Welcome

Thank you for visiting this website dedicated to serving the children and caretakers of Casa Amparo.

Since 1979, Casa Amparo ala Mujer (House of Mercy for Women) has served as a shelter for abandoned girls in Reynosa, Mexico. The shelter is managed by Catholic nuns who have devoted themselves to providing for the physical, spiritual, emotional and educational needs of these children who have nowhere to turn.

Today, the shelter serves close to 100 girls from age 6 to 17. While the shelter is commonly called an orphanage, most of the children have parents. The reasons for their admission vary and are carefully guarded. Many have suffered sexual abuse. However, most of the girls are at the shelter because their fathers have abandoned the family and their mothers consequently have been forced to fend for themselves, often ending up as prostitutes. The nuns of Casa Amparo become legal guardians of these children who are in desperate need of their help. The shelter becomes a safe haven for these girls to stop the cycle of poverty and prostitution that is so rampant in their community.

The girls at Casa Amparo are happy and well cared for, but their standard of living depends on the generosity of donors. The food and accommodations are modest but sufficient. The girls receive clothing as donations are made. Each day, the girls attend traditional school, have assigned chores and are taught life skills. Additionally, the girls work together to operate a store that helps to support them.

Children are accepted into Casa Amparo regardless of their religious preference nor has any child ever been forced to leave. They receive no funding from the Catholic church.