Nuestro Ahora

Welcome! Bienvenid@s!

2010-06-09T03:56:00.004-06:00

Thanks for visiting our site.

At Nuestro Ahora, Inc. we firmly believe in the future and dreams of children, especially those most in need. We work in El Salvador, striving to enrich the lives of youth in orphanages and shelters by making quality education available to them. We understand that a solid academic foundation allows these youth not just to survive, but to thrive, becoming agents of hope and promise in their communities and in our world.

Nuestro Ahora, Inc. is dedicated to our three program areas: our university program, our high school prep program, and our education in orphanages program. We directly support 18 young men and women, who collectively represent 6 of the some 15 orphanages we work with throughout western and central El Salvador. Over the past four years I've been in El Salvador, I have been blessed with the amazing gift of watching the scholarship program Nuestro Ahora, Inc. grow from a dream to a tangible reality, enriching the lives of so many Salvadoran youth in need.

I urge to take a few moments to explore our site. You can meet some of our current students by clicking here, learn about the orphanages we work in by clicking here, and read about our most recent activities by clicking here. If you find the mission and vision of Nuestro Ahora worthy, I ask you to remember us in your thoughts and prayers, to share our program with your friends and family, and to join our donors in supporting El Salvador's youth.

Thank you for caring, and I hope you are willing to support us in "learning. . .to make a difference."

with great gratitude,

victoria lauren cavanaugh,
founder & director

Carlos Mauricio

2010-05-29T12:49:00.003-06:00

Birthplace: San Salvador

Hopes to Study: Math

Favorite Saying: "Don't be afraid, and don't say, 'you can't.' "

Hero: Jesus

Favorite Activities: soccer, listening to music, visiting places with friends

Vladimir de Jesus

2010-05-29T12:47:00.002-06:00

Birthplace: Castaneda, Ahuachapan

Hopes to Study: Mechanical Engineering

Favorite Saying: "From mistakes, you learn."

Hero: God

Favorite Activities: singing, dancing, listening to music, visiting new places

Hugo Ernesto

2010-05-29T12:46:00.003-06:00

Birthplace: Sonsonate

Hopes to Study: Electrical Engineering

Favorite Saying: "Jesus and me."

Hero: Jesus

Favorite Activities: playing soccer, listening to music

Melvin Dagoberto

2010-05-29T12:43:00.003-06:00

Birthplace: Sonsonate

Hopes to Study: Electrical Engineering

Favorite Saying: "The person who goes around in honey, something will stick to him."

Hero: Jesus

Favorite Activities: playing soccer, listening to music

Luis Alonso

2010-05-29T12:42:00.001-06:00

Birthplace: Sonsonate

Hopes to Study: Electrical Engineering

Favorite Saying: "Look at the good side of things."

Hero: God

Favorite Activities: playing soccer, listening to music

Neldy Elizabeth

2010-05-29T12:41:00.002-06:00

Birthplace: La Libertad

Hopes to Study: Psychology, Law

Favorite Saying: "Life is precious because God gave us life."

Hero: My mother

Favorite Activities: reading, listening to music

Jenifer Carolina

2010-05-29T12:39:00.002-06:00

Birthplace: La Libertad

Hopes to Study: Communications, Languages

Favorite Saying: "If God is with us, who can be against us?"

Hero: Jesus

Favorite Activities: playing soccer, reading, listening to music

Howard Eduardo

2010-05-08T20:56:00.006-06:00

Birthplace: Mejicanos

Hopes to Study: Medicine, English

Favorite Saying: "Help me Lord, and I will be Yours."

Hero: St. Jerome

Favorite Activities: singing, dancing, listening to music

Glendy Marisol

2010-05-08T20:49:00.009-06:00

Birthplace: La Libertad

Hopes to Study: International Relations & Languages

Favorite Saying: "Greet the universe."

Hero: My Mother

Favorite Activities: singing, dancing, listening to music

Welcome! Bienvenid@s!

2009-11-02T07:35:00.001-06:00

In Between Semesters. . .Successes & Hopes, July 19, 2009

2009-11-02T07:32:00.003-06:00

Hello everyone!

Thank you for continuing to visit our webpage. I hope you find yourselves in good health and prospering in life.

I would like to comment to you that I have recently finished one more semester at university and that I am currently on vacation. I’m glad because, thank God, I was able to do better this university semester than I had on previous ones. I’m also happy to be able to progress with my practical subjects. This following semester, I’ll take a subject that will give me the chance to help a child in need, something I will do with the help of a professor. Knowing that I will get such an opportunity motivates me. However, at same time it also fills me with challenges, since I always want to do things well and give my best in every aspect – well, at least in everything within my power.....:)

I’m happy to share my activities with all of you. I'll write to you again soon.

