Donate

Refugio de los Sueños
(Refuge of Dreams)

The Refugio de Los Sueños (Spanish for "Refuge of Dreams") is exactly that.  A place where children come to escape the dangers of the streets. Most of these children suffer from severe abuse from the alcoholics, prostitutes and drug addicts who are the adults in their lives. Others simply suffer from severe poverty.  Located in Toctiuco, one of the poorest neighborhoods in Quito, Ecuador, the Refugio de Los Sueños offers them a safe haven. They are fed, taught life skills, get vocational training, have an opportunity to receive a scholarship to go to school, receive much needed therapy by professionals and both medical and dental care. Most importantly, the Refugio allows these kids to get off the street and provides them with a creative and loving environment.
Approximately 180 children presently use the facility. All of these children are enrolled in school full-time.  A small number are presently enrolled in a university or other institutes of higher learning. We have 11 former Refugio children who have received university degrees or completed higher level education. All have come back to the Refugio to help in some way. One of these young adults who graduated from a local university now works full-time at the Refugio.  Other success stories include a lawyer, a policeman, a chef, a priest, business majors and several teachers to name a few. All of these young adults grew up in the streets and were given a greater future by their experience at the Refugio.

There are currently only 6 full-time staff at the Refugio to work with approximately 180 children. These positions include a Director/Social Worker, a Social Worker who monitors the children at home and at school, a full-time Therapist who works with the countless cases of abuse, an Accountant who monitors all funds received and provides receipts for all expenditures, a Cook, and our former Refugio child and university graduate who works as needed in all the areas, specifically in Child Welfare. We also have a Dentist who comes once week and who volunteers another day without pay. In addition to her dental work she helps in the kitchen and everywhere else that she is needed. The staff is very dedicated to the well-being of the children, and frugal and very honest in handlling donations they receive. 

Since 2015, the Ecuadorian government has not provided any more funding to help provide food for the children in Children's Centers like the Refugio or to help pay for staff salaries. With the exception of the Refugio de Los Sueños, all Children's Centers in the neighborhood of Toctiuco are in the process of closing or have already closed. It is only the love, concern and donations of people like you that will keep these children at the Refugio from being turned back out into the street, hungry, and without a chance for a better future.

The Refugio is a place of hope, comfort, and safety.  It's also vital in supplying their needs

Each week, families are given much needed food and supplies thanks to the generous donations.
The children receive medical attention, such as laboratory tests to detect prevalent diseases and treat them in a timely manner.  They are also given vitamins, dewormers, and vaccines as needed.
The children are also seen twice a week by a dentist who ensures they are following proper dental hygiene.  They are also treated for any dental issues they may need help with. 
Once they arrive at the Refugio, the children are given healthy snacks, and a lunch shortly after.  Many times this is the only good meal they receive for the day, so it's very important they eat a nutritious meal.
At the start of each school semester, the kids are given school supplies such as notebooks, pencils, crayons, etc.  They are also able to read and do their homework at the Refugio with the help of staff and volunteers.
The Refugio gives the children a place where they can forget all of their troubles at home and be kids.  They love to play, dance, sing, grow plants, and many other fun and educational activities that enrich their lives.
In order to encourage their creativity, the kids are taught craft courses like painting, making flowers, making candles, bracelets, sewing, baking, and more.  These products can also be sold later on at the small store within the Refugio.  Some of the parents are also taught certain crafts and trades which in turn allow them to generate a little bit of income, such as baking, sewing and making bracelets that they can sell later on.

Heading 3

Please help us to keep providing these children with food, clothing, education and the love they need.  All donations the we receive for the REFUGIO will go directly to the care of the children.  There are no administratige costs other than the meager salary for the staff.  Please make sure to write the word "REFUGIO" in the "Special Instructions" section of the Donation screen, so that your entire donation amount goes to benefit the children at the ​​Refugio de los Sueños.  Thank you!