At Children International’s Jalisco agency, we couldn’t be happier. Last week we opened our fourth community center in Mexico. Isn’t that amazing?

Thanks to this center, along with the other three, we’ll be able to help over 20 thousand kids in Mexico. That seems amazing since we’re one of CI’s newest agencies. We’ve only been working here for six years, and we’re already seeing the results and the impact of Children International’s work in the communities.

I bet you’re still wondering about the title of this post. Like I said, this is our fourth community center in Mexico. It was build on Cerro del Cuatro (Four Hill), and it will benefit six thousand kids.

We hope in four years – less if possible – to see the results in the community where the center is located, with healthy and educated kids, and youths aware that they can become agents of change and transform their communities. In the end, this is our main goal.

I asked the mother of the first sponsored child at Tlaquepaque Community Center, “What changes do to expect to see in your community with the arrival of Children International?”

“Until now, I know that you’re promoting values and unfortunately in this area, we’re lacking in those…also the things that you offer, like clothes and shoes, are really helpful. I’m really interested in sports and English classes. I hope we can get all the parents involved in rescuing the youths who are wasting their lives on drugs. I think that one the biggest problem here is gangs, but more than that, people’s apathy. As for my kids, I would like for them to continue studying and to be healthy,” was María Mena’s reply.

Our president, Jim Cook, joined us for the opening event, and after the ceremony 300 hundred kids who are members of the sports program gave him a big welcome in another service area as a way to celebrate the accomplishment of this goal. We imagine that happening in the new center in a close future.

Just look at this last picture!!!!