AMIGOS INTERNATIONAL, A.C. Amigos International, A.C. was granted its right to operate as a charitable organization in 1997 in Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico with headquarters in Ajijic.

“We organized Amigos International, A.C., for the sole purpose of responding quickly to the needs of the Lakeside community, and to assist existing charities already servicing the Lake area. We were aware that there were many times when an urgent need arose in one of these charities that could not be met quickly enough. Several times we were asked to help out and we were able to respond immediately with both personal donations and the donations of the members of New Dimensions. Once involved we all quickly saw the need to expand on this idea of immediate help to the community that had given so much to all of us.

Our mission was and will always be to quickly, efficiently and without political holdup, distribute moneys, clothing and much needed food directly to those in need.

The Beginning: In 1994, when we first opened New Dimensions, we decided we wanted to help the 150 children at the Ninos Y Jovenes Children’s Home in San Juan Cosala. With our then small, but fiercely dedicated core group of New Dimensions attendees, we organized a supplementary food delivery program to assure that the children at the orphanage had the proper nourishment to help maintain their growing bodies. Someone personally visits the Home weekly to speak to the kitchen staff to see exactly what is needed. The food is purchased and delivered within days, giving all of us the wonderful reward of knowing our efforts have directly reached the children.

The more we interacted with the children at Ninos y Jovenes, the more we wanted to do for them. Beginning in 1996, with the volunteer teachers, and other members of the community, we have been able to provide an annual Christmas party for all students, faculty and their guests. With the generous help of many volunteers, an abundance of food is brought in for all to partake in a wonderful sit-down dinner. Last year we counted 200 meals being served. The outpouring of love and gifts each year from the volunteers and participants will never be forgotten by the children. And the reciprocal joy the participants experience is so enriching.

In addition to our ongoing supplementary food program at the Ninos y Jovenes in San Juan Cosala, we have also aided and supported these organizations:

Auditorium Restoration in Ajijic: Financial assistance to help bring this historic building back to life, so it once again can be used as a cultural gathering for both international and local artists, for live musical theater and ballet performances.

Casa Ancianos (Old Folks Home in Chapala) We contribute both cash donations and clothing to help this truly appreciative group of senior citizens.

The Red Cross in Chapala: Financial assistance necessary to prevent the loss of much needed emergency ambulance service.

Ninos Incapacitados: Financially helping children with deformities by joining together wíth volunteer doctors and hospitals so that these children can receive the necessary medical procedures that allow them to live normal lives.

Anita’s Animals: Financially supporting Anita in her crusade to rescue the sick and homeless dogs and cats from the streets of Ajijic and Chapala. She and her family not only help keep some of the homeless animals off the streets of Ajijic and Chapala, which benefits everyone, but Anita’s Animals also brings these rescued animals to the Tiangis every Wednesday in the hope that they will find loving homes.

Scholarship Programs: Since 1998, we have assisted needy students continue their education. At present there are five students in various grades. One of them is in college level school in Chapala. The others are in Ajijic and in San Juan Cosala. We are also assisting a student attending college preparatory in Jocotepec, with the help of friends of Amigos International.

ACA: We help support this organization which teaches youngsters in Jocotepec how to raise their own organically-grown vegetables that they share together and take home. The idea is to teach them a valuable skill that will continue to feed their families and themselves for the rest of their lives. Every day that Amigos International is in existence, it is able to successfully continue giving aid and assistance to this wonderful community that we now all call “home.” For information or a desire to help Amigos International continue this life-giving work, call Joan Forman at 376-61627 in Ajijic. Sincerely, Aviva of Ajijic