“Transforming Lives with CARES”, is a school for children with special needs that the Missionary Oblates of Tijuana founded over 15 years ago.
The children that attend CARES are not admitted to other schools because of their disabilities. Most of these children have suffered greatly because of poverty, mistreatment, and abuse.
The life and story of Willyam, a young boy with autism, is powerful and Inspiring. When Willyam was a child, his mother, seeking better opportunities outside her hometown, left Willyam in the care of his grandparents. Unaware of his condition, they responded to his needs with mistreatment of all kinds: violent aggression, chaining him in the backyard without food, and even sexual abuse, which left Willyam deeply traumatized. His fear of physical contact was such that he refused hugs, interpreting them as a prelude to violence.
When his mother took him to Tijuana, she found the CARES Program of the Missionary Oblates, which marked a before and after in Willyam’s life. At first it was very difficult for Willyam to trust his teachers and peers. At times Willyam was aggressive and would not cooperate with his teachers.
Nevertheless, the team continued to be patient, understanding and compassionate with him. Slowly they begin to see the improvement in his attitude and actions. With the support of a professional and dedicated team, Willyam was able to overcome his traumas and learn to
relate positively to others.
His story is just one of many that reflect the transformative impact of this program.
The heart of CARES is its team of teachers, who are trained to give personalized attention to more than 30 students with Down Syndrome, Asperger Syndrome, Angelman Syndrome, Autism, among other disabilities. They teach occupational workshops, reading and writing classes, motor activities and other workshops designed to promote the students’ independence.
Each activity is a step towards a more inclusive future, where people with disabilities can be fully integrated into society.
We are deeply grateful to all those who have contributed to keeping this project alive, for it is changing the course of countless lives, like that of Willyam and all his classmates.
LET’S TRANSFORM LIVES TOGETHER
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