The REFUGIO INFANTIL SANTA ESPERANZA, A.C. (R.I.S.E.), is a NON-PROFIT shelter for infants and children under the age of 14 who have been turned over to R.I.S.E. by DIF (Desarrollo Integral de la Familia), a Mexican government organization that is the legal representative for minors under the age of 14. DIF’S main objective is to reintegrate these children with their families, but this is not always possible. R.I.S.E. gives these children a safe and loving place to live because they have no other choice in their lives. 
photo by Angel Vazquez “Some” of the children are only here temporarily while their problems are resolved at home, but sadly, some have been in institutions most of their young lives. We have babies that have been abandoned; others that were born in prison and still others that for some reason or another cannot be cared for. These children are placed with us. Most of these infants/children are not adoptable. We presently have 55 children but this number varies at times. We have housed over 200 children since we opened our doors in March of 2001. This does not include those who have made R.I.S.E. their permanent home.  photo by Sol photo by CarmenWe have two dedicated nuns who live at the shelter and look after the children on a full time basis. Madre Mari, the Director and Madre Chuy, head of the laundry facilities. We also have salaried staff to assist in the nursery, the kitchen, the laundry room and to help keep R.I.S.E. as clean and orderly as possible.
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