August 2013

Invested Tijuana neighbors commit their time and talents to serve those who are down and out during the economic downturn. Proyecto Salesiano, a bi-weekly food distribution partner with Serving Hands International for 14 years, has been successfully operating a Monday through Saturday 8am to 10am breakfast and haircut service for adults who are currently unemployed and in need of assistance. Margarita Andonaegui Padilla, coordinator for Proyecto Salesiano since its conception in 1999 is daily encouraged by the kindness of their volunteers stating, “They commit, they come and they make a difference.” But according to one volunteer, who requested to remain nameless, “I feel I owe them for helping me when I needed it. The center helps when other places close their doors.” As Serving Hands Field Officer Joaquin Hernandez spoke with more hair-stylist and cook volunteers it became evident that the heart of each volunteer was to encourage the person they were serving. Some have been in such a place before and recall another helping them. “The men and women who come to us are provided a healthy breakfast and if needed a haircut.” Said Father Ernesto Hernandez. “We know that self-presentation is important when looking for a job and we want them to be as successful as possible.” Thanks to the generosity of Serving Hands International donors and A-1 Self Storage Proyecto Salesiano is able to provide services a cut above the rest in Tijuana, Mexico.

A hospital stay is challenging, due to the health issues being addressed. It is the intent of the medical staff to provide comfort during the difficult moments in a patient’s life. On July 8, 2013 Serving Hands International received 8 medical beds – provided by a generous donor. With such a unique gift, we at Serving Hands carefully chose one of our partners to be their recipient. It was decided that all 8 beds would be utilized and maintained well by our partner, Hospital San Francisco located in Tijuana, Mexico. When delivering the beds, Serving Hands Field Officer recalls Sister Elizabeth’s words, “The patients will see first-hand the high quality and comfort of these electronic beds!” Sister Elizabeth Ann Waldron Felix is the current hospital manager of Health Services at Hospital San Francisco. She continued to share, “The beds will go a long way in “adding to the comfort” of the patients at the hospital”. Doctor Victor Villalobos added, “This is yet another great opportunity for us to fulfill our mission of helping people who are poor and under-served in our city. We are grateful to Serving Hands International for partnering with Hospital San Francisco for the past 10 years.” The 8 medical bed donation will enhance our ability to provide excellent health services for the people of our community in Tijuana. Thanks to the generosity of a Serving Hands International Donor and A-1 Self Storage the hospital beds were provided to a wonderful organization and immediately utilized to bring comfort to patients in Tijuana.