MexicoMexico

Helping moms & babies at ME0995

You are changing the lives of moms and babies at the Santa Ana Tzacuala Survival Program. Here’s how.

Mom's & BabiesMom's & Babies
Helping moms & babies at ME0995
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The Need

Of the 5.2 million children who die around the world each year, 75 per cent die in the first year of life. Babies are at risk of death due to premature birth complications, complications during childbirth, infections, pneumonia and diarrhea. But this is preventable. With training and support, moms in poverty can be empowered to raise healthy and happy babies.

Our Response

Critical care
Your support helps secure access to pre- and postnatal care, skilled birth attendants and medical intervention when necessary.

Home-based care
Mothers are visited in their homes monthly by a Survival specialist, who offers education in prenatal care and early child-rearing as well as one-on-one biblical mentoring.

Group-based learning
At these church-based activities, moms learn skills to earn an income and gain vital knowledge including basic literacy, the importance of breastfeeding and how to prevent malnutrition and disease. These groups combat isolation through a supportive community of mothers who, together, learn about the God who loves them.

Mexico Stats

Average number of children in household 6
Average age of first-time mothers 16
Births attended by skilled health personnel 80
Stunted growth from malnutrition 12

Activities

Gifts: Moms received food baskets, hygiene kits, skin care products, toys and warm clothes for babies. These gifts helped caregivers care for their children’s needs and freed up funds to pay for other expenses. Each mom also received an illustrated children’s Bible. Moms were happy and enthusiastic to read it with their little ones.

Home visits: Staff regularly visited Survival families in their homes, where they provided personalized care and lessons on topics like nutrition, early childhood stimulation and development, children’s emotions, care during pregnancy and what to expect during delivery. The implementer created a bond of trust with the moms and was able to pray with them about their concerns.

Group meetings: Survival moms and dads attended a conference hosted by the Better Families team. Families were taught lessons on how to raise children using healthy parenting methods. Parents had the chance to voice their concerns, ask questions and talk to specialists, who provided additional support for families. Moms also met monthly to share their experiences, encourage one another, learn valuable lessons from the Survival curriculum, do stimulation activities with their babies and read the Bible and pray together.

Income generation: Moms learned how to bake a variety of desserts during pasty making classes. Moms also practised their embroidery skills during group meetings. With these skills, moms can start their own businesses from home to earn some income.

Health: Medical staff provided regular exams for babies, including height and weight checks to track their growth and development. During these appointments, caregivers learned more about taking care of their children’s physical health, identifying their babies’ needs and preventing malnutrition. Those who needed it received vitamins and supplements. Pregnant women also received pre- and postnatal care.

Celebrations: Survival families celebrated Children’s Day together. There were contests and games for children and parents and delicious food to share. Staff prayed over the families and each baby was given new clothes. We also celebrated children’s first birthdays with a party and a gift of clothes. Moms and their children felt so special!

Project Stats

This intervention addressed:

