Vida Joven de Mexico is a foster home/orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico that loves, protects and educates up to 35 children who have been abandoned, abused and neglected. With an enormous outpouring of support from the St. Paul’s community and beyond, the program has been delivering on this promise since 2006. For many years the fundraising mechanism in the US has been known as Dorcas House and the successes, measured in lives impacted across the border, have been numerous. Appropriately on Valentine’s Day in 2015 during Diocesan Convention, the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego voted to formally support Vida Joven/Dorcas House. Thus a non-profit was born and has thrived in its independence.
Due to the on-line nature of our operations and the wide-spread geographic makeup of our board of directors, it has become clear that maintaining an office for Vida Joven is an unnecessary luxury. Our monthly board meetings are now held exclusively at Good Sam in University City, due to its relative ease of access for many board members. In fairly short order a new mail receiving system has been set up and a few file drawers and shelves have been carved out in a home office and, Voila! Vida Joven, while evolving operationally, stays much the same!
We will continue to receive some mail going forward through the Cathedral office. With regular (but less frequent) trips to Bankers Hill, coinciding with a weekly deposit at our bank in Hillcrest and occasional meetings in the area, our close relationship with the Cathedral will continue as we evolve ever farther away from the original home base. Our ability to grow and expand has been possible due to that connectedness for which we are grateful.
I remain a member of the St. Paul’s community through all of these changes - active in the choir and on the Finance and Endowment committees – so my ability to directly serve the Cathedral if/when necessary will not change. These are exciting times in the life of Vida Joven de Mexico as we continue to pursue a better life for the children in our care in Mexico.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support,
Elizabeth Carey
Director of Operations
Vida Joven de Mexico
Showing posts with label Dorcas House. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dorcas House. Show all posts
Thursday, April 20, 2017
Sunday, October 16, 2016
The Sunday Sermon: Vida Joven Day

These six words, the mission statement of our cathedral, also encompass our purpose here today. For we are celebrating Vida Joven de Mexico, our foster home in Tijuana, MX. We support Vida Joven to love, protect and educate some 30 - 35 children. These children have been abandoned, either because their parents are in prison, or incapacitated by drugs. Last year I talked about one of our kids, Rosario, who arrived at the casa having wandered the streets of Tijuana at a very young age, all alone at 2 o’clock in the morning . Now Rosario is doing well, has new glasses, has caught up to her peers socially and loves school. Just one of our success stories, which include housing and educating these kids, and even sending three of our older girls to University.
It is thanks to Stephen Velez-Confer and many others, some of whom are here today, that Vida Joven exists at all. The devoted and dedicated people who had started the house by sheltering a number of kids who were incarcerated with their parents in prison, had run out of steam and fundraising ideas, and wanted to retire. The house was in danger of closing, until, as our former dean Scott said, “I sent a van load of bleeding heart clergy and sharp pencilled business people down to assess the situation. They came back saying, ‘after much prayer we have determined that we must take this on.’ ” So we did, and now we celebrate.
Today’s celebrations include a forum in which Beth Beall, our program director, will show us life at the home, through pictures and discussion, followed by a q&a session led by Silvia, our house director and chair of the Mexican board of directors. Sylvia’s niece, Marcia, will join us in the pulpit in a few minutes to tell us about the work of the past year, and where we hope to go from here. And Amy Dagman has worked all year with the children to produce a wonderful art show, located in the sixth ave courtyard, near the Guild room. The art is for sale. Finally, there will be great food, both at the forum and after the 10:30 service. So today we have a fiesta in honor of Vida Joven and its mission.
The mission of the home is to love, protect, and educate every child who comes to Vida Joven. Some have called Vida Joven, formerly known as Dorcas House, our flagship outreach project. For ten years now, we, and many others throughout the diocese and beyond, have worked to ensure its viability. It takes much work, persistence and a lot of prayer to keep our home open.
And our Gospel today focuses upon the importance of two things: prayer and persistence. “Jesus told his disciples a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart.” The parable is a call for us to be persistent in prayer and action. After all, the annoying widow pushed and pushed until the judge finally threw up his hands and granted her what she wanted. The widow’s persistence alone seemingly leads the judge to act justly. But Jesus indicates that God is the unseen actor. “Will not God grant justice for his chosen ones who cry to him day and night?” (Luke 18:7).