-Magdalena

Scholars Coming Together: A Weekend for Sports & Shared Stories, September 10, 2009

2009-11-02T06:45:00.001-06:00

May God bless every one of you.

Thank you for continuing to read this webpage and for being aware of our program. You know, this weekend we and some high school students interested in entering the program got together, except this time it was shorter and smaller than the one we had several days ago. Well, we’re trying to get closer to new students by finding out about their expectations of the program, as well as by sharing our experiences of the program and our studies. This Saturday, the whole group will come together again: we’ll play sports and discuss our lifeplan. I hope it’ll be fun and a new opportunity for each student to learn.

I would like to take advantage of this time to thank everyone who reads this blog as well as to all those who make this program possible. Thank you for your prayers and donations in our favor, all of which allow us to keep on studying and growing as people. May God bless you for your good will.

-Magda

Congrats to Celsa & La Selecta, June 8, 2009

2009-11-02T06:39:00.008-06:00

Hello!

We are halfway through the year, and to the Catholic community the month of June is dedicated to the Holiest Heart of Jesus. This month, there have been several important events in the history of our country, as all changes in government are. We always expect the best from each ruler, and we askGod to pour his grace over our new president and all public officials, so that they may fight for the good of the entire population.

Congratulations to the Salvadoran soccer team, "La Selecta" for its will to succeed, as well as to all those who support them. This support demonstrates their being Salvadoran at heart, but one must never forget to thank God for allowing this team to earn one more victory.

In the midst of these joys, however, we also lament the violent acts that are committed each day, tragedies that are seen in both this and other countries. We can only remain strong in prayer in order to have the strength to endure such unexpected blows.

I would like to thank God for allowing me to finish this first semester of studies. Even if it has not been easy, the only thing I can to is try harder. Well, in order to accomplish my dream to serve others well, I must try to improve upon my studies and learn the utmost from every day. This Friday, June 12, we have a special act at the institute in honor of our efforts. It will be a ceremony in which we are granted the symbols of the nursing career, including the nurse’s cap.

Till next time. . .Blessings to you all,

Celsa

The End of A First Semester :), July 5, 2009

2009-11-02T06:38:00.001-06:00

Hello,

I hope you find yourselves well. This month I got some rest from my studies, yet at the same time worked very hard out of the program. Thank God, everything worked out well. Other than work, what I liked the most was visiting the sick at the General Hospital. I see the face of Christ in each of them, and I feel called to serve them with love and take care of them the best I can according to their needs.

Today, I returned home because tomorrow, Monday, the 6^th of July, begins the next semester of class. I place myself in the hands of God so that he may guide me and that I may use my time wisely to obtain the wisdom I need in my life.

I continue to ask of your prayers for every country’s sicknesses and situations. May Our Lord give us the wisdom we need to solve political, economic, and social problems. May each and every one of you have much joy in your lives.

Until next time…

Celsa

"Friend's Week" at IERPROES Nursing School, July 30, 2009

2009-11-02T06:34:00.004-06:00

Hello, everyone!

I’m very glad because I recently began my second semester of studies, even if classes were cancelled three weeks into the semester due to the AH1N1 flu.

We’ve had some activities at the Institute. On July 10^th, we held some intramural games at the Satélite San Salvador court. We also celebrated “Friend’s Week,” followed by the coronation of the queen of IEPROES Nursing School. These have all been very important activities, for they help us classmates come together to go on ahead.

The subjects I’m taking this semester have higher expectations of us, since they are now about the specifics of being a nurse and so require a lot more groupwork. I have to dedicate all of my time to my studies. Now that we have been given two weeks off, we have also been assigned homework and research projects so that we don’t fall behind.

Here at the community, we all miss Vickie because, even if we are in contact, she is very far from us. I am also glad because she will be back within a few days. For her, these vacations must be times full of happiness and joy with her family.

The August parties dedicated to El Salvador del Mundo ("the World’s Divine Savior") are an upcoming solemn celebration important to the Catholic and Salvadroran community, in general. This activity, however, also benefits businesspeople greatly.

Well, we must ask the Prince of Peace to always guide us and that we may follow his example, for he rules the world with paternal love while allowing each of us to make decisions of his own. We similarly ask for administrators of every country, that in these moments of anguish the Prince of Peace provide us with His wisdom, so that there may be justice, harmony, and true democracy. May the World’s Divine Savior protect us and allow us to enjoy the good of every one of our days.