Full-term births 2
Pregnancies 6
Breastfeeding Moms 1
Malnourished Babies - Severely Underweight 11
Malnourished Babies - Moderately Underweight 4
Normal birth weights 2
Gifts: Moms received food baskets, hygiene kits, skin care products, toys and warm clothes for babies. These gifts helped caregivers care for their children’s needs and freed up funds to pay for other expenses. Each mom also received an illustrated children’s Bible. Moms were happy and enthusiastic to read it with their little ones.
Gifts: Moms received food baskets, hygiene kits, skin care products, toys and warm clothes for babies. These gifts helped caregivers care for their children’s needs and freed up funds to pay for other expenses. Each mom also received an illustrated children’s Bible. Moms were happy and enthusiastic to read it with their little ones.
Gifts: Moms received food baskets, hygiene kits, skin care products, toys and warm clothes for babies. These gifts helped caregivers care for their children’s needs and freed up funds to pay for other expenses. Each mom also received an illustrated children’s Bible. Moms were happy and enthusiastic to read it with their little ones.
Gifts: Moms received food baskets, hygiene kits, skin care products, toys and warm clothes for babies. These gifts helped caregivers care for their children’s needs and freed up funds to pay for other expenses. Each mom also received an illustrated children’s Bible. Moms were happy and enthusiastic to read it with their little ones.
Gifts: Moms received food baskets, hygiene kits, skin care products, toys and warm clothes for babies. These gifts helped caregivers care for their children’s needs and freed up funds to pay for other expenses. Each mom also received an illustrated children’s Bible. Moms were happy and enthusiastic to read it with their little ones.
Gifts: Moms received food baskets, hygiene kits, skin care products, toys and warm clothes for babies. These gifts helped caregivers care for their children’s needs and freed up funds to pay for other expenses. Each mom also received an illustrated children’s Bible. Moms were happy and enthusiastic to read it with their little ones.
Home visits: Staff regularly visited Survival families in their homes, where they provided personalized care and lessons on topics like nutrition, early childhood stimulation and development, children’s emotions, care during pregnancy and what to expect during delivery. The implementer created a bond of trust with the moms and was able to pray with them about their concerns.
Home visits: Staff regularly visited Survival families in their homes, where they provided personalized care and lessons on topics like nutrition, early childhood stimulation and development, children’s emotions, care during pregnancy and what to expect during delivery. The implementer created a bond of trust with the moms and was able to pray with them about their concerns.
Home visits: Staff regularly visited Survival families in their homes, where they provided personalized care and lessons on topics like nutrition, early childhood stimulation and development, children’s emotions, care during pregnancy and what to expect during delivery. The implementer created a bond of trust with the moms and was able to pray with them about their concerns.
Home visits: Staff regularly visited Survival families in their homes, where they provided personalized care and lessons on topics like nutrition, early childhood stimulation and development, children’s emotions, care during pregnancy and what to expect during delivery. The implementer created a bond of trust with the moms and was able to pray with them about their concerns.
Home visits: Staff regularly visited Survival families in their homes, where they provided personalized care and lessons on topics like nutrition, early childhood stimulation and development, children’s emotions, care during pregnancy and what to expect during delivery. The implementer created a bond of trust with the moms and was able to pray with them about their concerns.
Home visits: Staff regularly visited Survival families in their homes, where they provided personalized care and lessons on topics like nutrition, early childhood stimulation and development, children’s emotions, care during pregnancy and what to expect during delivery. The implementer created a bond of trust with the moms and was able to pray with them about their concerns.
Group meetings: Survival moms and dads attended a conference hosted by the Better Families team. Families were taught lessons on how to raise children using healthy parenting methods. Parents had the chance to voice their concerns, ask questions and talk to specialists, who provided additional support for families. Moms also met monthly to share their experiences, encourage one another, learn valuable lessons from the Survival curriculum, do stimulation activities with their babies and read the Bible and pray together.
Group meetings: Survival moms and dads attended a conference hosted by the Better Families team. Families were taught lessons on how to raise children using healthy parenting methods. Parents had the chance to voice their concerns, ask questions and talk to specialists, who provided additional support for families. Moms also met monthly to share their experiences, encourage one another, learn valuable lessons from the Survival curriculum, do stimulation activities with their babies and read the Bible and pray together.
Group meetings: Survival moms and dads attended a conference hosted by the Better Families team. Families were taught lessons on how to raise children using healthy parenting methods. Parents had the chance to voice their concerns, ask questions and talk to specialists, who provided additional support for families. Moms also met monthly to share their experiences, encourage one another, learn valuable lessons from the Survival curriculum, do stimulation activities with their babies and read the Bible and pray together.
Group meetings: Survival moms and dads attended a conference hosted by the Better Families team. Families were taught lessons on how to raise children using healthy parenting methods. Parents had the chance to voice their concerns, ask questions and talk to specialists, who provided additional support for families. Moms also met monthly to share their experiences, encourage one another, learn valuable lessons from the Survival curriculum, do stimulation activities with their babies and read the Bible and pray together.
Income generation: Moms learned how to bake a variety of desserts during pasty making classes. Moms also practised their embroidery skills during group meetings. With these skills, moms can start their own businesses from home to earn some income.
Income generation: Moms learned how to bake a variety of desserts during pasty making classes. Moms also practised their embroidery skills during group meetings. With these skills, moms can start their own businesses from home to earn some income.
Health: Medical staff provided regular exams for babies, including height and weight checks to track their growth and development. During these appointments, caregivers learned more about taking care of their children’s physical health, identifying their babies’ needs and preventing malnutrition. Those who needed it received vitamins and supplements. Pregnant women also received pre- and postnatal care.
Health: Medical staff provided regular exams for babies, including height and weight checks to track their growth and development. During these appointments, caregivers learned more about taking care of their children’s physical health, identifying their babies’ needs and preventing malnutrition. Those who needed it received vitamins and supplements. Pregnant women also received pre- and postnatal care.
Health: Medical staff provided regular exams for babies, including height and weight checks to track their growth and development. During these appointments, caregivers learned more about taking care of their children’s physical health, identifying their babies’ needs and preventing malnutrition. Those who needed it received vitamins and supplements. Pregnant women also received pre- and postnatal care.
Health: Medical staff provided regular exams for babies, including height and weight checks to track their growth and development. During these appointments, caregivers learned more about taking care of their children’s physical health, identifying their babies’ needs and preventing malnutrition. Those who needed it received vitamins and supplements. Pregnant women also received pre- and postnatal care.
Health: Medical staff provided regular exams for babies, including height and weight checks to track their growth and development. During these appointments, caregivers learned more about taking care of their children’s physical health, identifying their babies’ needs and preventing malnutrition. Those who needed it received vitamins and supplements. Pregnant women also received pre- and postnatal care.
Health: Medical staff provided regular exams for babies, including height and weight checks to track their growth and development. During these appointments, caregivers learned more about taking care of their children’s physical health, identifying their babies’ needs and preventing malnutrition. Those who needed it received vitamins and supplements. Pregnant women also received pre- and postnatal care.
Celebrations: Survival families celebrated Children’s Day together. There were contests and games for children and parents and delicious food to share. Staff prayed over the families and each baby was given new clothes. We also celebrated children’s first birthdays with a party and a gift of clothes. Moms and their children felt so special!
Celebrations: Survival families celebrated Children’s Day together. There were contests and games for children and parents and delicious food to share. Staff prayed over the families and each baby was given new clothes. We also celebrated children’s first birthdays with a party and a gift of clothes. Moms and their children felt so special!
Celebrations: Survival families celebrated Children’s Day together. There were contests and games for children and parents and delicious food to share. Staff prayed over the families and each baby was given new clothes. We also celebrated children’s first birthdays with a party and a gift of clothes. Moms and their children felt so special!
Celebrations: Survival families celebrated Children’s Day together. There were contests and games for children and parents and delicious food to share. Staff prayed over the families and each baby was given new clothes. We also celebrated children’s first birthdays with a party and a gift of clothes. Moms and their children felt so special!
Celebrations: Survival families celebrated Children’s Day together. There were contests and games for children and parents and delicious food to share. Staff prayed over the families and each baby was given new clothes. We also celebrated children’s first birthdays with a party and a gift of clothes. Moms and their children felt so special!
Celebrations: Survival families celebrated Children’s Day together. There were contests and games for children and parents and delicious food to share. Staff prayed over the families and each baby was given new clothes. We also celebrated children’s first birthdays with a party and a gift of clothes. Moms and their children felt so special!
Pastor Isaiah