The point is that only God can bring about justice in an unjust world. That is why we must pray and not give up in our work. As we contemplate our own prayer habits, let’s look at some prayers written by the children of Vida Joven.
Jesus argues, if an unjust judge can be moved by persistent petitions to help a stranger for whom he has no regard, how much more "will God help his own chosen ones who cry to him day and night!”
Lord, I ask that you cleanse our hearts.
Lord, I ask that you give us one more day of life and strength.
The Lord loves you, and I love you.
Dear God, watch over Silvia.
The Lord calms our pain.
Lord have mercy on those who need you.
Lord I call on you for the Mothers of the House. I love them.
Lord bless our families.
To my family, I love you very much.
Heal with much love.
Therefore, always pray and don't lose heart.
So this parable is intended to be an encouragement for us to pray continually and persist in our work.
Now, I would like to introduce Marcia Laborin, Sylvia’s niece, who will tell you more about the wonderful work of Vida Joven, but before I do, I ask you to remember: In Tijuana
6,000 children live on the streetVida Joven is changing those horrific numbers, one child at a time.
80,000 do not attend school
400 used to live with their parents in prison
Jeremiah 31:27-34, Psalm 119:97-104, Luke 18:1-8
The Rev. Canon Joan Butler Ford
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
You're invited to A Little Miracle
You're invited to A LITTLE MIRACLE...

a Bollywood-themed fundraising event to benefit Karely & all of the Vida Joven children! (Indian cuisine; Indian-style apparel welcomed)
Saturday, April 9, 6:30-9:00 p.m. 4626 Barrington Ct. , Bonita CA (outdoor event at private home; ample street parking)
Seating is limited to 100 persons. Please purchase your $50 ticket online at http://weblink.donorperfect.com/ALittleMiracle.
Questions? Contact Elizabeth Carey at 619-786-4387.

a Bollywood-themed fundraising event to benefit Karely & all of the Vida Joven children! (Indian cuisine; Indian-style apparel welcomed)
Saturday, April 9, 6:30-9:00 p.m. 4626 Barrington Ct. , Bonita CA (outdoor event at private home; ample street parking)
Seating is limited to 100 persons. Please purchase your $50 ticket online at http://weblink.donorperfect.com/ALittleMiracle.
Questions? Contact Elizabeth Carey at 619-786-4387.
Sunday, September 27, 2015
The Sunday Sermon: Vida Joven (Dorcas House)
Jesus said "take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,and I will give you rest. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Today we are celebrating the lives of the children in our foster home in Tjuana, MX. Formerly called “Dorcas House”, we are now making the transition to the name Vida Joven de Mexico, in order to respect our friends on both sides of the border. We are delighted to have Sylvia Laborin, our director, Victor, associate director, and house psychologist, and Yolanda, one of our house moms with us today. You will hear from Sylvia in a few minutes.
As we review the message of Matthew’s gospel today, we see that the poor and needy; the weary and heavy-ladened, may come to Jesus Christ and live in hope. (Matthew 11:28-30). No one is too young; no one is too old: no one is too great a sinner. Jesus is full of mercy, and all who come shall find peace. But HOW should we come and find the peace which he has promised to all, and take up the yoke which all have found to be light?
One day, I found at least a partial answer. When I was at graduate school, I happened to walk by Stanford’s Memorial Church. There was a sign advertising a hymn sing, so I decided to drop in. At 7:30 in the morning there were only a few people present. As I wended my way to the hymn sing, I realized that in conjunction with the hymns, there was also a little service going on. The theme of the day, posted in a sign, stated that “misery is optional”. Of course I wondered what that was all about, so I joined the service, and heard the passage that we just heard from Matthew. After this, several people got up and addressed the "misery is optional" theme.
One person talked about a very difficult recovery from alcoholism, and how that passage had compelled him to hand his recovery over to the Lord. It continued to be a struggle for him, not an easy answer by any means, but little by little he felt that he was able to deal with his addiction, and begin to feel freer to live the life he loved.
Others talked about challenging life events, such as as divorce or death of a spouse, losing a job. They all agreed that their burdens, while still very much with them, were eased by turning them over to God, knowing that God's love surrounds them always. As Pope Francis recently tweeted: “When everything falls apart, only one thing sustains our hope: God loves us, he loves everyone!"
