Children

	*IGLESIA EPISCOPAL DOMINICANA* EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Buen Samaritano Children's Shelter
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Diocesan Tour *Click on photographs to enlarge*	San Francisco de Marcoris Rector: The Rev. Federico Salcedo In 1997 Fr. Napoleon Brito and his wife Nelly started a Bible study in a very poor, drug-infested barrio on the outskirts of San Francisco de Marcoris. Immediately, they discovered that there were many children who were living with relatives or former neighbors. Their parents were either working in another community, suffering from serious illness such as AIDS, were in prison, or had died. Most of these children were poorly clothed, many were not attending school, and spent their day wandering in the barrio. Fr. Brito and Nelly felt the Lord was calling them to do something for these children. Taking their own money, they started a program to feed, educate, and cloth the children. Almost immediately, the diocese became involved in the project and rented a building near the barrio. It became quickly apparent that the diocese needed to construct a building of its own. El Buen Samaritano is an example of how the Lord faithfully takes care of those who are doing His will. St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Akron, Ohio was looking for a mission project and decided to provide funding to construct the shelter. Other individuals, and dioceses also provided support. THE PROGRAM TODAY Today the program has 60 children ranging in age from 6 months to 6 years old. The center provides medical attention, clothing if required, and breakfast, lunch, and a snack. The focus is on education and improving reading and other learning skills so that the children can function better within public or private schools. Fr. Federico Salcedo and his wife Milagros now have responsibility for the program. Milagros serves as program director. The Deanery of Naples, Florida, Diocese of Southwest Florida are essential partners in this ministry. The Deanery is supporting the program in many different ways. For example, the physical plant needs upkeep and must be expanded. The Naples Deanery is sending teams to help with these projects. HOW YOU CAN HELP However, there are many ways churches and individuals can also become of these children. Contact the Diocesan Office for more information on how you can help the children of the Dominican Republic. The diocese has two other nutrition/education programs and 17 schools which are educating over 4,000 young people. programs. You can learn more about our programs for children by going to these web pages.
	"You Are My Witnesses" St. Luke 28: 48 *Telephone #:* (809) 686-7493; (809) 688-6016 FAX: (809) 686-6364 E-Mail: iglepidom@verizon.net.do