Frequently Asked Questions:

Who can I contact if I would like to help support the orphanage?

If you would like to support the orphanage you can contact the following people:
For individual and/or group support with building, fundraising, etc. please contact:  John Shinsky, Project Leader through email at jshinsky@aol.com.

For financial donations, please contact The Capital Region Community Foundation (CRCF) 6035 Executive Drive, Suite 104, Lansing, MI 48911. Phone: 517.272.2870.  CRCF is a tax exempt [501 (c) (3)] for charitable gift purposes.

Where do the orphans go to school?

The orphans attend public school in Mexico just like their peers in the community.

What is the capacity of the orphanage?

The orphanage will initially house 60 - 100 children along with approximately 16 adults who would serve as house parents, maintenance staff, medical personnel, technical and vocational training staff, and the executive director.

Does the orphanage have to operate under certain standards?

Yes. The orphanage must comply with the standards that are defined by the State System for the Full Development of the Family (Desarrollo Integral de la Familia, or DIF)

Can I adopt a child from the orphanage? How can I adopt a child from Mexico?

You cannot adopt a child from the orphanage at this time. We are in the process of working with the appropriate agencies in Mexico and the United States to finalize an adoption procedure for the children at the orphanage. Important information regarding adopting children from Mexico and other countries can be found at the following website http://www.ins.usdoj.gov. (Select “Glossary” and the “Adoption” and “Orphan.”)  In addition, specific questions regarding adoptions in Mexico can be answered by calling 202.736.7000, The Office of Children’s Issues.

What are the primary expenses of the orphanage?

The primary expenses of the orphanage include, food, clothing, toiletries, cleaning solutions, electricity, water, building maintenance, vehicle upkeep, gas for transportation, health and medical services when not donated, school clothing and materials, technology, and vocational training programs.

How does the orphanage survive financially?

The orphanage is funded totally by donations, contributions of food, clothing, materials and equipment. John and Cindy Shinsky have set up a Charitable Endowment that is designed to provide a foundation for long-term support of the orphanage. However, the primary means of support is through the generosity of individuals and/or donations from individuals, businesses, churches, groups, and/or organizations.

How is the orphanage funded?

There is no formal funding source for the orphanage. All funding for the orphanage is provided through donations.   However, the orphanage board of directors continues to work on strategies to develop an endowment for the orphanage that would ensure its existence in perpetuity.

How do the orphans get placed at the orphanage?

Children are placed by referral through the Department for the Integration of Families (DIF). In several cases, children are abandoned in the community or at the DIF, and will be officially placed through the DIF process.

How many buildings will the orphanage have?

The orphanage will open with 12 buildings on site.  A descriptions of the buildings follow.

• 1 dorm for babies & young children
• 3 dorms for girls
• 3 dorms for boys 
• 1 Admissions and Medical Building 
• 1 Warehouse and Maintenance Building
• 1 Technical Training Center
• 1 Technical Training Center
• 1 Director’s House, which also is available for special needs children who require short-term care.

When will the orphanage be completed?

January 1, 2007 is the target date for completing the primary buildings so that children and staff can move in.