Happy Holidays,

Celsa

A Convivio in Suchitoto: A Weekend with the High School Scholars, Everyone Dreaming Big September 13, 2009

2009-11-02T06:28:00.006-06:00

Hello!

I’m glad to write to you again, and I wish you are all well.

This last week has meant much work for me in my studies. I’ve had exams to do and assignments to turn in but this weekend was a pleasant one. We went to a gathering at Suchitoto in Casa Arte de Paz. We had already gone before, but today we shared the experience with high school students.

We started that Saturday with lunch and, before leaving home, we held an activity that not only helped us remember students’ names, but also allowed us to interact with all of them. After our arrival, we held various activities in which we shared part of our history and a song that left us a positive message. Every one of us did his best for others to feel comfortable.

On Sunday we went to mass and, after lunch, to Lake Suchitlán, where we had our last share of activities regarding our futures. We then went on a boat ride to the hermit’s place. It was all quite novel to all of us.

Later that night, we all returned to our respective homes, happy about our moments of relaxation and sharing with others. It had all been very dynamic.

I would like to thank Vickie and Odilia for organizing and supporting the event so that it could all work out well.

Until next time,

Celsa

A Visit from Boston College, Cooking, & Cards June 15, 2009

2009-11-02T06:25:00.001-06:00

Hello everyone!

I hope you find yourselves all right and well with your family and friends and, most importantly, receiving many blessings from God. Well, on this occasion, I will tell you about many important things we have done throughout the week. This week, I’ve had some final exams, since we are about to finish this semester. Although they are difficult and I have to study a lot, I feel very happy, since I like my career. I’ve also always believed that knowledge is one of the most valuable riches one can have and share, and that spreading it to others is the best reward one can receive. I’ve also lived alongside many people with the same aspirations I have, which makes me feel comfortable. Also, on Tuesday some students from Boston College visited us, and we shared pleasant moments with them. We talked about our interests and goals, and we saw a slideshow with several pictures of activities we had held in the course of this year.

On Friday, Vickie taught me how to cook a certain dessert. It was very exciting, since I learned some of her cooking recipes. We also made some cards, which I consider to be nice because we can convey our feelings through creativity.

And so now I say goodbye, thanking you for reading this webpage and learning of our activities. Forever wishing you success in your work and daily life…

Maricela

H1N1: A Break from Classes, Studying at Home July 23, 2009

2009-11-02T06:22:00.005-06:00

Hello everyone!

I once again greet you and, as always, hope that God blesses all of you. Well, I feel very happy, since I went back home on Tuesday after I spent a great time with my family during the holidays. This week, I went grocery shopping and today was my first day of my next university semester. Unfortunately, I’ll only attend on Friday, since they have cancelled classes until August 10^th due to the flu. However, we will not neglect our studies because we have been assigned some material to review at home. With this, I say goodbye. I hope to write again soon, and thank you for reading this webpage.

Maricela

Starting Up School Again. . .Second Semester August, 19, 2009

2009-11-02T06:21:00.001-06:00

Hello,

It’s a pleasure to once again communicate with you. On this occasion, I would like to tell you that this Saturday we held a mass to which our friends and family assisted. We had a good time, for there is nothing better than spending time together with friends and family. Then, on Sunday, we went to our respective homes, since many towns celebrated the festival of corn that day, which is when a mass is held as offering in order to obtain an excellent harvest. On Monday, we returned to our everyday activities: I returned to the university and then went to the market in the afternoon. We then did some homework and got our university work ready for the following day. Well, that’s it for today. I hope we can keep in touch. Thank you for reading this, and goodbye.

God bless you,

Maricela

Happy Independence Day to El Salvador! September 15, 2009

2009-11-02T06:15:00.007-06:00

Hello everyone!

This week we celebrate September 15th, Independence Day in El Salvador, and throughout the month we hold parades and learn about our country’s riches. On the weekend we also spent our time with some high school students. We had lunch, played basketball, and swam in the pool. We had a really good time, and at the same time found out more about the interests and goals of students who want to apply for the scholarship. We also watched a movie and, with our energies replenished, got ready to continue with our weekly activities. Before saying goodbye, I would like to thank you for reading this webpage.

God bless you,

Maricela

Welcome! Bienvenid@s!

2009-06-13T21:07:00.001-06:00

Summer in the States: You're Invited. . .Come Visit Nuestro Ahora at an Event Near You

2009-05-05T15:24:00.075-06:00

We invite you to learn more about our Program's mission and vision, as well as the current situation of education in El Salvador by attending one of the following events. We look forward to your presence and we thank our sponsors for their support and hospitality.

