Our Work

Supporting children and families in Latin America and the Caribbean since 1954

Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH) means “Our Little Brothers and Sisters” in Spanish. NPH USA transforms the lives of vulnerable children in Bolivia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Peru. Together, we help children overcome poverty and become productive, caring leaders in their own communities.

Founded in 1954 by Father William Wasson, NPH is supporting more than 8,000 children and adults, both inside our homes and in surrounding communities, ensuring they have a safe and nurturing place to live, an education, clothing, health care, economic opportunity, and a strong family support system.

NPH’s St. Damien Pediatric Hospital employs more than 500 Haitians and is an excellent, multi-service healthcare provider. It is the only hospital wholly dedicated to pediatric and prenatal care in Haiti, a country of 11.5 million people.

NPH believes that every child deserves a family. We provide love, care, and opportunities for orphaned or abandoned children with nowhere to go. We also become extended family to children's families by providing wrap-around services that fill vital gaps and enable families to stay together, grow together, and succeed together.

The NPH San Jose Family Center in rural Honduras has been successful in strengthening families and keeping children in school. Thanks to support from donors, in 2022, we were able to open the Fr. William Wasson Family Center in Guatemala:

NPH Bolivia

Supports

children, youth, and adults

Founded

April 17, 2005

Location of NPH’s Casa Padre Wasson Home

San Ignacio de Sara, 50 miles north of Santa Cruz

NPH Operates

Family-style homes
Primary school (grades K-6)
Farm
Medical clinic
Community Programs such as the Createens art program and training workshops for children and youth in the surrounding communities

Patricia Rueda

“It is so gratifying when the immediate and extended biological families visit and spend time with children in our home. These are important relationships to foster and grow. We are committed to finding ways to keep families together while ensuring the safety and rights of every child.”

Patricia Rueda National Director, NPH Bolivia

2022 NPH Bolivia Highlights

New Independent Living Houses

NPH opened two houses in Portachuelo for young adults transitioning from the NPH home to independent living. Under the guidance of a facilitator, the young adults learn essential life skills such as going to school on their own, shopping in the nearby markets, and using public transport, health services and banks by themselves. This program prepares them for living independently away from the NPH home so they may be self-sufficient members of the community.

Reuniting Families

NPH Bolivia started 2022 by successfully reintegrating two girls and one boy back into their families. This is a long and careful process, where the rights and needs of each child are paramount. NPH professionals educate and support families so children can return to a nurturing, safe, and loving environment. The Cabello siblings are now back home and attend school, strengthened by the love of their biological and NPH families.

Transition to New Housing Model

While NPH has always believed in keeping biological children together, homes were typically assigned by age groups. Recently, five homes were converted to allow biological siblings to live together as a family unit. This required some renovation and extensive educating and training of staff, but excitement and support for this housing structure grows and will continue into next year.

NPH Dominican Republic 

Supports

children, youth, and adults

Founded

January 6, 2003

Location of NPH’s Casa Santa Ana Home

Outside of San Pedro de Macorís, about 40 miles east of Santo Domingo

NPH Operates

Family-style homes
School (grades K-11)
Vocational workshops
Farm and Greenhouse 
Medical clinic
Community Programs, such as transitional homes, the Extension San Marcos Program for people with special needs, and the Ambulatory Surgery Center - a collaborative project with our partner organization, One World Surgery.

“Thanks to generous support of the university scholarship program, two of our young people have finished university. We also continue to provide assistance to the surrounding communities with vital support services, while also helping children reintegrate with their biological families in safe, healthy, and happy ways. All of this would not be possible without the selfless help of our donors.”

Kieran Rigney

National Director

NPH Dominican Republic

2022 NPH Dominican Republic Highlights

Primary Care and Child Surgery

In 2022, NPH health professionals provided children with 240 wellness consultations and performed two surgeries. Kervens, a child with Down Syndrome, had adenoid surgery to improve his breathing. He is now more comfortable and happier. Luis David, from a nearby community, had an operation on his club feet. In 2023, primary care and child surgery will continue to improve quality of life for those who require it.

Job Preparation and Placement

Unfortunately, job opportunities can be scarce in the Dominican Republic, with many young people destined for hard labor in the sugarcane fields. NPH helps provide outplacement opportunities for youth. In 2022, NPH provided meaningful work opportunities for many young people. Some were placed at IVDIS, a designer and manufacturer of commercial furniture and store fixtures, and many others at MSC cruise ships.

A Safe Haven for At-Risk Children

NPH Dominican Republic is providing a safe haven through its transition home, “Niños de Dios,” (God’s Children). In 2022, a total of 56 children were welcomed in the aftermath of experiencing sad or violent situations. At Niños de Dios, a team of professionals provide support and security for as long as necessary, until the children are able to return to a safe and nurturing environment. Over the past five years, 162 children have come through the home.

NPH youth received opportunities to work on MSC cruise ships

NPH El Salvador

Supports

children, youth, and adults

Founded

Founded June 29, 1999

Location of NPH’s Casa Sagrada Familia Home

Near the border of Guatemala in Texistepeque, about 30 miles from San Salvador

NPH Operates

Family-style homes
School (grades K-9)
Vocational workshops
Farm
Medical clinic
Community programs such as Centro Bienestar Infantil (CBI) daycare center and the NPH school

“Trusting in our supportive donor family and God, we put all our effort into areas of improvement that would benefit the children. The war in Ukraine negatively impacted our budgets but, still, we were able to provide safe, adequate spaces to accommodate activities and programs for the children, as planned.”

Dora Serrano

National Director

NPH El Salvador and Hermana Mayor (“Older Sister”) who was raised at NPH El Salvador

Dora Serrano

2022 NPH El Salvador Highlights

Development of the Crops Project and Improvements on the Farm

The Casa Sagrada team built two greenhouses and prepared the soil to grow organic food. Also, the installation of an electric milking machine improved dairy and cheese production. All of these improvements provide a cost-effective, sustainable food supply for children and staff.

Vital Early Child Education

In recent years, fewer children ages 1 to 6 years are in residential care, so NPH El Salvador opened the Child Care Center (CBI) to care for girls and boys whose parents struggle to work while living in poverty and in an area without access to early education. By the end of 2022, 58 children had benefitted from CBI.

Internships

Thanks to the support of the local institution “Fundación Renacer,” NPH youth had the opportunity to participate in “Programa Creando Esperanza” (Creating Hope Program). This program places young people with internships at companies, affording them real-life experiences and technical training which helps prepare them for a successful future.

NPH Guatemala

Supports

children, youth, and adults

Founded

Founded November 11, 1996

Location of NPH’s Casa San Andres Home

In Parramos, 16 miles from Antigua and an hour northwest of Guatemala City

NPH Operates

Family-style homes
School (grades K-9)
Vocational workshops
Farm
Medical clinic
Community Programs, such as the “Sagrada Familia” Daycare Center in Parramos, the NPH Guatemala Education Center, the Fr. Wasson Family Center, and NPH OneFamily which provides services to families in need

“In 2022, our staff worked very hard to deliver the same high quality and compassionate care in all our different programs, while further expanding our service to vulnerable families in nearby communities. We can see the positive difference we’re making through various community outreach programs, such as NPH OneFamily, the Child Daycare Center, the Educational Center and the new Fr. Wasson Family Center, which serves approximately 390 boys and girls who live with their families.”

José Orlando Ramos

National Director NPH Guatemala

Meal time at Child Daycare Center

2022 NPH Guatemala Highlights

Opening of the Father William Wasson Family Center

An exciting, new community program in Chimaltenango promotes family and community strengthening by filling vital gaps in services to help girls and boys, adolescents, people with disabilities, and single mothers.  It provides early development and intervention services to children ages 2 to 4, and tutoring for children whose parents are illiterate or who cannot attend school. Those with disabilities are an often-overlooked population, but the Center is barrier free and accessible for those in wheelchairs and healthcare professionals provide speech and physical therapy. Struggling mothers have a place for their children to receive free nutrition, daycare, tutoring, or therapy; and they, themselves, can get training or time to work to raise income for their families.

OneFamily Program Success

In 2022, 45 new children were supported through the OneFamily Program. The OneFamily program focuses on keeping struggling families together by providing aid through scholarships, psychological therapy, educational workshops, and parental schooling.

Labor Insertion Program

In 2022, 73 young men and women were served by the Labor Insertion Program, which was created to give youth necessary skills to acquire a job that will improve their quality of life or achieve a personal life goal so they can live independently. The program provided job training and education and placement assistance to the beneficiaries.

