In this issue...

• Letter from the Executive Director
• A Reminder of Who We Are
• Educational Programs
• Healthcare Programs
• Special Thanks

uch of the time, our newsletters describe the positive changes in the lives of the children that benefit from our school or health care clinics. While these children are the focus of our organization, their lives are not the only lives that are touched in meaningful and miraculous ways by Case de Sara.

Our first “Sarita” ( see Sarita program information in this newsletter) is a seventeen-year-old girl, named Irene, who lives across the street from our school. Like most of the families in the community, Irene's family is poor, but they are very close-knit and loving. Her parents struggle to raise the family of four children, but they pull together to survive and dream of a better future for their children.

Last year, when Irene was chosen to become our first Sarita, she described it as “the opportunity of a lifetime.” As a Casa de Sara Sarita, Irene works from 7:30 am until mid-afternoon as a teacher's assistant. Then, she attends high school in the afternoon session. (Bolivian schools have up to three sessions a day). Her job with Casa de Sara allows her to earn money and learn a trade, without interrupting her education.

Through her hard work and positive attitude, Irene has quickly become an integral part of the Casa de Sara team in Bolivia. She has become a shining example for her community and for the children in our school. Through her work with Casa de Sara, she supports herself and< helps to support her family.

During my recent trip to Bolivia in February, Irene told me she has never been happier and she loves her job. She graduates high school in December, and for the first time in her life she dreams about going to college. She wants to study computers and then maybe continue her education to become a teacher herself. I'm pleased to announce that through the assistance of Casa de Sara's Sarita program, Irene will realize that dream next year as she continues her job with us and continues her higher education. She and her family are excited and very thankful. We are equally excited to be able to employ such a wonderful young woman.

In the future, as Casa de Sara grows, we hope to have more “Saritas” like Irene. We want to see more girls (and boys) have an opportunity to better themselves and their communities through a combination of hard work, community service, and higher learning.

As always, we thank you, the donors, for making this program possible. On behalf of Irene, I send you a very big hug and a very big, “Gracias.” Not only have you helped educate children and provided health care to needful communities, you have literally given a future to a very hardworking and deserving young woman! Because of your kindness, her dream will become a reality. We thank you for being a part of Casa de Sara, and we ask for your continued support in the important work that we do.

Lori Santoro,
Founder and Executive Director