> > > Tuesday, June 16, 2009, 12 noon < < <
HOLYOKE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
134 Springfield Street
Chicopee, Massachusetts 01013

> > > Sunday, June 28, 2009, 10-11 a.m. < < <
ST. PATRICK PARISH
In the Side Chapel
30 Main Street
South Hadley, Massachusetts 01075

> > > Saturday, July 11, ~5:30 p.m. (after 4:30 Mass) < < <
> > > Sunday, July 12, ~11:30 a.m. (after 10:30 Mass) < < <
NEWMAN CATHOLIC CENTER
University of Massachusetts
In the Burke Lounge
472 North Pleasant Street
Amherst, Massachusetts 01002

> > > Wednesday, July 15, 7:00-9:00 PM < < <
NUESTRO AHORA DINNER PARTY
Board Member Regina Rust's House
(one block east of Humboldt Park)
Chicago, IL 60622

> > > Sunday, July 19, 2009, ~3:00 p.m. < < <
GOOD FRIENDS OF FATHER KIRWIN
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866

>>>Thursday, July 23, 2009, 7:00 p.m. < < <
ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION LADIES GUILD and
NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY SODALITY
at Nativity Parish Hall
780 Chicopee Street
Willimansett, Massachusetts 01013

> > > Friday, July 24, 2009, 10:00 a.m. < < <

SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH of SPRINGFIELD

Mont Marie

34 Lower Westfield Road

Holyoke, Massachusetts 01040

> > > Tuesday, July 28, 2009, 7:00 p.m. < < <
"CROSSING BORDERS" JUST FAITH
at Holy Cross Rectory
221 Plumtree Road
Springfield, Massachusetts 01118

Please Contact Us ASAP if you would like to learn more or schedule a Presentation for your group. . . . Schedule to be updated as events are booked, so please do check back for the latest information.

Welcome! Bienvenid@s!

2009-05-01T14:25:00.007-06:00

Happy Birthday Odilia!, April 26 to 30th

2009-05-01T14:08:00.006-06:00

Hello Friends!

How are you? What's new? What have you been up to? I hope you are all well.

Thanks to God, we have finished the fourth month of the year, and personally, I've had a hard time with my studies, but it's good because little by little I've been improving things.

Actually, right now everyone is very focused on what is happening in Mexico and in other countries like here in El Salvador where there is great alert about the swine influenza. We are praying a lot for everyone and doing the recommended things to prevent the spread of the illness and asking God that soon enough the whole thing ends.

We're also in a time of change in El Salvador as May 1st, the new leaders. . .the mayors and deputies across the country. . .will be sworn into office. We believe in the newly elected leaders and hope that they will work for the common good.

In our scholarship community we are also working, as always, to improve certain things, to do our best in our studies and our praxis (service work). Personally, I feel really good at the orphanage where I'm doing my praxis as I watch the infants each day as they fight for their health and are gradually getting better. . .and bigger. :) It's really a privilege for me to be able to give back a little and collaborate with the nuns at the orphanage and try to give the infants some of the love they need so much.

I leave you here, wishing you the best and God's protection, that he guides you always, and that together we continue to improve the things occurring all around us.

Until soon,

Celsa.

Happy Birthday Odilia!

. . .the person who helps us all the most in the scholarship house

Welcome! Bienvenid@s!

2009-04-26T08:00:00.002-06:00

Thanks for visiting our site.

At Nuestro Ahora, Inc. we firmly believe in the future and dreams of children, especially those most in need. We work in El Salvador, striving to enrich the lives of youth in orphanages and shelters by making quality education available to them. We understand that a solid academic foundation allows these youth not just to survive, but to thrive, becoming agents of hope and promise in their communities and in our world.

Nuestro Ahora, Inc. is dedicated to our three program areas: our university program, our high school prep program, and our education in orphanages program. We directly support 18 young men and women, who collectively represent 6 of the some 15 orphanages we work with throughout western and central El Salvador. Over the past four years I've been in El Salvador, I have been blessed with the amazing gift of watching the scholarship program Nuestro Ahora, Inc. grow from a dream to a tangible reality, enriching the lives of so many Salvadoran youth in need.

I urge to take a few moments to explore our site. You can meet some of our current students by clicking here, learn about the orphanages we work in by clicking here, and read about our most recent activities by clicking here. If you find the mission and vision of Nuestro Ahora worthy, I ask you to remember us in your thoughts and prayers, to share our program with your friends and family, and to join our donors in supporting El Salvador's youth.

Thank you for caring, and I hope you are willing to support us in "learning. . .to make a difference."

with great gratitude,

victoria cavanaugh

Visitors from Boston College and New York, February 28-March 1, 2009

2009-04-26T07:58:00.012-06:00

Hello Friends and Supporters,

I write to you with warm greetings.

