Bolivian Hope Center Projects
Scroll down to read about some of the Projects of the Bolivian Hope Center.
Next Steps Program - Chicas
The Bolivian Hope Center has recently started a 'Next Steps' program for our older kids to help prepare them for an independent life outside the BHC.
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This past year, we started with 4 young ladies in their last year of high school. They lived in an apartment on the grounds of the home, but in a separate building from the main home. They had workshops with our staff about meal planning and grocery shopping, about cooking for a small family rather than prepping food for a group of 40. We work with them on preparing for the future in their education. They were taught about budgeting. They learned how to manage their own time in an environment where they are used to having things very scheduled and being told what to do each day. Though the program is still in its beginning stages and we are still learning how to best help these kids prepare, the first iteration has been a success.
Next Steps Program - Chicos
We have implemented the Next Steps program for the girls in the home, but we don't currently have another designated space available for the young men. We have 4 guys who are hoping to start this program in February as they begin their final year of high school. There is also one that would like to come back to this program to begin university after he finishes his year of military service.
We are working to find or set up a new space on our grounds, but this will take some extra funds and time to get things set up. There is a small 'apartment' at the front of our property and we are looking into the option of remodeling/rebuilding this space to house our Next Steps Boys program.
Estimated costs: $10,000
This would go to remodeling (or rebuilding) the apartment, adding plumbing and electricity, as well as furnishing the space.
Technical Institute
Every parent wants to see their child succeed in life and here at the Hope Center, it's no different. As our kids at the Bolivian Hope Center have grown, we have realized that planning for their future is essential. Some kids will choose college, others a job and it is our responsibility to help them navigate those waters. We recently have required the facilities needed to create a Technical Training Institute where not only our kids at the BHC, but young adults from the community could come and learn a trade such as baking, welding, electrical, or sewing. We are in the process of finding other institutes that would want to expand to our area of Cochabamba to serve more communities with their courses.
However, the organization that was previously using the building, left it in disrepair. In addition to finding institutes to move into the space, we need to repair much of the building, some big, some little.
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Estimate Cost: $7,500
This would go for a new roof, painting, repairing light fixtures, electrical and wall damage among other things.
Event Center
Though the Bolivian Hope Center is currently landlocked without space for expansion, we have a lot of facilities already on the ground that we are looking to use more effectively and efficiently to help support the BHC. There is a building on the grounds that we use for our own events, like a talent show or birthday parties. However, we are looking to expand the use of this facility. Perhaps renting it out to churches for meetings, or trying to make it a retreat center.
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Estimated Cost: $5,000
This would go towards replacing the windows of the building, updating lighting, and other updates.
Cafe
A new dream of mine is to use this space at the front of our property for a cafe/bakery. The thought would be that some of the kids could make bread and other baked goods to sell in this cafe space. This would allow them to earn a little money, and we would continue to teach them about savings, tithes and what they can spend. This space would also be great with some tables on the patio, and the room at the back could hold a table or two, with a sales counter and a coffee machine.
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Estimated Cost: $2500
This would go towards cleaning up/repairing the space, purchasing tables for the patio, buying coffee equipment and baking supplies.
BHC Maintenance and Upgrades
There is always a need for project funds to perform the daily maintenance and upgrades at the home.
Some of the things that are on the list of updates:
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new mattresses
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plumbing and electrical repairs/updates
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painting around the home
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dishwashing station with sinks
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new computers
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ceramic tile on the walls of high traffic areas