opened in March 2001 with 14 children and have since cared for more than 250. We now care for more than 50. We have become their home and family. While some children are orphans, many are placed in our care to avoid dangerous or neglectful situations.

For most, the Refugio will be home until they are teenagers. We also maintain a Transition House as of August 2007 for the girls ages 11 and up.
Our Mission We provide a shelter for children coming from critical home situations that enables their development, while attending to both physical, psychological and educational needs. The Refugio is maintained by volunteers, some staff members, as well as sisters from a religious order not sponsored or maintained by the Church. We depend upon individual, corporate and foundation  donations to operate both the children's home and the Transition House which attends to the needs of our growing adolescent population. Combined operating expenses, (Refugio & Transition House) total more than $12,000 USD/month.

Please note : Mailing checks to Mexico is unreliable, you can donate through PayPal on our website or make a deposit to these Mexican bank accounts:

Volunteers are always needed and welcome. Many Americans and Canadians spend their winter months here and volunteer time and expertise to keep our shelters running. Visitors are welcome and will be given a tour of our facilities.
For more information in Puerto Vallarta contact: