallarta at the same time!
Another Way to Show Your Support
When you stay at Shari’s Bed and Berries, you support Boys and Berries Ministry. Spend your next vacation at her beautiful property in California’s Fairplay Wine Region, and contribute to the children of Puerto Vallarta at the same time!
