International Projects at 1310 West Main Street, Lexington, KY 40508-2048 US - Our Lady of Hope Home
| Our Lady of Hope Home |
In Cartago, Costa Rica there is an AIDS clinic called Our Lady of Hope Home, run by Capuchin Fathers. The clinic cares for 19 patients with full blown AIDS symptoms, several of whom are mothers with small children. In addition, the clinic provides support for about 40 other people, including both for people who are in the earlier stages of AIDS, and for the families and relatives of AIDS patients. The clinic has two full time doctors, both Costa Rican, and relies heavily on the support of their volunteer staff. In addition to providing treatment, the clinic works to educate the community on AIDS prevention and to promote understanding and interaction between those affected by AIDS and the general community. Our Lady of Hope Home AIDS Clinic is in desperate need of funding. The fathers who run the clinic contacted diocesan priest Art Molina of Lexington to ask for his help. Fr Molina, chaplain at the Federal Medical Center in Lexington, has since dedicated himself to raising the money needed to run the clinic, by asking the community here in Kentucky to contribute. He himself has visited the clinic and has witnessed first hand its importance to the community there. The clinic needs about $3,000 a month to run at full capacity, which is a lot of money in Costa Rica, but not a whole lot by US standards. However, even if only part of the money were raised, it would still be a great help. Anyone who is interested in making a donation, or inviting Father Molina to speak to your parish or group should contact him at (859) 492-3236. The clinic also has a website: www.unitedinhope.net, which features photos of the facility.