OneFamily program participant

Christmas celebration at Father Wasson Family Center

NPH Haiti

Supports

children, youth, and adults

Founded

Founded January 26, 1987

Location of NPH’s St. Hélène Foyer Home

About 25 miles from Port-au-Prince in Kenscoff

NPH Operates

St. Hélène Foyer in Kenscoff: home, clinic and school (grades K – 10) for children in need
Father Wasson Angels of Light in Tabarre: home, clinic and school (grades K – 12) for vulnerable and displaced children
Medical clinics
Don Bosco in Tabarre: a higher education program for youths who are attending high school, university or technical schools.
Community programs such as three rehabilitation outpatient centers providing therapy and education to children and adults with neurological disabilities
St. Damien Pediatric Hospital in Tabarre (Scroll to section on SDPH)

“In 2022, we faced many difficulties, such as fuel shortages and kidnapping cases, and were lucky to make it through these most difficult times. One of the most disturbing cases was when the kidnappers entered the Baby House in Tabarre and kidnapped four of our workers, all women. With much prayer, effort, and intervention, they were released. Despite all the difficulties of 2022, we understand this is the nature of our work. We represent hope for many people in Haiti and continue to hope that the socio-political situation will improve. In 2023, we require more resources to overcome the escalating challenges we face every day in the delivery of our services. Please know that none of what we accomplished in 2022 would be possible without the help of our dear donors.”

Kenson Kass

National Director

NPH Haiti and Hermano Mayor (“Older Brother”) who was raised at NPH Haiti

2022 NPH Haiti Highlights

Renovation and Consolidation

In 2022, we renovated four houses in the St. Hélène home. Two of the four renovated houses accepted 54 new children fleeing from gang violence. The other two received children from the St. Simon Baby House that was closed in response to the kidnappings of our staff. We have also reinforced security measures at all of our facilities and renovated our library and conference room in Tabarre.

Graduates

This past year, 22 NPH Haiti students earned diplomas in various disciplines, such as Driving School & Heavy Machinery, Accounting, IT, Office Automation, Hospitality and Tourism, and Administration. An additional eight earned university degrees. Our students achieved these accomplishments despite many educational institutions closing their doors and many people remaining trapped in their neighborhoods because of the violence.

St. Hélène Cafeteria

In 2022, the NPH team at the St. Hélène home completed work on the home’s dining hall. Now, the Tabarre community children attending school are able to enjoy a hot meal every day. The St. Hélène facility had been unable to provide daily hot meals for two years prior to the completion of this work.

Welcoming the new children at St. Helene!

NPH Haiti

St. Damien Pediatric Hospital

In 2022, the socio-political situation, violence, kidnappings, gang control of Port-au-Prince, and blocking of national roads, further compounded Haiti’s health issues. The violence and instability continue to have devastating consequences on the everyday lives of millions of children, young people and families throughout the country.

One of the consequences of the social unrest was the shortage of fuel, a necessity for any hospital to function, and essential in maintaining ambulance service. This also prevented many vulnerable patients – newborns, pregnant women, cancer patients, and many more – from safely arriving at the hospital for consultations or procedures, putting their lives at serious risk.

Despite the huge challenges, St. Damien Pediatric Hospital remained operational for the entire year, except for a partial closure of 20 days in May 2022 to combat staff kidnappings. In keeping with the mission and vision of Father Wasson, the hospital responded yet again to health crises that hit the nation, particularly in the second half of the year.

Cholera: St. Damien Hospital opened a Cholera Treatment Center in response to the major outbreak in Haiti in late 2022. The center treated 360 children during the fourth quarter of 2022.
Malnutrition: St. Damien Hospital admitted 194 malnourished children in 2022, an increase of 92% from 2021. Sadly, this is a serious health problem expected to grow in the coming years.

In May 2022, Dr. Pascale Gassant became the Executive Director of St. Damien Pediatric Hospital, taking over from Dr. Jacqueline Gautier who had served in the position for 30 years.

Dr. Gassant joined the St. Damien team 20 years ago, leading the department of pediatric oncology. As a pediatrician, she opted to become an oncologist to address the underserved issue of cancer in Haiti. Dr. Gassant led the development of the oncology department at St. Damien, the only pediatric oncology department in Haiti. The medical community collaborates to help with early diagnosis to improve childhood cancer prognosis.