Thank God, we have finished another week and month of work with happiness. I want to tell you about some of the things we did this past weekend. Saturday, Vickie, Magdalena, and Maricela went to the airport to pick up four visitors: Anne, Joyce, John, and Arturo. They visited the memorial site where Jean, Dorothy, Ita, and Maura were martyred.

In the afternoon, we went out to dinner with a delegation of young men and women from Boston College (check out the group pic above!). We ate pupusas, and later returned to our scholarship house so the students could see a photo presentation about our Program. We played icebreakers and shared quesadilla (traditional Salvadoran sweet bread) and hot chocolate. . .which our guests seemed to enjoy. After, we shared a bit about our experiences in the scholarship program, and the students from Boston College told us a bit about their lives. It helps us to learn about the experience of other young people, also fighting for a better future.

On Sunday, we left very early to meet the other visitors from New York (Joyce, Anne, John, and Arturo). First, we visited Divina Providencia (the place where Mons. Romero was assassinated). Afterwards, we went to Mass in the Cripta of the Cathedral in San Salvador. We also visited the memorial wall in Cuscatlan Park and Rosario Church in the Centro. Finally, we visited La Puerta del Diablo and Los Planes de Renderos, in the mountains overlooking the city of San Salvador, where we ate lunch. (The pic above is of us in the micro as we traveled around to all these exciting places!) A bit tired, we returned to our house and our guests went back to their hotel. In the evening, Joyce, Anne, John, and Arturo came to visit us again, this time at our scholarship house. We shared a typical Salvadoran dinner of pupusas. After we enjoyed hot chocolate and some delicious pastries that our visitors brought to share. We shared our experiences and had great conversations.

And so, we enjoyed another great weekend, collaborating to make the most of the visits.

Until soon,

Celsa

Here are some more pics from our weekend. . .

Celsa, Magda, and Maricela with BC students. . .waiting for pupusas :)

BC students, Mirian, and Celsa. . .icebreakers at the park near the scholarship house

the human knot!

slide show at the scholarship house. . .sharing stories

Celsa and Mirian, downtown San Salvador

Odilia, Magda, Celsa, Maricela, and Fr. Kirwin at the Memorial Wall in Parque Cuscatlan

Magda, Mirian, Odilia, Fr. Kirwin, Anne, Joyce, and Celsa enjoying lunch

Mirian, Celsa, and the Kirwin Brothers visiting Iglesia Rosario

Fr. John Kirwin, Joyce, Fr. Art Kirwin, Anne, Maricela, and Mirian at Puerta del Diablo

New York visitors: group shot at the scholarship house!

Odilia, Magdalena, Joyce,

Mirian, Fr. John Kirwin, Maricela, Fr. Art Kirwin, Anne, and Vickie

A Weekend to Visit the Community, March 7-8, 2009

2009-04-26T07:58:00.007-06:00

You know, this weekend I went out with my mother, grandmother, sister, and a person close to my family. Well, this weekend was one of the weekends in the Program that we had free, to visit our community. (Note: Students spend two weekends a month in San Salvador working on Program activities such as community service projects or visiting museums, parks, or historical sites. Two other weekends each month are spent visiting their community. . .any family they have.)

So, I went with my family to a park in El Salvador, a place very near where I lived when I was an infant. I had never had the opportunity to go with my grandmother to such a place. My grandmother is 83 years old, and I really admire her, because despite her age, she likes to walk a ton and know new places.

This weekend I realized the will that each person has that allows us to accomplish and do that what we wish to do and to go where we wish to go and that there are not obstacles when we have this will.

The good in life is what each person makes of it.

-Magdalena

The Week of St. Patrick's Day, March 15-21, 2009

2009-04-26T07:57:00.003-06:00

Hola,

I want to share with you that this week we have finally chosen the music for the Mass that we will celebrate the March 29th. We've also decorated the house for the Lenten season.

I'm also very excited for my praxis, or community service, site. Personally, I feel very happy to be realizing my service at the Somascos Emiliani Seminary orphanage because I'm helping kids learn to read. Thursday I got to go with the kids from the orphanage to the Tin Marin Museum.

Friday we did the general cleaning in the house, and afterwards I made BBQ chicken but I think even though maybe I didn't cook it all the way it still was very delicious :). And that's how we finished the week. I wish you the best for the coming week and ask God to bless our home and all those who live here as well as all those involved in supporting the Program.

