The Guadalajara Reporter

Wanted: Summer volunteers for Love in Action Mariposa Project

Spanish-speaking lakesiders who have talents for teaching swimming, dance or basic social skills, plus some free time on their hands and a yearning to lend a helping hand to disadvantaged youngsters fit the bill as new recruits for the Mariposa Project summer programs being lined up at Chapala’s Love in Action (LIA) Children’s Home.

LIA currently provides shelter to 38 children and teens who have suffered neglect, abuse or high-risk home environments and been channeled there for guardianship by the Jalisco Family Council and other state agencies.

The Mariposa Project, U.S. based non-profit organization, has already built a team of nine volunteers to operate auxiliary programs at LIA designed to meet the specials needs of kids who come from troubled backgrounds, helping them build social, cognitive and vocational skills they require to become healthy, productive adults.

Ongoing Mariposa Project volunteer services include pet parenting, plant care, craft and sewing workshops, along with team sports activities. The social connection program involves work with individual kids needing special help to achieve in a classroom environment and to develop trust with adults.

Program coordinator Bernandine Janzen is now seeking new assistants to keep the youngsters engaged in positive endeavors during the five-week July to August school vacation period. Her specific openings at the moment are for a swimming instructor to teach kids age four through 12, a dance teacher for girls 14 to 18 and three men to tackle one-on-one interaction with boys age seven to 12 in playing games and building safe friendships.     

For full details on volunteer opportunities contact Janzen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone (01-387) 761-0360. Learn more about the Mariposa Project by visiting www.gomariposa.org.