Their 15th Birthday Dreams do come true; just ask Kimberly Guadalupe Santos & Selena Guadalupe Inda both students at CANOA’s Carita de Dios in Tijuana, Mexico. Both girls were born with special needs and were without a place to receive appropriate education prior to CANOA’s Carita de Dios Center being opened. At this time both girls receive support, therapy and personalized education as well as enjoy typical school experiences. For example, after months of preparation and finding the perfect gown, their special day had arrived. The 15-year-olds were preparing for their quinceañera celebration at their school. A quinceañera is a coming-of-age ritual in Latin culture marking a young girl’s entrance into womanhood. When asked how she felt about this significant event, Kimberly said, “I am really excited!” The celebration took place on November 3, 2012 in a portable building that Serving Hands International donated to our partner organization, CANOA Carita de Dios (Face of God). With a face of pure satisfaction, Father James Hagen (pictured) from CONOA presided over the momentous festivity. A parent stated, “It is greatly rewarding to see those in the specialneed community partake in the richness of their culture.” Because of the support of our donors, the generosity of A-1 Self Storage and its valuable customers, Serving Hands International is able to provide unique support to partners in Mexico and positively impact the lives of children.