Warm wishes,

Maricela

Remembering Romero's 29th Anniversary, A New Workshop for the Arts, and More, March 21-28, 2009

2009-04-26T07:56:00.014-06:00

Hola Friends,

This weekend enjoyed the following activities. . .In the afternoon on Saturday, March 21, we went to a march dedicated to Mons. Romero. We walked from Salvador del Mundo to the Cathedral (which took several hours) where the march finished with a Mass. I really admired the enthusiasm of each of the people there, especially those who carried banners and signs with messages and quotes.

On Sunday, we did some housework, went to the market, bought the supplies for the month, and did the general cleaning. On Monday, everyone went to study, and at night we worked on preparing the music for the Mass we will have to welcome the new high school students on March 29. Friday for the night, we began to work on embroidering tablecloths on which Maricela had drawn typical Salvadoran art. Saturday, we finished preparing things for the house and Mass on Sunday.
At 10am Ivette, a colleague of Vickie's, came to teach us how to make decorative cards. She came with Andres, her young son, who is very creative and friendly. Ivette showed us how to make cards and bookmarks, and each student worked on making their own adding their own creativity. At 12:30, Vickie, Magdalena, Maricela, and Mirian went to the airport to meet Mary Kate, Vickie's mother and member of the Board of Director's in the US, who came to spend a week with us at the house. It was a pleasure to have her here with us. Saturday night, we had a welcome dinner, after which we prepared again for Sunday's Mass. Sunday's Mass was the first time for us to meet the students and for them to meet one another. We welcomed seven young women and seven young men hoping to continue their studies.
Sunday we we woke up very early to practice for the Mass at 11am. Each student participated in the offerings, petitions, readings, and songs. After Mass, we enjoyed a lunch together, followed by icebreakers, and watched a slide show of the activities that we've done together, and in the end, said goodbye the new students.
Special thanks to the following people: to all of our donors who make it possible to have the resources we need to realize our studies and these activities; to Father Mark for having celebrated the Mass and offering a great homily for reflection; to the Board of Directors in the States, especially to Mary Kate Cavanaugh for her presence; to the Local Committee in El Salvador, especially Lic. Odilia Chicas for always being there to guide us along; to the young people for their interest and desire to improve themselves and their situation; to their families and the directors of the orphanages for accompanying these students and supporting them as them in learning more about the Program; to everyone else who joined us for the special day including those of the ITCA who were present to make and serve us a delicious lunch; and, to the current scholarship students for having worked together well, not forgetting a single detail on the day.

Until soon,

Celsa.

Some more photos from the week. . .

Ivette came to teach us how to make greeting cards.

People from all over El Salvador and all over the world gathered in a walk of remembrance to celebrate Mons. Romero.

Mirian, Magdalena, and Maricela taking part in the 29th anniversary.Odilia and Magdalena in front of the Cathedral during the vigil Mass.

We welcomed 14 new students from 6 different orphanages into our scholarship Program on March 29, kicking off the year with a Mass and lunch for the students and their mentors.

Vickie, Magdalena, Maricela, Mirian, Celsa, and US Board Treasurer, Mary Kate visiting Los Planes de Renderos overlooking San Salvador

A Day of Welcome for "El Caminito," March 29, 2009

2009-04-26T07:55:00.007-06:00

Hello,

First, thanks for reading about our activities. It’s a pleasure for me, as a participant in the scholarship program, to keep you informed about what we’re doing as a Program.

As one of our traditions as a program, each weekend we participate in different activities together, and this weekend, March 29, was a very important and historic day for us as we work on building and developing the scholarship program. We celebrate a mass and had a lunch for all the new high school students who will become part of the university prep program, “El Caminito,” which will begin soon and last until the end of this year.

The goal of the day was to show the students what “El Caminito” (“The Little Journey”) and Nuestro Ahora are all about. The day allowed the new students a chance to meet and interact with the current scholarship students as well as to learn about what “El Caminito” consists of. . .the program requirements and expectations. (Note: The high school students, many still living in the orphanages, travel to the capital each Friday to spend the weekend at our scholarship house where they take prep course in language and math at the UCA and participate in community service and leadership and development workshops, meeting other youth from distinct orphanages throughout El Salvador, sharing experiences and encouragement.) The new students each came with their representatives, some brought family members and others arrived with the directors of the different orphanages where they live. In all 13 young men and women came, all who hope to obtain scholarships to continue their studies at the university level next year. The members of the Local Committee and the program volunteers in El Salvador got a chance to know the new students.
Everyone who attended the Welcome Day seemed very happy and content to have the opportunity to be part of the activity, especially the new students excited to begin preparations for university study. It is a special challenge for the program as there are so many deserving students, yet due to the difficult current economic situation, only some of the students will receive the much-needed scholarships. Nonetheless, the students remain optimistic, thinking about the coming year.
Sunday was a very rewarding and dynamic day. We had the chance to meet the new students, as we played icebreakers, shared mass together (the students offering petitions and participating in the offertory procession), and enjoying lunch. It was a memorable time for our program.