Since her appointment, she has been working with the different departments and department heads to improve the quality and standards of the hospital service.

NPH Honduras

Supports

children, youth, and adults

Founded

Founded November 4, 1985

Location of NPH’s Rancho Santa Fe Home

One hour northeast of Tegucigalpa

NPH Operates

Family-style home
Special homes for severely disabled children and elderly adults
School (grades K – 9)
Vocational workshops (carpentry, tailoring, welding, electricity, automotive repair and painting, and cosmetology)
Farms, greenhouse, and vegetable gardens
Medical clinic
Community programs, such as an economic empowerment program for community youth, a temporary home for at-risk children, Paso Pequenitos, a daycare center for young children of working mothers, and a soup kitchen in the nearby town of Talanga that provides food and vitamins

“As a child, I had the opportunity to grow up under the wisdom and care of Fr. Wasson. As the former director of NPH Nicaragua and now the director of NPH Honduras, one of my main aims is to make known and strengthen the philosophy shared by Fr. Wasson, especially that our work is a service of love for each child.”

Marlon Velásquez

National Director

NPH Honduras and Hermano Mayor (“Older Brother”) who was raised at NPH Honduras

2022 NPH Honduras Highlights

The San José Family Center

Located in the mountain town of Mata de Plátano, the San Jose Family Center supports this impoverished rural community with programs to empower children and families. Services include physical and psychological therapy for children and adults, academic tutoring, and training to help boys and girls recognize their self-value and strengths, as well as help them create and achieve life goals which will positively impact their communities and families. In 2022, NPH served about 300 vulnerable children, adolescents, and their families through the Family Center.

Building Capacity to Care for those with Disabilities

NPH Honduras has four specialized homes in various locations for disability care. The dedicated staff works closely with medical professionals to deliver therapy, stimulation, and treatment to these children and adults living with a range of disabilities, from low-impact to severe, due to conditions such as cerebral palsy or Down Syndrome. In 2022, NPH Honduras had 159 children and young adults with chronic conditions, including disabilities, in their constant care. Generous donors from Arizona and the Chicagoland area brought much happiness to Rancho Santa Fe children with the very appreciated donation of a state-of-the-art, totally accessible playground in 2022.

Family Transitioning and Reunification

NPH always puts the “rights of the child” first and foremost. While every child has the right to be with their biological family, NPH social workers take extreme efforts to ensure the health and safety of each child by strengthening the family environment. NPH goes through a rigorous, step-by-step process to protect children from domestic violence or abuse, ensure good nutrition, and respond to the wants and emotional states of children, while working with and training parents, to ensure positive outcomes. NPH’s Casa Esperanza transitional home in Catacamas has helped over 300 children successfully transition to family reintegration or safe long-term solutions.

Children get to play, socialize, and enjoy the outdoors, thanks to the new, totally accessible playground

NPH Mexico

Supports

children, youth, and adults

Founded

Founded August 2, 1954

Location of NPH’s Casa San Salvador Home

In Miacatlán, 77 miles south of Mexico City

NPH Operates

Family-style home
Primary and secondary schools
Farms
Medical clinic
Technical high school and home in Cuernavaca
Ciudad de los Niños (“City of the Children”) home in Matamoros
Group houses for youths attending university in Monterrey and Mexico City
Community programs such as an academic scholarship program, meals and health care for children/youth in the community, NPH OneFamily which provides services to families in need, and support for Hermanos Mayores (“Older Siblings”) who were raised at NPH and now live on their own

“In August, we began our scholarship program for children with single parents. Our school bus picks them up in the morning and they are received by our nurses and social workers who take them to have breakfast and then to school. After the school day, they take them to lunch with the rest of the children, and then we return them to their homes. We are also creating an alliance with the government of Miacatlán to grant scholarships to children and young people from the poorest neighborhoods around Casa San Salvador.”

Rafael Bermúdez

National Director

NPH Mexico and Hermano Mayor (“Older Brother”) who was raised at NPH Mexico

2022 NPH Mexico Highlights

Graduates

Education is said to be the most powerful weapon in defeating poverty. In 2022, nearly 200 children proudly graduated from NPH Mexico’s schools. Four graduated from preschool, 32 from elementary, 47 from high school, 70 from technical school, and 33 from university. The university graduates are already on their way to successful careers, including accountants, engineers, dental surgeons, nurses, software developers, finance professionals, and chefs.