And speaking of God's love surrounding us, I would like to introduce you to Rosario.
This is a story told by our Vida Joven program director, Beth Beall, at another event. I felt that it is too good not to share, with her permission.
Rosario is a little 7 year old girl who lives in Tijuana, at Vida Joven de Mexico. Vida Joven literally translates to Young Life, and the home represents a haven for children whose parents are incarcerated or otherwise unable to care for their kids. Rosario has a lot of problems, primarily physical, but also emotional, which renders her very shy. As a result, although surrounded by children, Rosario has few real friends.
One day, something arrived for her in the mail. For the longest time she looked at the envelope, pressed it to her chest, not able to believe that someone had actually sent her something. Finally, after some gentle prodding, Rosario opened the envelope. Inside was a card, from which a photo fell out. The photo was that of Rosario and her new friend, a priest from St. Paul’s Cathedral in San Diego, who is now her sponsor and pen pal. As Rosario’s reading skills aren’t yet very well developed, a staff member read the contents of the card to her.
After that, Rosario stood, carefully put the card and photo back in the envelope, headed for the nearest house mother and said “I have a card!” She proudly showed off the card and photo. Then, just as before, Rosario carefully put the card and picture back in the envelope. She then went outside and repeated the joyful “I have a card” to each of the children and adults present, while tucking the card and photo back in the envelope ever so carefully after each showing. It was a miracle to behold the joy exhibited from one who had so little to one who suddenly and unexpectedly received the biggest gift possible, a gift of love and acceptance.
This was a joy heretofore never seen in this tremendously shy, socially disadvantaged child. It was as though a light had come into her life. This child had nothing; her parents are incarcerated and she was found wandering the streets at night, all alone at age 2. Now she had acknowledgement that her life mattered, that she was someone, not just a nobody in the midst of 35 other children.
Her burden had been eased, her life has been changed by that one loving act, and the acceptance of her peers and adults that mattered to her. Yes, God's love surrounded Rosario and all of us that witnessed the event. For the moment anyway, Rosario's burdens were, if not eliminated, certainly lightened.
It has been through the help and love of Vida Joven de Mexico that Rosario has recovered sufficiently to be able to understand the importance of that card in her young life. And at Vida Joven, we try to follow as best we can, the precepts embodied in the Matthew reading, that is, “Misery is optional”. We need your help in order to carry on the work of our home. These are not just kids from some place in Mexico, not just children whose pictures we may see from time to time on Facebook. These kids are our kids, and our responsibility. As Pope Francis said recently, “We CAN make a difference!” So please help make a difference to Rosario, Karely, Daniel, Isabel and ALL the children at Vida Joven whenever you can.
The Rev Canon Joan Butler Ford
Today we are celebrating the lives of the children in our foster home in Tjuana, MX. Formerly called “Dorcas House”, we are now making the transition to the name Vida Joven de Mexico, in order to respect our friends on both sides of the border. We are delighted to have Sylvia Laborin, our director, Victor, associate director, and house psychologist, and Yolanda, one of our house moms with us today. You will hear from Sylvia in a few minutes.
As we review the message of Matthew’s gospel today, we see that the poor and needy; the weary and heavy-ladened, may come to Jesus Christ and live in hope. (Matthew 11:28-30). No one is too young; no one is too old: no one is too great a sinner. Jesus is full of mercy, and all who come shall find peace. But HOW should we come and find the peace which he has promised to all, and take up the yoke which all have found to be light?
One day, I found at least a partial answer. When I was at graduate school, I happened to walk by Stanford’s Memorial Church. There was a sign advertising a hymn sing, so I decided to drop in. At 7:30 in the morning there were only a few people present. As I wended my way to the hymn sing, I realized that in conjunction with the hymns, there was also a little service going on. The theme of the day, posted in a sign, stated that “misery is optional”. Of course I wondered what that was all about, so I joined the service, and heard the passage that we just heard from Matthew. After this, several people got up and addressed the "misery is optional" theme.
One person talked about a very difficult recovery from alcoholism, and how that passage had compelled him to hand his recovery over to the Lord. It continued to be a struggle for him, not an easy answer by any means, but little by little he felt that he was able to deal with his addiction, and begin to feel freer to live the life he loved.
