Atzin Helps Special Needs of 80 Children & Adults

April 2018

Dear Friends of Atzin and Tlamacazapa,

Each year the Atzin team summarizes "the numbers" for each of our programs in Tlamacazapa, Mexico. Have a look at the Special Needs Program during 2017 from a numbers perspective. While the administrative procedures, intensive training and accounting activities are done by the team based at the Atzin House in Cuernavaca, Morelos, the day-to-day program activities are carried out in Tlamacazapa by local village women, called "promoters." Each takes responsibility for specific activities in a program. Total of program promoters: 21.

The Special Needs Program (SNP) serves those most in need of support because chronic health problems, acute poverty, malnutrition or family crisis. From January through to July 2017, participants in the SNP included:

JANUARY TO END JULY 2017

• Total number of individuals:                      123
• Boys and girls (1-17 years old):                  77
• Children with disabilities:                            15
• Adults with disabilities:                                22
• Elderly housebound:                                    9

Of those 123 people,

• Children and adults (malnourished) who received a monthly food package:         38
• Children and adults confined to house who received a monthly home visit:          27
• Those with chronic conditions who receive monthly vitamins and medications:    25
• Children with disabilities who attend Tihueliske Education Program:                     5
• Children of families with special needs who attend Tihueliske Education:             31
• Children in elementary school who receive monthly school and other supplies:    28
• SNP families that received ecological stoves, attended class on use and care:    123
• People who received a gift (footwear or used clothing in good condition):             123
• SNP children and adults  who received (free) dental care:                                     86

From August through to December 2017, participants in the SNP included:

 AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2017

• Total number of individuals:                         53
• Boys and girls (1-17 years old):                   29
• Children and adults with disabilities:            25

Of those 53 people,

• Children and adults (malnourished) who received a monthly food package:                6
• Children and adults confined to house who received a monthly home visit:                 22
• Individuals with chronic conditions who receive monthly vitamins and medications:    31
• Children with disabilities who attend Tihueliske Education Program:                            5
• Children of families with special needs who attend Tihueliske Education:                   18
• People who received a gift (footwear or used clothing in good condition):                   53
• SNP children and adults who received (free) dental care:                                            47
• People who received specialized equipment for their condition:                                  5
• People who received funding (transport and food) for medical appointments:             7
• Team accompaniment for medical appts. in Mexico City, total number days:              6
• Shelter, food, legal procedures, accompaniment: domestic violence case:                 1   
• Patients eye assessments and cataract campaign:                                                      7

You may have noted the drop in number of individuals between July and August - a major supporter of the SNP withdrew funding; the organization had shifted its priorities in programming to women's groups.  We had no option but to comb through registry and continue to work with those with the most acute needs, while seeking to build up the program funding base once again.

A report of the numbers captures only part of the SNP story but gives an idea of the participants and the activities. For any of us who has had a family member with a special need, we know first hand the tremendous amount of effort that is required to access treament, address personal and social needs, and keep stress at bay. All of you reading this note have donated to help the folks with special needs and living in acute poverty in this part of Mexico. Stay tuned for my next update from the field.... and thank you once again  

 As always, Susan

Executive Director

Atzin Mexico