Vital Support to Children in Matamoros

Ciudad de los Niños is home to about 35 children in Matamoros, near the US border. This past year, a priority emerged: the children needed a support system in place as they entered, and prepared to leave, the home. With much resourcefulness, a “Life Coach” was recruited. This coach has been working in collaboration with the staff psychologist to help the children identify and develop the key skills, knowledge, and tools they need to be successful in school, in their transition to high school, and to post-secondary training, college, and adult life. In its first year, this investment is already having a positive impact on the children and youth.

Scholarship Program

NPH Mexico launched a community scholarship program in mid-2022. The program allows 13 children from the community to attend the NPH school at Casa San Salvador. This program is providing education and development opportunities to children in the community who otherwise would not have access to them.

2022 University Graduates

Cooking class at the technical high school

NPH Nicaragua

Supports

children, youth, and adults

Founded

Founded May 10, 1994

Location of NPH’s Casa Padre Wasson Home

45 minutes southwest of Managua in Jinotepe

NPH Operates

School (grades K – 11)
Vocational workshops
Farms
Greenhouses
Medical clinic
Community programs such as an academic scholarship program, meals and health care for children/youth in the community, NPH OneFamily which provides services to families in need, and the “Good Samaritan” and San Jorge programs.

“The smiles of the children are the engine of our work. The year 2022 was a year where we came together more as a family to face difficult situations in order to continue doing our work in the country. Thanks to perseverance and teamwork, we achieved great results for the benefit of hundreds of children in Nicaragua.”

Jader Rayo

National Director

NPH Nicaragua and Hermano Mayor (“Older Brother”) who was raised at NPH Nicaragua

2022 NPH Nicaragua Highlights

Family Growing Program

This program was started to support the children in the NPH school who had no place to go after classes or on Saturdays. The program now serves 70 students. Classes in art, folkloric music, botany, and sports help these students develop intellectually and protect them from the potential dangers of being home alone without parental care.

Academic Achievements

In 2022, the NPH school had enrolled 260 students, all coming from nearby communities. By the end of the school year, 64 students graduated at various levels, ranging from preschool to High School Baccalaureate. This accomplishment is a major source of pride and indicator of future success for these children and families.

The Good Samaritan Program

During 2022, the “El Buen Samaritano” (The Good Samaritan) program delivered 2,528 medical, counseling, and tutoring sessions to 63 families. The program also renovated a classroom in NPH’s Casa Santiago, and provided a teacher to tutor 23 local students during the year. By year’s end, seven NPH students had been recognized for academic excellence.

NPH Peru

Supports

children, youth, and adults

Founded

Founded May 10, 1994

Location of NPH’s Casa Santa Rosa de Lima Home

Two hours south of Lima in San Vicente de Cañete

NPH Operates

Family-style home
Farm
Therapy center
Medical clinic
Community Programs such as an academic scholarship program, meals and health care for children/youth in the community, and NPH OneFamily which provides services to families in need.

“While Peru was embroiled in a political crisis in 2022, we focused whole-heartedly on continuing to support and guide the most vulnerable children in a comprehensive manner through a variety of programs and services. We redoubled our efforts on community programs – seeking to strengthen families to prevent abandonment during these difficult times.”

Rafael Antonio Arce

National Director

NPH Nicaragua and Hermano Mayor (“Older Brother”) who was raised at NPH Nicaragua

2022 NPH Peru Highlights

OneFamily Program Success

Through OneFamily, NPH’s program to reintegrate pequeños with their biological families, the staff in Peru successfully reintegrated five children with their families in 2022. Two girls and three boys, including two siblings, returned to live with their closest blood relatives, thus restoring the right of our children and adolescents to live with their families.

Sports Field Inauguration

A major expansion of the NPH Peru Family Community Center began in 2022 with the construction of a sports field. This new infrastructure will host workshops in different sports disciplines, helping youth develop their skills and live a healthy lifestyle.

Higher Education Graduations

In 2022, NPH Peru was successful in graduating 16 students from various levels of schooling. Notably, two of the beneficiaries completed university degrees in Lima: one in law, and another in nursing.

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