Others talked about challenging life events, such as as divorce or death of a spouse, losing a job. They all agreed that their burdens, while still very much with them, were eased by turning them over to God, knowing that God's love surrounds them always. As Pope Francis recently tweeted: “When everything falls apart, only one thing sustains our hope: God loves us, he loves everyone!"
And speaking of God's love surrounding us, I would like to introduce you to Rosario.
This is a story told by our Vida Joven program director, Beth Beall, at another event. I felt that it is too good not to share, with her permission.
Rosario is a little 7 year old girl who lives in Tijuana, at Vida Joven de Mexico. Vida Joven literally translates to Young Life, and the home represents a haven for children whose parents are incarcerated or otherwise unable to care for their kids. Rosario has a lot of problems, primarily physical, but also emotional, which renders her very shy. As a result, although surrounded by children, Rosario has few real friends.
One day, something arrived for her in the mail. For the longest time she looked at the envelope, pressed it to her chest, not able to believe that someone had actually sent her something. Finally, after some gentle prodding, Rosario opened the envelope. Inside was a card, from which a photo fell out. The photo was that of Rosario and her new friend, a priest from St. Paul’s Cathedral in San Diego, who is now her sponsor and pen pal. As Rosario’s reading skills aren’t yet very well developed, a staff member read the contents of the card to her.
After that, Rosario stood, carefully put the card and photo back in the envelope, headed for the nearest house mother and said “I have a card!” She proudly showed off the card and photo. Then, just as before, Rosario carefully put the card and picture back in the envelope. She then went outside and repeated the joyful “I have a card” to each of the children and adults present, while tucking the card and photo back in the envelope ever so carefully after each showing. It was a miracle to behold the joy exhibited from one who had so little to one who suddenly and unexpectedly received the biggest gift possible, a gift of love and acceptance.
This was a joy heretofore never seen in this tremendously shy, socially disadvantaged child. It was as though a light had come into her life. This child had nothing; her parents are incarcerated and she was found wandering the streets at night, all alone at age 2. Now she had acknowledgement that her life mattered, that she was someone, not just a nobody in the midst of 35 other children.
Her burden had been eased, her life has been changed by that one loving act, and the acceptance of her peers and adults that mattered to her. Yes, God's love surrounded Rosario and all of us that witnessed the event. For the moment anyway, Rosario's burdens were, if not eliminated, certainly lightened.
It has been through the help and love of Vida Joven de Mexico that Rosario has recovered sufficiently to be able to understand the importance of that card in her young life. And at Vida Joven, we try to follow as best we can, the precepts embodied in the Matthew reading, that is, “Misery is optional”. We need your help in order to carry on the work of our home. These are not just kids from some place in Mexico, not just children whose pictures we may see from time to time on Facebook. These kids are our kids, and our responsibility. As Pope Francis said recently, “We CAN make a difference!” So please help make a difference to Rosario, Karely, Daniel, Isabel and ALL the children at Vida Joven whenever you can.
The Rev Canon Joan Butler Ford
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
The Sunday Sermon: Our Mission at Dorcas House
Acts 9:36-42; Philippians 2:1-13; Psalm 25: 1-8; Matthew 21:23-32
In the name of God: Creator, Redeemer And Sanctifier. Amen
As you know, this weekend is devoted to sharing the art work, writings and lives of the children of Dorcas House, the foster home in Tijuana supported by us, and people both within and outside of the Episcopal church. The art project led by Amy Dagman and a great art team, is the next best thing to being with the children. This year’s theme is “Life Together”. Here are a few of the things the kids have written about the meaning of community life to them.
The story of Dorcas House is one of love. The story of Dorcas/ Tabitha in Acts is also one of love. Luke, the writer of Luke- Acts, tells the story of Dorcas, a disciple brought back to life after prayer from the apostle Peter.
In seven verses, Luke presents Dorcas as much loved, and the miracle of her return to life leads many to believe (v. 42). Luke introduces her with a double name: Tabitha and Dorcas (v. 36). The names, in Aramaic and Greek, mean gazelle. Luke’s description of Dorcas makes it easy to imagine her home as welcoming, open and full of people. Luke indicates that Dorcas’s home functioned as a community center for believers. She may well have presided over a house church in her home.
