Our First Child
[scroll down for Partner updates]
In April, the John Gullo Home for Children welcomed its very first guest: a young boy whose family was navigating a medical crisis. His time at the home was meaningful and eye-opening—not only for the child, who quickly developed healthy routines and structure, but also for our team, who gained invaluable insight into what it takes to operate a safe, supportive, and responsive home.
The boy arrived with some behavioral challenges, which we met with patience and care. His stay highlighted the importance of having a strong, flexible support system in place—especially for children navigating uncertainty and emotional strain.
This experience led us to make several important changes and improvements, including:
Conducting a full safety audit to assess and strengthen our protocols
Expanding our support network to better assist children with emotional or behavioral needs
Bringing in experienced staff from another home to consult with us on everything from safety protocols to long-term strategies for running a sustainable, nurturing facility
Enhancing coordination with referring clinics and partners
Waiting room poster
We’re also continuing our outreach efforts to ensure that families who need us know we’re here. Our directors have been visiting clinics and hospitals across the region, distributing pamphlets and placing posters in waiting rooms to reach parents at the moment they learn of a serious diagnosis or treatment plan.
If you know anyone living in Baja California Sur—even if they don’t need our services now—please help spread the word. They may know a family who does, or one day find themselves needing support during a medical crisis.
This first child guest reminded us that a children’s home is not defined by its walls—it’s shaped by the people, processes, and values that bring it to life. We’re grateful for what we’ve learned, and we’re committed to evolving with care, thoughtfulness, and community support.
Thank you for walking alongside us.
We’re proud to be part of a growing community of partners who are making a difference. Keep reading below for updates from our partners.
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PARTNER UPDATES
John Gullo Home for Children
The John Gullo Home for Children provides temporary shelter for children in BCS whose families are experiencing medical crises. Read the latest update below:
The Garden of Light is growing beautifully! With each passing week, the plants are filling in, and the space is quickly becoming the peaceful, nurturing environment we hoped it would be.
We’re so grateful to everyone who made it possible. As we move into warmer months, we’re looking for a few volunteers to help us care for it. If you live locally and have a love for gardening—or even just some free time and a willingness to learn—we’d love to hear from you. Your support will help keep this special space thriving.
New Creation Kids (NCK) Children’s Home
New Creation Kids is a children’s home in La Paz providing safe, stable shelter for children whose families are facing serious challenges such as addiction and homelessness. Read about our involvement with the home below:
New Creation Kids (NCK) has been with us since the very beginning and continues to hold a special place in our journey. Operated by Roberto and Alma Osuna, this independent, registered Mexican nonprofit provides a safe and stable home for up to 30 children at a time—children whose parents are unable or unfit to care for them due to circumstances such as addiction, violence, or homelessness.
As many of you know, Leaders2Give does not oversee the operations of New Creation Kids. Instead, we support them by helping to fund essential daily needs like food, electricity, education, fuel, and water. Our involvement also includes stepping in on urgent capital improvements—like when we installed cisterns to help address water shortages in 2021.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we currently have enough funding to cover their basic needs for the year. That said, the needs at NCK are ongoing and often unpredictable. If you’d like to help cover the cost of essentials like water deliveries or meals, please consider making a donation. Just $25 can support one child for ten days.
The East Cape Health Center
The East Cape Health Center is a nonprofit clinic in Los Barriles offering full medical and dental services with discounted or free care for families in need. Read their latest update below:
For over 25 years, East Cape Health Center has been a trusted source of care serving the entire East Cape community with high-quality medical and dental services. For families facing financial hardship, we also provide free or reduced-cost care to ensure no one is left behind.
Today, we’re reaching out with an urgent request. As our community’s needs grow, so does the need for advanced diagnostic tools. We are raising funds to purchase a CT (CAT) scan machine—a vital piece of equipment that will allow us to provide fast, accurate diagnoses right here on site.
Why it matters:
In emergencies like strokes, head injuries, or internal trauma, every second counts. Without a CT scanner, critically ill patients must be transferred to distant hospitals, sometimes losing precious time. With this machine, our team can deliver life-saving care faster and more effectively.
Your donation will go directly toward purchasing and installing this equipment—bringing advanced imaging technology to our community and improving outcomes for both residents and visitors.
We are grateful for the continued support of Leaders2Give, local businesses, and private donors who believe in accessible, community-driven healthcare. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation of any amount to help us reach our goal.
To donate, visit the Leaders2Give Donate page. If giving by credit card, be sure to select East Cape Health Centerfrom the dropdown menu.
Thank you for standing with us. Together, we can bring critical care closer to home—and save lives when it matters most.
