The Director of the Belize Red Cross, Mrs. Lily Bowman, and a dedicated volunteer, Ms. Lizet Aldana, recently made a visit to Marla's House of Hope in Belmopan. During their visit, 15 hygiene kits, a bale of blankets, cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery were donated to the children's home on behalf of the Belize Red Cross.

Marla's House of Hope became a reality through the concerns and action of local citizens. Generous donations of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, Help for Progress, the British High Commission, Belize Enterprise for Sustained Technology, Sisters of Charity, the Mennonite community and the International Women's Club of Belize has strengthened the home's capabilities to assist needy children.

The officials from the Belize Red Cross met many of the 14 children who reside at the home. Their ages range from 4 months to 14 years and are all unfortunate victims of various forms of abuse and neglect.

Ms. Yolanda Mendez, Coordinator of the home, gave a tour of the temporary location in the Salvapan area of Belmopan. The need for this temporary location came about as a result of a fire earlier this year that consumed the permanent building that had provided a home for many children since March 1998.

Marla's House of Hope primary objective is to combat all types of child abuse within Belize. It provides nurturing care, counseling, education and empowerment to all victims of abuse and neglect. To date, 233 children and 13 women have resided at this home. This number clearly indicates that the facility is fulfilling a role in the community to better the lives of many children who suffer from the effects of child abuse and neglect.

Through the support of the community and various humanitarian agencies the reconstruction of the previous building is under way and an expansion is being carried out in order to accommodate up to twenty residents.