Help Bolivian Children Living in Poverty

Hello Supporters! It's a pleasure to update you on our project! 

In July, Drs. Jonathan (CEO) & Darlene Melk (Chief Medical Officer) along with Lesley Alderman (Board, Grants/Fundraising) spent a week in Montero, Bolivia, visiting each of the children in the Fund, and spent several days at La Escuelita - our school & therapy center.  Highlights include:

1. The U.S. medical team spent several hours with the Bolivian medical team, which was comprised of doctors, nurses, care coordinators, a social worker, special education teacher, physical therapist, and speech therapist. The goal is to come at each child's special healthcare needs with different perspectives, with the hope of achieving the best possible outcome. 

2. Drs. Jonathan and Darlene visited each child enrolled in RVF in his/her own home, to understand more the impact a child's home environment might have on their case. 

3. An updated plan outlining medical, educational and social interventions was prepared for each child, which will be monitored weekly by the Bolivian staff and monthly through Skype visits by the U.S. doctors.

Overall, the children are doing well!  They are all growing and progressing each day.  Some of the cases are more difficult than others, but overall everyone is moving in the right direction.

We met with the CSRA leadership and made some big decisions regarding the cases moving forward. A top priority for this year is to accept many, many more children into the Fund. 

Jonathan & Darlene met several of the children who we hope to take off the waiting list as soon as possible.

Immediate Goal: Increase the total number of active cases in the fund to 20 - 25.

New Determination: In most cases, limit the time of the child receiving RVF financial support to 3 years or 21 years of age (whatever comes first)

Yearly Goal: Focus our efforts on expanding services and programs at La Escuelita

Sincerely,

Links:

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