Frequently Asked Questions...
1. How many children currently live at GCH and what are their ages?
GCH is currently home to 30 children ranging in age from 5 to 14 years old. Some of these kids include children of staff members that live on site.2. Where do the children come from?
The children at GCH come from the Mexican Social Services (DIF). They have been pulled out of their current living situation for various reasons, namely abuse, neglect and abandonment. Often children come in sibling sets. GCH has a good report and works closely with the DIF.3. Can you tell me more about the individual backgrounds of the children?
Due to confidentiality restrictions, we can’t give specifics of each child. What we can tell you is that each child has suffered incredible odds. Thanks be to God, despite those odds they are all doing well and thriving at GCH.4. Are the children ever given back to the family?
The DIF works similarly to U.S. social services in that their goal is to restore families. If parents or extended family members can prove themselves able, children may go back. However, it is rare that GCH children are returned to family members.5. Can the children be adopted (U.S. or Mexican)?
It is our experience that adoption is very difficult, especially when it is international. We have received similar reports from other local orphanages. A few GCH children have been adopted by Mexican families, but GCH has not been able to have any input in the situation.6. How long can the children stay at GCH?
GCH is a home just like yours. Our doors are open for our children until they are mature adults. It is our commitment to help them, just as you would your own child. If our children want to go to college, trade school, seminary, or need some time to get started in their profession, we will support them.7. Where do the children go to school?
Currently 20 of our children attend a private bilingual school. The public schools in Mexico do not offer the best possible education. They are overcrowded and understaffed. They lack in funds, materials and resources. The classroom time in the public schools is about half of that in the private school. For this reason, it is our desire to see every child at GCH given the opportunity to attend the private school. Due to the generous hearts of several donors, every year we are able to send a few more children to the private school. If you are interested in giving a child from GCH this opportunity go to the donation page and select “school sponsorship”.8. How is Grace Children’s home funded?
GCH does not receive funding from the Mexican government. We operate completely on the donations of individuals, churches, and service organizations from North America. Our directors are missionaries supported by their churches, friends and family. Some of our staff members are volunteers from the local church who receive a weekly stipend – others are volunteers from North America who have raised support or provide their own funds to be able to serve here. We exist because of individuals like you who want to follow God’s command to take care of orphans and widows.9. Do I have to make my donation to YUGO Ministries, or can I make it out to Grace Children’s Home?
Grace Children’s Home is a YUGO ministry. Monetary donations should be made to YUGO Ministries. YUGO is a non-profit 501-3c organization. All gifts are tax deductable. When making a donation through YUGO, please CLEARLY designate that the gift is for GCH.10. How can I help?
a. Pray – Pray
for our children and our staff. Find the page of "our kids" and
print it out. Cut out the pictures and put them in a box on your
kitchen table. Each day at dinner pull out a few pictures and
pray for those kids. Pray for protection, healing, health, peace
& joy. Pray without ceasing. This is the greatest thing
you can do for our kids.
b. Sponsor a
Child – It takes 13 sponsors per child at $30 a month to cover the
daily operations and care at GCH. Currently none of our children
are %100 sponsored. If you are interested in sponsoring a child
go to the donate page and select “sponsor a child”.
c. Visit GCH –
Come share your time and talents with us at GCH. You can work with our
kids or you can work construction. Whatever your skills are, they can
be put to use here. For more information about planning a trip to GCH
go to the “visit us” page.
d. Donate – For a list of needed material items visit our “Current Needs” list. For ways in which you can donate financially visit our “donate” page.
d. Donate – For a list of needed material items visit our “Current Needs” list. For ways in which you can donate financially visit our “donate” page.
11. When will Grace Babies Home be open?
God has given us a clear vision for ministering to babies and seniors. We can move forward with that vision as the Lord brings the resources to do so. At the pace we are working now, we hope to be completed with the building by January 2011.12. How many children does GCH hope to house eventually?
Once the Baby Home is completed and Group Homes 3 & 4 are finished, GCH will someday house approximately 80 children and babies.13. Can I correspond with children or send gifts?
You may send correspondence or gifts to our children.YUGO Ministries
Attn: Grace Children’s Home, (child’s name)
301 W. 28th St. Suite L
National City, CA 91950