December 2024
Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua.
Children and adolescents from the La Amistad Community Center, La Gran Familia Gregory Shelter and Francisco Chávez Orozco School show with a Christmas concert the musical skills learned during the project “Nuclei of Musical Action” implemented by Mexico through Art, A. C. with the support of the Chihuahuan Business Foundation, A. C. (FECHAC), with which they develop social skills that allow them to face adverse situations such as delinquency and marginalization.
During the year, more than half a million pesos were allocated to provide 112 children and adolescents in vulnerable situations with guitar, ukulele and string orchestra classes in parallel with family sessions of psychological accompaniment, workshops, conferences and recreational activities in order to raise awareness about the prevention of sexual abuse, anxiety, emotional health, risk behaviors and harmonious human relationships.
“This model of social intervention offers alternatives for psychosocial and socio-emotional development using music as a tool; in this entertaining and fun way, qualities and skills such as self-esteem and resilience are strengthened and put into practice to keep children and young people away from risky environments,” said Graciela Martínez, President of FECHAC in Cuauhtémoc.
He added that this project, as well as the other programs supported by FECHAC to improve the quality of life of the people of Chihuahua who need it most, is possible thanks to the generous contributions of businessmen and employers in the state of Chihuahua.
La Gran Familia – Our Story
La Gran Familia started in 1998, not because someone said there was a need for an orphanage in Cuauhtémoc, but because God sent Fr. Gregory Spinks to Cuauhtémoc. Fr. Greg thought he was going there to plant an Anglican church, but God’s plan was much larger. His plan was for Fr. Greg to begin the work of ministering to “the least of these” – the abandoned and neglected children of Cuauhtémoc.
Fr. Greg saw the need of the kids who lived next door with their elderly grandfather in a shack. They were malnourished, filthy, and sick. He ministered to them daily and before long, he opened his heart and his tiny three-bedroom home to nine boys. We later purchased a larger home – “the boy’s house,” which is still in use today.
In 2001, Fr. Greg died suddenly from a heart attack; he never saw LGF as “his ministry” but as God’s ministry, and he was the obedient servant. God has been faithful to continue this ministry. After Fr. Greg’s death, Goretti Lerma, who had helped him with the boys, took over their daily care.
From the start, the blessings have been abundant. The property has grown from one building to three. The children now number 40 and include girls. We have celebrated quinceañeras and a wedding, and most importantly we have helped many children grow into successful adults (nurses, engineers, teachers, mechanics, moms, premier soccer players and more), with many more following in their footsteps.
