Picture a small dark haired child sitting on a dirt floor in a one story dark gloomy brick building. There is no electricity to light his play area, no running water to clean his hands. Everyday his mom searches the neighborhood for firewood so he can have a hot meal.  Welcome to Claudia and her children’s world.

              Claudia came to the United States about 8 years ago to make a better life for her family.  It didn’t work out the way she planned. The family flew back to Mexico in June 2004. My heart cries out for them.  To go from living here in the United States, on the verge of getting the help needed to have a long-term quality life, to a life of poverty.  I can’t imagine that type of a change, especially when I think of nine year old Miguel and his 2 brothers.

             BuildADreamProject is sponsored by the McHenry Lation Coalition. We are a volunteer group whose goal is to provide adequate safe housing and basic necessities for Claudia’s family.  We are going to refurbish the family house, make it suitable for children and help Claudia obtain a lifelong means to care for her loved ones.

             This project is close to my heart.  I have made a donation and am now asking that you do the same. I would like you to consider lending a hand by giving a financial gift of support. Help Claudia’s dream come true, help give her children a good life.  On the following pages, you will see how your donation will make a difference. BuildADreamProject has no paid staff so 100% of your donation will go to helping Claudia and her children. 

             I would be happy to talk with you further about involvement with the BuildADreamProject. I invite you to visit the organization’s website, www.buildadreamproject.com, for more information or call Linda Baumert, the coordinator, at 847-376-0822. Together we can build dreams and break the cycle of poverty, one family at a time.

Yours in mission,

The BuildADreamProject team

 PS. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “To share often and much . . . To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, this is to have succeeded.” I hope you will be able to help Claudia and her children.