-Magdalena

Some more photos from the day. . . Fr. Mark celebrated a special Mass at our scholarship house to start off the new year of studies

Maricela reads during the Mass

Flor, one of the new students, participates in the offering of gifts at Mass

We all enjoyed lunch after Mass. . .37 students & mentors at one very long table :) in our scholarship house. . .It's exciting to think of the coming year and having more students & good times as a Program. Getting to know one another: the scholarship students invite the new students to icebreakers in the park near the scholarship house

Magda leads the human knot!

Holy Week, April 4-12, 2009

2009-04-26T07:54:00.002-06:00

Hola,

It's a pleasure to write again and share with you what we've been up to these past days. Well, we were very happy as Holy Week. . .and our vacation. . . arrived and we all went to visit our families so we could participate in Church events and enjoy the company of those close to us.

Towards the end of the vacation, on Easter Sunday, we had a get-together with all our families. We went swimming, ate delicious fish for lunch, and afterwards, Mary Kate (Vickie's mom and member of the US Board of Directors who was visiting us) taught us how to decorate and paint Easter eggs. She also made us little birdnests for dessert. Really, we had a wonderful time and a chance to relax from the university. Monday we begin our studies again.

Until soon,

Maricela

Mass of Welcome Marking a New Year for El Caminito, 29 March 2009

2009-04-21T08:06:00.012-06:00

After the Offertory: Fr. Mark Ravizza, SJ, Celebrating the Mass at the Beginning of the Second Year of "El Caminito," the university prep program, at the Scholarship House.

Incoming Students of University Prep Program El Caminito 2009, with the current university students*, and some of the Local Committee** in front of the Scholarship House, 29 March 2009.

Front Row:

Middle Row: Rosa Vilma, _____, ______, Dora, Maricela*, Magda*, _____. Celsa*, Vickie (Program Founder), & Odilia**

Back Row: ______, _________, Mirian*, Maria Norma, ______, __________, Georgina**

Manuel Antonio

2009-04-20T17:42:00.001-06:00

Jesica

2009-04-20T17:10:00.003-06:00

Edwin Alexander

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Jose Luis

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Juan Carlos

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Oscar Arnulfo

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Rosa Maria

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Miguel

2009-04-20T17:08:00.001-06:00

Maria Norma

2009-04-20T17:07:00.002-06:00

Rosa Vilma

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Flor de Maria

2009-04-20T17:06:00.004-06:00

Dora Araceli

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Joselyn

2009-04-20T17:06:00.001-06:00

Juan Eduardo

2009-04-20T17:05:00.002-06:00

Hello! What's up? My name is Juan Eduardo Asencio, and I'm 19 years old. I grew up in the Emiliani Orphanage where I studied grade school and high school. Today, I have the help of Nuestro Ahora to be able to keep going with my university studies.

I'm studying psychology at the University of Central America (UCA).

I joined Nuestro Ahora University Program in 2010 (after spending 2009 in the high school prep program), and I've started to become part of the family. I've adapted after the first days in the scholarship house, and I feel good. I study in the morning, and in the afternoon I do homework. At night, we eat dinner together. I like it because I have the time necessary to do my homework, and I have everything I need in terms of materials. It's a joy to be able to share my experiences with you. I'm very grateful for your help. My life is improving.

A Salvadoran Valentine´s Day: Celebrating a Weekend of Friendship

2009-02-19T09:56:00.020-06:00

While most of the world celebrates Valentine's Day on February 14, many in El Salvador celebrate the date as El Dia de la Amistad, or "the Day of Friendship." Indeed, at Nuestro Ahora, we enjoyed this past weekend, February 14 and 15, celebrating the friendship that brings our scholarship students and staff together. We began Valentine's Day with a serious house cleaning on Saturday morning, before enjoying a trip to the International School of San Salvador for an afternoon of fun and recreation, playing basketball on the school courts and swimming in the pool. A special thanks to Mr. Chester Stemp, director of the International School, for extending us a gracious invitation to use the school's facilities. After an afternoon of swimming and hoops, we stopped by La Dispensa grocery store to give the students a chance to practice using the bank kiosks to make electronic transfers and payments as part of Nuestro Ahora's "Program for Better Living" which equips the scholarship students with the technological, economic, and practical skills they'll need to thrive in today's society.