Dorcas is one of many New Testament women who, once converted to the new faith, set about building a community. This is a very short story, and we only get a glimpse of who this beloved disciple really is. The main thing we know about Dorcas is that “she was always doing good and helping the poor” (v. 36). we also find out that Dorcas was a seamstress and that she used her talent with needle and thread to make clothes for the impoverished widows in her community. It is obvious throughout this passage that Dorcas is quite loved. What are some things we learn from the life of Dorcas? First of all, we see her love for the poor. Jesus says in Matthew 26:11, “The poor you will always have with you” and therefore there will always be opportunities to respond to or ignore the poor in our midst. Dorcas chose to respond. We too have chosen to respond, and here's the story:
In the words of our former dean, Scott Richardson, here’s how it happened: “Our Canon for Hispanic ministry first visited Dorcas House to share an art program with the girls there. When she returned she told me about their plight; after ten years of solid work, the original founders had come to the end of the road. They were tired. Other demands and desires pressed in on them. Unless new sponsors could be found, the house would close and the children would be dispersed". The dean added: “I immediately sent a van load of bleeding heart clergy and sharp pencil business people down to do an assessment. They came back to say that, in their opinion , “we not only could do this but we must.” as a result, our cathedral chapter and congregation took on primary responsibility for this ministry over eight years ago.
The late Stephen Velez-Confer was one of the sharp pencil business people in that van, and he devoted what was left of his too short life to seeing that Dorcas House succeed. Our executive director, Sylvia Laborin, and her staff have responded in a big way to ensure that Dorcas House is a home that provides full- time care ( housing, clothing, food, education, medical attention, and lots of love) to around 40 children whose parents are incarcerated in Mexican jails and prisons, or in trouble with drugs. Sylvia is with us today with some of her family, and you will be hearing from her in a few minutes. Another member of the staff, Victor, is also with us today. Victor is a psychologist, and we are extremely fortunate to have him care for the mental health of the children, and to provide a fatherly role model for the children.
Dorcas used her creative skills as a seamstress to care for the poor. Think about what skills you may have that can be used to serve the children of Dorcas House. After all, God asks each of us to be faithful with the resources and talents we have been given.
We have medical/dental teams that go to Dorcas house about 4 times a year, we have trips that go down to the house once a month, some of them with themes, such as Mother’s and Father's day, or a Halloween party. Other times we just hang out, read to and play with the kids. I can guarantee that once you make the trip your lives will be transformed.
Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” (mt 14). And as we heard in Philippians, “Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (v.13)
So, think about this as you work for God’s “good pleasure”:
In Tijuana
Dorcas House is changing those horrific numbers, one child at a time.
Now, we especially welcome Sylvia to share some of her experiences with us.
The Rev Canon Joan Butler Ford
In the name of God: Creator, Redeemer And Sanctifier. Amen
As you know, this weekend is devoted to sharing the art work, writings and lives of the children of Dorcas House, the foster home in Tijuana supported by us, and people both within and outside of the Episcopal church. The art project led by Amy Dagman and a great art team, is the next best thing to being with the children. This year’s theme is “Life Together”. Here are a few of the things the kids have written about the meaning of community life to them.
My name is Yajaira and I am 12 years old. Dorcas House/Vida Joven has been my home for three years. I am awaiting a liver transplant. Because I am on a special diet and take lots of medication, I don’t go to school. Instead, a special teacher comes to work with me at the home twice a week. I hope to finish elementary school this year. I’d like to be healthier so that I could go to school with the other kids. Both of my parents are dead. I have sisters but they don’t come to visit me. For me, “Life Together” means that I have many sisters and brothers. It means that I have a special teacher who is helping me learn to read and write. I love my family.
My name is Karely and I am 7 years old. I am in 2nd grade. Dorcas House/Vida Joven is now my home for the second time. I was here in 2011, and then I came back in 2013. My mom died in a car accident and I lost my right arm in that accident. My father never comes to visit me. I have a little brother and I miss him very much. For me, “Life Together” means learning together every day. I am very happy because soon I will get my new right arm.
My name is Eduardo and I am 4 years old. I am in Kindergarten. Dorcas House/Vida Joven has been my home for nine months. I was abandoned by my mother and adopted by a family, but that family abused me. Social services brought me to Dorcas House/Vida Joven. At first I cried all the time and did not speak to anyone. Now you can see how happy I am For me, “Life Together” means “fun.” We have parties and we share candy and cake.
