In Loving Memory of Shelley Renee Aibner
[scroll down for Partner updates]
It is with deep sadness that we share the sudden passing of our dear friend and Volunteer Coordinator, Shelley Aibner. She was 56 years old.
Shelley was part of Leaders2Give from early on. As our Volunteer Coordinator, while sporting her orange Leaders2Give t-shirt, she supported countless events and initiatives, helping organize volunteers and making sure things ran smoothly behind the scenes. If something needed doing, Shelley was there and always smiling.
Those who knew Shelley knew she had a rule about hugging. She would gently insist that instead of leaning your head to the left, you lean it to the right so your hearts could be aligned. Shelley made those hugs felt.
New Creation Kids (one of our partner organizations and a children’s home for vulnerable children in La Paz, Mexico) held a particularly special place in her heart. Shelley would ride her motorcycle north to spend time with the children often, saying those visits “filled her heart.”
But we weren’t the only organization she showed up for. If someone needed help, Shelley raised her hand. Whether it was a fundraiser, a gathering, a community event, or simply being there for someone, she made herself available. She was always positive. She believed in people. She chose to show up with love.
Her husband Scott shared Shelly’s final words with us:
“Tell everyone I love them and go forward and be happy.”
That was Shelley.
A memorial service is being held today in Los Barriles to honor her life. The details are in the image for those who would like to celebrate the joy she brought to so many.
Our hearts are especially with her husband, Scott, the rest of her family, and all who loved her.
We are grateful that Shelley chose to spend her time, her energy, and her heart with this community. We will miss her hugs. And we will carry her words with us. She will be deeply missed.
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
El Cardonal Children’s Home
The El Cardonal Children’s Home (formerly John Gullo Home for Children) provides temporary shelter for children in BCS whose families are experiencing medical crises. Read the latest update below:
February was a month of steady expansion and strategic connection-building.
Belén and Sarah continued grassroots outreach in Melitón Albañez, El Pescadero, El Campamento, and Santiago — meeting directly with families, agricultural workers, and municipal leaders to share the mission of the home. Several delegations have now committed to helping convene future community meetings.
On the institutional side, new relationships were formed with Casa Valentina in La Paz (serving children undergoing cancer treatment) and Casa YMCA Tijuana, where leadership shared valuable insight into DIF registration and referral pathways after 35 years of operating a residential care center.
Behind the scenes, licensing renewals and DIF registration steps are underway, strengthening the formal referral process while community relationships continue to grow.
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:
As many of you know, 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.
While Leaders2Give does not oversee NCK’s operations, we help fund essential daily needs like food, electricity, education, fuel, and water. Our involvement also includes stepping in for urgent capital improvements like when we installed cisterns to help address water shortages in 2021.
Thanks to your generosity, 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:
East Cape Health Center at Baja Shakespeare 2026
East Cape Health Center had the opportunity to participate in Baja Shakespeare 2026, a well-known annual theater production that supports local nonprofit organizations in our community.
We were invited to organize the traditional 50/50 raffle, which took place outside the main hall where the event was held. Thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of the East Cape Health Center staff, we were able to raise essential funds that will allow us to continue supporting our beneficiaries and strengthening our community programs
We would like to sincerely thank everyone who joined us and purchased a ticket. Each ticket represented much more than a chance to win, it symbolized solidarity, commitment, and meaningful support for our mission.
In addition, we are currently working hard on our school health campaign. This year, as in previous years, our main focus is on the early detection of diseases at a young age. We firmly believe that prevention and timely diagnosis can make a significant difference in the lives of children and adolescents, allowing them to grow with better opportunities for health and development.
We are truly grateful to be part of initiatives that strengthen our community. The combined efforts of organizations, volunteers, and community members remind us that when we work together, we create a real and lasting impact.
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:
February is Spay & Neuter Month: Protecting Pets and Children
February is Spay and Neuter Month, and SNAP is turning awareness into action.
In recognition of International Spay Day, SNAP is hosting two community clinics to make spay and neuter services accessible to families who need them most. But the work begins before clinic day — it begins in the classroom.