ReportA message from a pastor

I am sending you a cordial greeting and a big hug through this letter and want to share my gratitude for the support you’ve given us with love and dedication. We appreciate all your efforts, knowing that as 1 Corinthians 15:58 says: “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (NIV).

Because of the Survival program, now we see that moms have improved hygiene for babies and are attentive to their health. In homes, the implementers share the Word of God with moms who are attentive and like to listen. Mothers are more open to pray about their needs—they know that God has the power to answer their prayers and now moms enjoy motherhood more.

May God continue to strengthen your lives in every area and continue to put in your heart the desire and strength to continue caring for each little one so that they can continue to see the love, affection and peace of God.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7; NIV).

Thank you very much for all your support.

Sincerely,

Pastor Isaiah
Maria

ReportA message from those your gift helped

I am Maria and first of all, I thank God for your lives. Thank you for the support that you give to the moms and babies of the Survival program; it has been a great blessing for me and my daughter.

Everything we have received is very useful, including the kits, the food baskets, the changes of clothes for my baby and, above all, the teaching I receive from the Word of God. I have received valuable advice on how to instruct my children in the way of God, the care and attention I should give them, how to protect them from dangers and how to educate them. I thank God for your lives because through you, we have received great support to help the growth of our babies.

Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart for everything and for your prayers for us. In class and at home we pray for you. I pray that God will continue to strengthen your lives and give you strength to move forward. I want to send you a big hug and many blessings for you and your families. May God be with you and keep you and fill your life and family with love and joy.

I hope you are very well. Sending you greetings and blessings from Santa Ana Tzacuala, and again, thank you very much.

Maria
Teresa

ReportA message from a partnership facilitator

It is a pleasure to be able to greet you through this letter. Thank you for your generous love you show to our little ones. We remember the Word of God that says he who receives a child, receives Jesus.

The community of Santa Ana Tzacuala is a beautiful place. It still has a lot of green area with some springs where trout are raised. The climate is cold. The occupation of most of the inhabitants is to plant corn, beans and peas. However, being a cold place, most are also dedicated to the arrangement of flowers. The seasonal fruits are plum in June and July and apples and pears in August.

Since this community received the Survival program, there has been a positive change of mentality to work with pregnant mothers and newborn babies since there was no current support and education for this group in the community. The church is present through the attention provided by the implementer when visiting the homes. We have been able to teach on the topics of baby care, how to bathe them, how to create a safe place for children and how to protect them. We also teach them the Word of God. If any of the families have conflicts, we provide counselling and the church prays for their specific needs. There was a case where a couple was going to separate but after counselling and prayer, God touched their hearts and they are still together today.

Through Survival care, the mothers feel known, loved and protected. They feel like part of the church and this gives them security. When a mother is registered, she is given a welcome kit, which includes diapers, wipes and onesies for the cold season. They have two medical checkups a year and they are also given a Bible.

Part of my duties is to visit their homes, where I can see the progress they have made. We still have challenges, but we know that little by little, we are moving forward to impact our community in a positive way. The church has also mobilized some local resources to support these families based on the needs we have identified. The church wants to provide more workshops to mothers to help them develop skills and provide them with improvements in preparing healthy food in their homes.

It has been a challenging and rewarding time as we wait to see results of the program. We pray that together we will continue to transform the lives of the families and above all, we will continue to free more children from poverty in the name of Jesus.

Thank you for the love you show to these little ones. May the good God bless you and keep you at all times.

Teresa