The story of Dorcas House is one of love. The story of Dorcas/ Tabitha in Acts is also one of love. Luke, the writer of Luke- Acts, tells the story of Dorcas, a disciple brought back to life after prayer from the apostle Peter.
In seven verses, Luke presents Dorcas as much loved, and the miracle of her return to life leads many to believe (v. 42). Luke introduces her with a double name: Tabitha and Dorcas (v. 36). The names, in Aramaic and Greek, mean gazelle. Luke’s description of Dorcas makes it easy to imagine her home as welcoming, open and full of people. Luke indicates that Dorcas’s home functioned as a community center for believers. She may well have presided over a house church in her home.
Dorcas is one of many New Testament women who, once converted to the new faith, set about building a community. This is a very short story, and we only get a glimpse of who this beloved disciple really is. The main thing we know about Dorcas is that “she was always doing good and helping the poor” (v. 36). we also find out that Dorcas was a seamstress and that she used her talent with needle and thread to make clothes for the impoverished widows in her community. It is obvious throughout this passage that Dorcas is quite loved. What are some things we learn from the life of Dorcas? First of all, we see her love for the poor. Jesus says in Matthew 26:11, “The poor you will always have with you” and therefore there will always be opportunities to respond to or ignore the poor in our midst. Dorcas chose to respond. We too have chosen to respond, and here's the story:
In the words of our former dean, Scott Richardson, here’s how it happened: “Our Canon for Hispanic ministry first visited Dorcas House to share an art program with the girls there. When she returned she told me about their plight; after ten years of solid work, the original founders had come to the end of the road. They were tired. Other demands and desires pressed in on them. Unless new sponsors could be found, the house would close and the children would be dispersed". The dean added: “I immediately sent a van load of bleeding heart clergy and sharp pencil business people down to do an assessment. They came back to say that, in their opinion , “we not only could do this but we must.” as a result, our cathedral chapter and congregation took on primary responsibility for this ministry over eight years ago.
The late Stephen Velez-Confer was one of the sharp pencil business people in that van, and he devoted what was left of his too short life to seeing that Dorcas House succeed. Our executive director, Sylvia Laborin, and her staff have responded in a big way to ensure that Dorcas House is a home that provides full- time care ( housing, clothing, food, education, medical attention, and lots of love) to around 40 children whose parents are incarcerated in Mexican jails and prisons, or in trouble with drugs. Sylvia is with us today with some of her family, and you will be hearing from her in a few minutes. Another member of the staff, Victor, is also with us today. Victor is a psychologist, and we are extremely fortunate to have him care for the mental health of the children, and to provide a fatherly role model for the children.
Dorcas used her creative skills as a seamstress to care for the poor. Think about what skills you may have that can be used to serve the children of Dorcas House. After all, God asks each of us to be faithful with the resources and talents we have been given.
We have medical/dental teams that go to Dorcas house about 4 times a year, we have trips that go down to the house once a month, some of them with themes, such as Mother’s and Father's day, or a Halloween party. Other times we just hang out, read to and play with the kids. I can guarantee that once you make the trip your lives will be transformed.
Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” (mt 14). And as we heard in Philippians, “Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (v.13)
So, think about this as you work for God’s “good pleasure”:
In Tijuana
- 6,000 children live on the street
- 80,000 do not attend school
- 400 used to live with their parents in prison
Dorcas House is changing those horrific numbers, one child at a time.
Now, we especially welcome Sylvia to share some of her experiences with us.
The Rev Canon Joan Butler Ford
Thursday, January 17, 2013
The Voices of Women: A Dorcas House Story

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Gabriela dancing at Dorcas House before she went to university |
Gabriela stayed at Dorcas House until her fourth semester at high school, when she was able to go back and live with her mother. She finished school and went on to study educational psychology at CESUN university in Tijuana. Helping Gabriela complete university was important to Dorcas House so they helped fund her university studies. Gabriela completed her degree in December and in January she will become Dorcas House’s first university graduate. If that was the end of this story it would be a great ending but it is only the beginning.
