SPONSOR A CHILD

Sponsoring a student that attends the Gaviota makes it possible for him to continue to receive all the services offered through the association. You will be assigned a specific child and you may choose how much you want to be involved through periodic reports of the child’s progress, pictures, letters and/or e-mails.

The estimated cost for each child that attends the Gaviota is $140.00 U.S. per month and established donations provide approximately 1/3 of the funding for each child. Full sponsorships are $90.00 per month but partial sponsorships can also be arranged through deposits to Labor of Love Association’s Bank of America account. One-time donations are also gladly accepted.

Contact us for further information on how to sponsor one of these special children.

FUNDING

APNMI and La Gaviota are supported by donations from foundations and individuals interested in improving the lives of persons with disabilities and fund-raising activities. The Gaviota is registered as a private school and as such receives no government funds. The school does not charge tuition because the majority of the students come from families of very limited means. However, the families work together making tamales, holding bazaars and selling food at special community events to raise funds for the maintenance of the Center.

A tax-deductible receipt for donations made to the Labor of Love Association is available. Please contact us via e-mail for more detailed information on how to made your donation.

ADULT SERVICES

In January 2003 Adult services were initiated with classes for adults with special challenges. The program was developed to provide on-going support for the children of La Gaviota as they mature and to reach adults with special challenges in the community.

Classes are given in ceramics, sewing, card-making, and other manual arts. Social activities, personal living skills and physical education are also integral parts of the program.

ADAPTED EQUIPMENT

An important part of APNMI services includes the distribution of wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, hospital beds, and other adapted devices for the improved care of persons with disabilities. The equipment is loaned to the patients with the understanding that it will be returned when no longer needed. The equipment is not sold, rented, or given away and most of the patients conscientiously return it. This equipment is fundamental to improve the quality of life for the individual and to facilitate integration in society.

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

When APNMI was established, its founders realized the need for interaction between families with similar challenges. This contact helps to increase the self-esteem of each family. The first activities organized by the association were parties and social events. These continue to be an important and ongoing characteristic of the group.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

APNMI and La Gaviota participate in programs that help improve the social standing of persons with disabilities.

The participation of the association and its families in programs, forums, parades, fundraising activities and other community events helps bring about a change in the public’s perception as it relates to people with special needs.

NUTRITION SERVICES

A nutritious meal is provided every day using donated food from a government agency and local grocery stores. A local bakery has also donated fresh bread daily for many years. Each week a different set of mothers is assigned to prepare and serve the food. Classes and workshops on nutrition and food preparation are provided.

Donated infant formula arrives frequently from the U.S. and is distributed to the families to help supplement infants, medically fragile and/or tube-fed children and has positively impacted their health conditions.