Feeding The Hungry
Feeding the Hungry is a volunteer initiative in Los Barriles that provides monthly food vouchers to local families experiencing food insecurity. Read their latest update below:
One of the great delights of living in Los Barriles is that the beach offers many opportunities for enjoyment and fun. One such event held recently was the Beach Bum Olympics organized by Paul and Deane Bartram.
It proved to be an afternoon of social interaction interspersed by fun activities.
The Bartrams had also arranged excellent deals with La Playa and Lazy Daze for reduced prices on drinks and meals.
Medals were presented to the highest scoring participants, but it appeared that everyone had a fun afternoon regardless of their success at the various activities on offer.
The raffle that was held at this event raised funds for the Feeding the Hungry Charity. Supporting the least fortunate among us whilst having fun is a good way to go!
SNAP - Spay, Neuter, and Prevention
SNAP offers free spay/neuter services for the local community in and around Los Barriles, BCS and promotes youth leadership through animal welfare education. Read their latest update below:
We want to take a moment to share some exciting updates and extend a heartfelt thank you to our amazing community. So far this year, SNAP has helped 465 dogs and cats through our spay and neuter program. That’s 465 animals that won’t be contributing to the cycle of unwanted litters—and that’s thanks to your support.
We’ve also continued our efforts to help manage the cat population by working with dozens of incredible “cat whisperers” who have stepped up to trap, transport, and care for feral cats.
We believe in the power of community, and nothing says “I care” like a freshly neutered tomcat who’s now a well-behaved, loving homebody. Teach a person to Trap-Neuter-Release, and they can be part of the solution.
Our April 1st Fix’em Fiesta was not only a fun night—it was a vital one. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and those that attended, the event raised enough to cover four full months of spay and neuter surgeries. We’re so grateful.
We’re now working on a few community clinics before the summer heat sets in—because once the dog days arrive, outdoor events become nearly impossible.
Most importantly as we say goodbye for now don't forget: "It's hip to snip!"
Crescent Moon Project - Art for Children
Crescent Moon Project offers free arts-based classes that spark creativity and help children grow into compassionate, community-focused leaders. Read their latest update below:
We’re thrilled to share the success of our Art in Bloom: See Them Shine fundraiser! This magical evening was the result of months of preparation, beginning last fall when professional artists began collaborating with small groups of students. Together, they explored different artistic mediums and cultures, fostering creativity, connection, and community.
Each collaboration culminated in a unique piece of art, which was showcased and auctioned at the Art in Bloom event. Proceeds from these works go directly toward continuing this program which offers free art experiences to the children of Los Barriles. Adding even more magic, each participating artist generously donated one of their own original pieces—what an incredible gift from the rich pool of talent right here in Los Barriles!
Several community members have asked how they can support the Crescent Moon Project, especially if they weren’t able to attend the recent event. If you're interested in getting involved or helping sustain this meaningful work, we’d love to hear from you! Please reach out to us at: crescentmoonlosbarriles@gmail.com. We are currently accepting direct donations and hope to “fill the moon” with your generosity!
Wonderland for Kids Sponsorship Program
Wonderland for Kids is a bilingual childcare center in Los Barriles offering a Sponsorship Program to help low income families access affordable childcare. Read their latest update below:
It’s been a busy and joyful month at Wonderland for Kids! Our little learners dove into an “Under the Sea” adventure, exploring ocean habitats, painting and washing seashells, and discovering the magic of marine life.
We also celebrated Easter with colorful egg-dyeing, an exciting egg hunt, and a special visit from some adorable baby farm animals — bringing smiles to all the children.
Beyond the fun, we've been working hard to serve our local community and make a real, lasting impact.
Since announcing our partnership with Leaders2Give in support of our Sponsorship Program, we have been approached by several single mothers from the community, each seeking help with childcare.
One mother, a hardworking café employee, has been bringing her autistic three-year-old to work each day. Another, a dedicated cleaning professional, struggles to find safe, reliable care for her toddler during her long and irregular hours. These women, like many others, earn between $100–$300 USD per week. For them, accessing affordable, quality childcare isn’t just difficult — it’s a daily stress.
At Wonderland for Kids, we are doing everything we can to support these families. Since launching the program, we’ve successfully raised two months' tuition for one child. But now, we are at a crossroads. To welcome more children, we must hire another full-time teacher.
This crucial addition would allow us to accommodate up to four sponsored children — imagine the impact on these hardworking mothers and their children’s futures!
For just $400 a month, we can provide a child with full-day care (9 hours/day), early education, exposure to English, nutritious meals, social interaction, and the enriching experiences every young mind needs to thrive.
We are committed to meeting the needs of these families — but we cannot do it alone. Your support can change lives.
Together with your help we are proud to be making a difference in the lives of single mothers and their children.
To learn about the different ways to donate to Leaders2Give and any of our Partners, visit our Donate page.