Gabriela is now looking for work as an educator working with special needs children. We recently caught up with Gabriela when she was at Dorcas House. Asked why she had come back she simply said “I never really left.” Today she comes back to the house to help Yajaira with her home schooling. Yajaira has been at Dorcas House for about a year and suffers from a liver condition that prevents her from going to school. Without the dedication and hard work of Gabriela she would not be able to read and write.
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Gabriela working with Yajaira on her reading skills. |
From all of the children of Dorcas House, ¡Gracias.
-Ezenwayi Amaechi
For more information on Dorcas House please: email info@dorcashousefriends.org ; visit our website at www.dorcashousefriends.org or join our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dorcashouse
Friday, January 11, 2013
We Three Kings …
As part St. Paul’s Cathedral and Episcopal Diocese tradition for over 5 years, the Three Kings visited the foster children, staff and neighbors of Dorcas House on Sunday, January 6th.
The Three Kings processed during the 10:30 am service on January 6th and were given a blessing by Rev. Canon Joan Butler Ford. Immediately afterwards along with other members of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego – Good Samaritan, Christ Church Coronado, St Bart's, and St Peter's, they traveled to Dorcas House in Tijuana, Mexico.
Upon everyone’s arrival, time was spent with the children, staff and guests; lunch was shared with all and then the family groups received their gifts from the Three Kings. Photos were taken which serve as momentos for the families which they will cherish. This tradition of celebrating the Three Kings day is very much alive in many cultures as in Mexico. Those of us from the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego are honored to share and participate with our friends at Dorcas House. For future trips to Dorcas House in 2013, watch for announcements on the St.Paul’s Cathedral or Dorcas House websites.
Emily Velez-Confer
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The Three Kings with Silvia and the children of Dorcas House |
The Three Kings processed during the 10:30 am service on January 6th and were given a blessing by Rev. Canon Joan Butler Ford. Immediately afterwards along with other members of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego – Good Samaritan, Christ Church Coronado, St Bart's, and St Peter's, they traveled to Dorcas House in Tijuana, Mexico.
Upon everyone’s arrival, time was spent with the children, staff and guests; lunch was shared with all and then the family groups received their gifts from the Three Kings. Photos were taken which serve as momentos for the families which they will cherish. This tradition of celebrating the Three Kings day is very much alive in many cultures as in Mexico. Those of us from the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego are honored to share and participate with our friends at Dorcas House. For future trips to Dorcas House in 2013, watch for announcements on the St.Paul’s Cathedral or Dorcas House websites.
Emily Velez-Confer
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Members of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego with the Three Kings |
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Dining for Dorcas

My partner, Roger Haenke, and I hosted the Dining for Dorcas Summer Garden dinner Saturday last week, Jul 31. We consider it to have been a huge success. We had never thrown a dinner party for 25 people before, at least not one where we were cooking everything ourselves! So we were a little stressed that we had so many coming over, expecting a gourmet meal. The guests were right to expect an excellent meal, because we had asked them to make a significant donation to Dorcas House in return for their supper!
It all started back in 2008 in Seattle. I met Roger there and we decided to bring our lives together. At the time, my father was ailing and I was offered an opportunity to move back to San Diego. Roger agreed to join me. As we discussed how life in San Diego might unfold, we both agreed that we wanted to do fund-raising activities in our own home. We both are avid cooks and love to entertain, so it seemed like a natural fit. In Seattle, we both attended St Mark's Cathedral, and Roger was received there. I had attended St Paul's in San Diego before having moved to Seattle. So when we came here, I told Roger I knew exactly where we should start going. I was received at St Paul's Easter 2009. But we still hadn't fulfilled our dream of fundraising while entertaining.
Then we started to learn about the children of Dorcas House. So how could we put this all together? And thus was born Dining for Dorcas. We envisioned inviting 8 people to our home and cooking them a scrumptious meal in return for their making a $125 donation to Dorcas House. We would provide the food, drink, and our time and effort,

Well, 8 people became 14 at the fist pilot dinner back in April! We simply don't have room for that many people around our table. But we are members of a Cathedral, miracles are part of our daily lives, right? Thanks to the carpentry skills of a certain Bishop we all know, we were able to expand our table with an extension, allowing us to accommodate 14.
For the Summer event, we wanted to do a Garden Party. Since it's usually warm, we thought we'd do the dinner in the back yard. This would allow us to invite more people. We ended up seating 18 people and had 5 helpers plating, serving, and cleaning.

