Since the early days of the Tepehua Community Center some 15 years ago (mas o menos), Tepehua has grown to its current status as a thriving organization with the support of religious and civic organizations, private donations and countless hours of volunteer efforts. Another organization that has been there for us throughout the years is Rotary.
Rotary International is a global network of more than 1.2 million neighbors, friends, and leaders who volunteer their skills and resources to solve issues and address community needs. We have two Rotary groups here at Lakeside – Chapala Sunrise Rotary and Rotary of Ajijic. Both groups have been amazing supporters, not only of Tepehua, but of our entire Lake Chapala community, helping to support infrastructure projects, programs and people. We have also received aid from Rotary groups in Canada and the U.S., along with financial assistance from Rotary International.
I scrolled through the archives of “Ojo del Lago” to see if I could find references to some of the Tepehua projects that Rotary has been involved in over the years. I know I’m probably not covering all of them, but readers will see what an amazing impact they have had on our organization.
June 2011 – Rotary put solar panels on the community center for water heating and purification.
December 2012 – The kitchen at the center was expanded by Rotary for a feeding program.
April 2016 – Rotary International assisted in getting a “Habitat for Tepehua” program started to help with housing issues.
July 2016 – Rotary provided funds for the support of maternal health, which included a Maternity Clinic.
October 2017 – Rotary supervised a “stove program” and St. Andrew’s Church provided the money to have eight stoves built.
December 2018 – With huge involvement of the public sector and Rotary International, a new Medical and Dental Clinic were built. The original facility started with a dining room table and a shower curtain around it for privacy. Kudos to Dr. Joe de Leon, our first doctor.
August 2019 – A pickup truck was donated to the center, courtesy of San Luis Obispo Rotary in California. More help arrived from Seguin, Texas Rotary for additional help with the potable water program.
September 2020 – The center had pledges of donations and grants from the private sector and Rotary International to assist in the machinery for the reverse osmosis and cleaning station for the potable water program.
January 2021 – Rotary and other organizations helped us get through the pandemic.
Rotary has continued to support us in many ways. Currently they support a “Diabetes Club” at the Center to help educate individuals about lifestyle management, diet, and other issues associated with this chronic disease that affects so many.
Tepehua is so appreciative of Rotary’s support throughout the years that has strengthened the Community Center and assisted in creating a facility and organization that has benefitted so many people.
In this season of Thanksgiving, let’s not forget our other supporters: churches, civic and neighborhood groups, community charity groups, and individuals who have donated hours and hours of help in so many ways… we thank you.
Of course, a huge shout goes out to Moonie King, who had the vision, passion, energy and love of all mankind to create what is now Tepehua.
And, of course, we will not forget you, dear readers. You bring your gently used items to our thrift shop which is a huge form of financial support for the Community Center, helping to keep our programs alive. Children receive scholarships to attend school, local individuals receive medical care and medicines at free or reduced costs, and people have access to clean drinking water. And the list goes on.
We thank you all!
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