March 2025 – Sometimes all you can see is . . . the cross
from our most recent visit, updates on each one First-aid and grooming workshops Twice a year, usually February and November, we visit COAR and learn each child’s story: the new girls, successes and challenges of those we already know, and any news of those who have moved on. This is a special story we heard […]
March 2025 – Executive Director’s Reflections & News from El Salvador
What do you hear when you hear “aid”? The impact of ceasing USAID funding will be felt throughout El Salvador. COAR does not received USAID funds nor does our oversight partner in the Archdiocese of San Salvador, the Vicariate of Human Development-CARITAS. But many, many other relief projects, the other dioceses in El Salvador, and […]
December 2024 – Executive Director’s Reflections & News from El Salvador
Executive Director’s Reflections by Mary Stevenson To See the Pain in Their Faces Susan (our Programs Director) and I travel to El Salvador at least twice a year. Usually in February and November. It’s part of our job to work with the Archdiocese, the parish, the school, and the residences to go over budgets, […]
Computer Center Flooded
After the flood . . . the rainbow Thanks to all who responded with consolations, prayers, and gifts to repair our computer center (the subject of last month’s dramatic email and video, if you missed it, look below). But the kids bailed the water and we will repair and rebuild – thanks to you! We […]
September 2021 – Executive Director’s Reflections & News from El Salvador
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 […]
Community Film School and Facing Reality
Or, how to keep busy during an ongoing pandemic . . . Interhouse soccer tournaments, daily gospel reflections, and Zumba videos can only get you so far—even with the usual schoolwork and household chores. So Marta, our director, has found a creative outlet for six of our COAR kids. She’s signed them up for film […]
June 2021 – Executive Director’s Reflections & News from El Salvador
I DESERVE A PATH FREE OF VIOLENCE COAR Children designed this movie poster on emigration: “YOUR LIFE IS WORTH MORE THAN AN UNCERTAIN DESTINATION / I DESERVE A PATH FREE OF VIOLENCE” The film school opportunity (featured in our news this month) started as a remote‑learning, creative outlet during the pandemic. But the first project […]
March 2021 – Executive Director’s Reflections & News from El Salvador
Romero, Romero, Romero! He lived in horribly divided times amidst unspeakable violence. Yet, he preached peace constantly. His words, quoted on the Prayer Service page were spoken in reference to the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6th, 43 years ago . . .
August 15th – Foundation Day
August 15th – Foundation Day – A Day of Joy between two sorrows – and Joy for 40 years August 15th is the Catholic feast day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven. It was also the birthday of St. Romero in 1915. As refugee children came to the CLAM Team Parish […]
September 2019 – Executive Director’s Reflections & News from El Salvador
From the Peace Mission’s Executive Director By Mary K. Stevenson The idea is NOT the Hard Part, so Here’s to You, Dear Donor Dear Donor to COAR – Let me tell you how much you mean to me – to the children too, of course – but to them, by way of me. Bill Gates […]