As part of each clinic campaign, SNAP volunteers visit local schools to teach children about responsible pet ownership.
During a recent visit to Campamento, students shared that many are chased by dogs while playing or walking to school.
Teachers also described ongoing challenges. Dogs — often family pets allowed to roam — follow children to school, remain on campus, disrupt activities, and leave waste on school grounds. These situations create fear, health concerns, and distractions that no child should face while trying to learn.
Uncontrolled dog and cat populations don’t just affect animals — they directly impact children and families.
Spaying and neutering reduces roaming, decreases aggressive behavior, prevents unwanted litters, and keeps pets closer to home. When families choose to sterilize their pets, they are helping create safer neighborhoods and healthier communities.
When SNAP volunteers introduce themselves, they often hear, “Oh, you help the dogs.”
And yes — SNAP helps dogs and cats.
But the mission goes much deeper.
SNAP helps children feel safer walking to school.
SNAP helps teachers maintain clean campuses.
SNAP helps families avoid litters they cannot afford to care for.
This work isn’t just animal welfare.
It’s community welfare.
When you support SNAP, you’re not just supporting animals — you’re protecting children.
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:
Excitement is building at Crescent Moon Project as we prepare for one of our most anticipated events of the year—Art in Bloom: Watch Them Grow! on March 26.
Through our vibrant Artists Collective, professional artists spanning painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, collage, and more have been working side by side with our student artists. Guided by Artist Collective Coordinator Sonia Lunceford, Teacher Erika Yasmin Meraz, and dedicated volunteers, each mentorship results in a powerful collaborative piece created by mentor and child. In an extraordinary show of generosity, every participating artist also donates an original work to the auction.
These pieces represent more than creativity—they reflect connection, mentorship, and the transformative impact of access to the arts. When caring, accomplished artists invest their time and talent in our children, confidence blossoms and possibility expands.
The collaborative works and donated artist pieces will take center stage at Art in Bloom, an evening that sells out every year. Tickets are available now at Homes & Land of Baja—secure yours early and join us in celebrating the incredible growth of the children of Los Barriles.
We are deeply grateful to our 2026 Artist Collective members:
Cristhian Gabriela Rosas Aguilar, Brett Carl, Christene Comstock, Kathrin Exler, Susie Frazier, Tamra McKinney, Laurie Riley, Tanis & Lawrence Rovner, Julie Shipman, Wayne Wagler, Peny Wallace, Diane Wright, and Carla Lizeth Yannayon Garcia.
In other exciting news, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Baja Shakespeare on a successful run of The Little Baja Mermaid. We are so grateful for the opportunity to sponsor the 50/50 raffle at the Sunday matinee and to be part of such a joyful community production.
We also offer a special thank you to Bernie Bathgate for generously building and installing a beautiful wall-length shelf in our Art Center. This thoughtful addition provides much-needed space to hold students’ works in progress and has helped transform and declutter this creative hub.
Wonderland for Kids Sponsorship Program
Wonderland for Kids is a bilingual Montessori and childcare center in Los Barriles offering a Sponsorship Program to help low income families access affordable childcare. Read their latest update below:
At Wonderland for Kids Montessori and Daycare, we believe that when we support a mother, we change the course of a child’s future—and often an entire family’s story.
The mission of our sponsorship program is to help single mothers access quality early education and reliable childcare so they can work, grow, and provide stability for their families.
With the support of our sponsors, we are currently helping one young girl in our community by providing a safe, nurturing place to learn and grow each day. Her mother can work with peace of mind, knowing her child is cared for and supported during these crucial early years.
Early education is about more than academics. It builds confidence, emotional security, and a sense of belonging—foundations that shape a child’s future.
This single sponsorship is already making a meaningful difference. With continued community support, we can expand our reach and help more families who need access to safe, consistent childcare.
By contributing to our cause, you help empower single mothers, uplift children, and strengthen our community—one family at a time.
To learn about the different ways to donate to Leaders2Give and any of our Partners, visit our Donate page.