Once everyone was eating, Chris Harris led a discussion of Dorcas House that got everyone talking about their experience at the Cathedral and with Dorcas House. Emily Velez-Confer gave an interesting and emotional account of her late husband's experience as the first Director for Dorcas House. We all sipped wine and had dessert as evening turned into night.
If you enjoy dining and the company of others in an intimate setting, why not sign up

This past Saturday went so smoothly. I commented to Terri Mathes that Dining for Dorcas seems to be taking on a life of its own. I really like the momentum we are seeing with this. "That's how it happens", she said. Many thanks go out to the following people, both within and outside the Cathedral, for their help in making this event happen:

Tables and chairs: Bob Oslie and Daniel McMillan.
Linens: Top Hat Catering
Serving: Dana Fillmore, Ossie Batista, Maria, Brooks Mason, Shawn Anderson
Until next time,
Jeff Bates.
Click on any picture for a closer view.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Good Friday Blindsided
I’m not quite sure where I am writing this from – somewhere over the pacific I guess. I was fully expecting to skip Good Friday this year – and with quite a valid reason. I am flying on a business trip to Australia. I took off from LAX on Thursday night and am due to land in Melbourne on Saturday morning. If I ever had a good excuse to not think about the crucifixion this would be the year. They say that Christ moves in mysterious ways, today I think he has a seat on QF94. On long flights I like to catch up on movies that I have missed. When Sandra Bullock won the Oscar for best actress I was horrified. Her acceptance speech seemed wrong, why should she win? She’s just a blond bombshell, Meryl Streep was much better in Julia and Julia. Now, I sit here watching the Blind Side and I realize that I was wrong. Bullock’s performance made me cry, the story made me think about my own values, it also made me ashamed that I had judged before seeing the film. The more I thought about how quick I was to form an opinion without all the facts the more I became away that this Good Friday I need to move out of my comfort zone and start doing something with my faith.
For me, I feel called to help to support Dorcas House in whatever way I can. Recently, Antonio and I have been on a couple of visits to Dorcas House. But now as I sit here I feel that Christ is calling for ME to do more. There is no resurrection without the crucifixion. I can’t conveniently get on a plane and skip the cross. Christ died for ME. And he calls ME to action. In the film, the Blind Side, Sandra Bullock’s character does something beyond living her life to the level expected of her by society. She moves her life out of her comfort zone.
Christ may have been crucified on a cross at Calvery but today His cross is calling ME to move out of my comfort zone for Dorcas House. I am not quite sure what that place outside of my comfort zone is. But I know that I MUST move into that zone.
Even when I try to wipe out Good Friday, even when I try and loose myself in a Holywood blockbuster. Christ chooses to take a seat next to me. I pray that the Christ will be with me, and give me the strength, conviction and faith to follow through on Christ’s call from the cross to me.
How foolish and small minded of me to think that a 747 would make for an easy Lenten season for me and who would of guessed that Christ was a frequent flyer. Maybe heaven’s advertising department is considering the phrase “we know why you fly”.
-Richard Lee
For me, I feel called to help to support Dorcas House in whatever way I can. Recently, Antonio and I have been on a couple of visits to Dorcas House. But now as I sit here I feel that Christ is calling for ME to do more. There is no resurrection without the crucifixion. I can’t conveniently get on a plane and skip the cross. Christ died for ME. And he calls ME to action. In the film, the Blind Side, Sandra Bullock’s character does something beyond living her life to the level expected of her by society. She moves her life out of her comfort zone.
Christ may have been crucified on a cross at Calvery but today His cross is calling ME to move out of my comfort zone for Dorcas House. I am not quite sure what that place outside of my comfort zone is. But I know that I MUST move into that zone.
Even when I try to wipe out Good Friday, even when I try and loose myself in a Holywood blockbuster. Christ chooses to take a seat next to me. I pray that the Christ will be with me, and give me the strength, conviction and faith to follow through on Christ’s call from the cross to me.
How foolish and small minded of me to think that a 747 would make for an easy Lenten season for me and who would of guessed that Christ was a frequent flyer. Maybe heaven’s advertising department is considering the phrase “we know why you fly”.
-Richard Lee
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