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SusanB

Author: SusanB

The Last Shall Be First

Raul’s 40-day Remembrance mass (Feb 17th) – A Latin American Tradition Raul’s 40-day remembrance mass with his photo in front Dionisio describes a holy card gift he had planned with Raul Each resident selects a card and treat provided by Raul before his death The residents hold Raul’s photo as a gentle remembrance The residents […]

Your Gifts are a Living Posada

Providing our Children Room at the Inn A “posada” is a traditional procession during the nine days before Christmas in Latin America. (The COAR children staged it in November when we visited.) A couple, playing Mary and Joseph, knock on doors asking for a room. The “innkeepers” behind the room refuse them entry. (Sometimes the […]

Some Business for this Year

Our Programs Director, Susan Barnish, and Executive Director, Mary Stevenson, finally got down to COAR from November 14-18th (first time for Susan in 12 months and 19 months for Mary – a record!) to catch up on some business: #1 – Met with Padre Edwin Alexander Henríquez Márquez (right) the new Director of the Archdiocese […]

The Professionalism that Leads to Healing

Natural Disasters and Personal Trauma Professionalism Deals with All of It El Salvador (and COAR) WILL be hit with an earthquake, hurricane, or wildfire in the near future. It is inevitable. But COAR will be ready for them. Other traumas, childhood traumas, abuse and violence, these, too, require preparation and professional training. COAR’s professional staff consists of a “technical team” which has […]

September 2021 – Executive Director’s Reflections & News from El Salvador

Watercolor original by: Marie Spaeder Haas

PRIVACY, DIGNITY, SAFETY As most of you know, the COAR children come from tough backgrounds. They are victims of abuse that is sometimes horrific, often terrifying, and always humiliating. Healing shame is an important part of the staff’s work with the children. It is always a difficult balance for us to tell you about them […]