Year Joined MKLM: 1985 Country: Mexico City: Queretaro Focus: Healthcare through Social Work Project(s): Queretaro Community Foundation and L’Arche Community People Served: approx. 13,000 students between the ages of 8 and 13 Project Goal(s): run an addiction prevention program in 55 high-risk public schools in 4 counties. | |
Personal Data Although originally from the United States, Kathy has been living and working in Mexico since 1970. She began her work in Chiapas, dedicated to pastoral and catechetical formation in indigenous communities. In 1985 she and her husband Javier joined MLM with their four children—Petul (18), Javier (10), Lety (6) and Lauris (4) at the time. Almost all of Kathy’s time with MLM has been in Mexico—working among Mexico City’s urban poor and currently in Queretaro. She and her family spent three years in N.Y. fulfilling leadership and administrative responsibilities. Kathy graduated from Mary Rogers College. Current Ministry Kathy works in a number of projects in Queretaro. She is very active with the Queretaro Community Foundation, an organization working to help the poor in dignified and sustainable ways. The foundation runs an addiction prevention program in 55 high-risk public schools in 4 counties, serving approximately 13 thousand students between the ages of 8 and 13. They also work on sustainable development projects such as the “worm” project designed to make the foundation self- sufficient as well as turn garbage into excellent fertilizer. Another effort is to build up a fruit growers' coop in one of the poorest parts of the state. This will improve fruit production and processing, empowering growers to make and sell jellies. This provides additional income for families helping to improve livelihoods, resulting in decreased migration. In addition, Kathy is the President of the Board for the L’Arche community in Queretaro. L’Arche is a worldwide movement working with people with developmental challenges. The community in Queretaro serves nine people with developmental challenges who are unable to find employment in other places. They produce wonderful whole wheat bread and raise rabbits and chickens for meat. Kathy’s understanding of Mexican culture, combined with her compassion and organizational skills allow her work to have a deep impact on the lives of the poor.
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