Mexico

Mexico borders the Southern United States. There are high numbers of working children living in the streets, particularly in Mexico City. Mexico is home to several indigenous groups such as the Aztecs, Zapotecs and the Mayans. These groups are often ignored by the government and sometimes lack access to education and clean water.

The Problem
• There are more than 1.9 million underprivileged street children in Mexico City alone.

• There are almost 2 million orphans living in Mexico and 24.7 million children living in poverty.

• More than 16,000 children engage in prostitution with the highest concentrations in popular tourist destinations.

What Buckner is Doing
In August 2007, Buckner began exploring ministry opportunities in the Mexico interior, as well as along the northern Mexico border with the United States. During the last quarter of 2007, more doors for ministry opportunities opened in the cities of Oaxaca, Mexico City, Arcelia and Juárez. Buckner officially formed its NGO in April 2008 under the name "Familia y Ninos Buckner Mexico A.C."

Foster Group Homes
Some of Buckner's most established programs in Mexico are its foster group homes. These homes provide a safe, family environment for children who might otherwise be on the streets. They are often these children's only ticket to family, safety and an education.

Below are the names and locations of the Buckner foster group homes:
• Refugio de Perlita in Arcelia, Guerrero
• Pan de Vida in Netzahuacoyotl, Mexico State (Suburb of Mexico City)
• Amigo Fiel in Juarez, Chihuahua

Feeding Ministries/Community Transformation Centers
Another Buckner program is the feeding ministries/Community Transformation Centers. The feeding ministries meet the basic need of putting food in the mouths of hungry children. The meals provided at our centers are sometimes the only meal a child gets that day. We know that without nutrition, it is not possible for children to develop properly or focus in school.

The CTCs, which are paired with the feeding ministries, aim at empowering the poor by offering family programs, community programs, healthcare, after school programs, educational/vocational training and job placement.

Below are the names and locations of the Buckner feeding ministries/Community Transformation Centers:
• Mana in Netzahuacoyotl, Mexico State
• Zaachila in Oaxaca, Oaxaca
• Mefiboset in Oaxaca, Oaxaca
• Feeding Center/CTC – in Arcelia, Guerrero
•San Agustin CTC in Jaruez

Humanitarian Aid
Buckner in Mexico also conducts short-term mission trips for groups and churches, distributes humanitarian aid and delivers shoes through Shoes for Orphan Souls. Buckner has delivered 73,794 pairs of new shoes to Mexico to date.

How You Can Help:
• Pray: Make a commitment to pray for the children and families of Mexico.

• Give: Make a donation online to support any of the programs listed above or call 214-758-8050 to make a donation by phone.

• Be an Advocate: Share the needs of children in Mexico with your church, community, family and friends.

• Take a Mission Trip: Take your family, friends and/or church on a short-term Buckner mission trip.

• Collect Shoes: Host a shoe drive or give a pair of shoes to help orphans in Mexico.