After banking, we hopped back on the bus to return to the scholarship house where the students, accompanied by local committee members, Odilia, Georgina, and Vickie, celebrated Valentine's with pupusas. After dinner, we had a fierce game of "Spoons," watched an old movie, and exchanged small gifts as part of "amigas secrets" or "secret friends". . .sort of like playing "secret Santa." It was a fun evening, a pleasant break after a hard first few weeks of study.

On Sunday, we enjoyed a North American breakfast of French Toast before heading out on a very long hike through Santa Tecla's Ecological "Espino Park." None of the articles about the park that we read in local newspapers mentioned the 2.5km walk from the main entrance to the actual park, but the students nonetheless rose to the challenge. . .a nearly 4 hour round trip hike through the forests. The view at the top was well worthwhile. . .an incredible vista of the entire city of San Salvador.

Swimming at the International School of San Salvador

Trying to Figure Out Who's Who in Amigas Secretas :D

A Semi-Vicious, Semi-Friendly Game of "Spoons". . .well, "forks" actually

The Never-Ending 2.5km Park Entrance Trail (that No One Told Us About)

Local Committee Members, Georgina and Vickie, Enjoying the Swings After Finally Arriving at the Espino Ecogological Park

Testing Out the Suspension Bridge

Celsa and Vickie. . .Crossing Over

Mirian Leads the Group On Up. . .

The Really Cool Solar Panel Project Promoting Sustainable Energy. . . the Entire Park is Devoted to Protecting Salvador's Natural Resources

Awesome "Volcano Holes". . .You Can't See the Steam in the Picture Here, but these "Volcano Holes" actually emit the wicked hot gases trapped inside San Salvador's Volcano. . .which last erupted in the early 1900's. . .You can put your hand right over the hole and feel the steam. . . pretty neat!

Magda and Maricela enjoy a well-deserved view of all San Salvador after the gruelling hike

We Made It! (from left to right) Vickie, Maricela, Magda, Georgina, Mirian, Wendy, and Celsa with San Salvador in the distance

Maricela, Celsa, and Mirian Hanging Out at the Top, Preparing for the Hike Back Down. . .

Second Annual Program Retreat in Suchitoto

2009-02-19T09:44:00.010-06:00

On January 31 and February 1, Nuestro Ahora welcomed three new first year students into its university program, officially beginning the new academic semester. Four students in all, Celsa, Magdalena, Maricela, and Mirian, in addition to two of our local program staff, Odilia and Vickie, traveled by bus to Suchitoto, Cuscatlan to discuss plans and talk about goals for the upcoming semester. The weekend in Suchitoto included time for individual reflection, Mass Saturday evening, community building, and fun, as well as a chance to take in the local culture and sights. We stayed at the beautiful and inspirational Center for Art and Peace begun by Sr. Peggy O'Neil (Vickie's former theology professor at the UCA), which provided a great escape from the often chaotic and bustling pace of city life in San Salvador. You can follow our weekend in the picture tour below. . .

After lunch overlooking Lake SuchitlanThe Hostel at Sister Peggy's "Center for Art & Peace"Lots of Plans! . . .Discussing Expectations and Sharing Goals for the Coming SemesterAnd Lots of Paperwork!Mirian, Celsa, and Maricela Hanging Out :)Our Group after Mass Saturday Evening. . .Vickie, Magda, Odilia, Maricela, Celsa, and MirianWaiting for Pupusas (Dinner)Mirian and Maricela with Suchitoto's Park and Cathedral in the BackgroundHaving Fun with Modern ArtLooking at Some Amazing Photos, taken by local kids from Suchitoto, as part of one of Sister Peggy's "Center for Art and Peace" community projectsMaricela, Mirian, Celsa, Magda, and Odilia On Sunday Afternoon, we visited Lake Suchitlan. . .El Salvador's Largest Lake

Beauty.

The Latest

2009-02-06T08:00:00.032-06:00

May 2010

April 2010

March 2010

February 2010

Meet Juan Eduardo, one of this year's newest university students.

January 2010

December 2009

November 2009

October 2009

September 2009
Happy Independence Day to El Salvador!, September 15, 2009

A Convivio in Suchitoto: A Weekend with the High Schoolers, Everyone Dreaming Big, September 13, 2009

Scholars Coming Together: A Weekend of Sports & Shared Stories, September 10, 2009

August 2009
Starting Up School Again. . .Second Semester, August 19, 2009

July 2009
"Friends Week" at IEPROES Nursing School, July 30, 2009

A1H1N1: A Break from Classes, Studying at Home, July 23, 2009

In Between Semesters, July 19, 2009

The End of A First Semester, July 5, 2009

June 2009
A Visit from Boston College, Cooking, & Cards, June 15, 2009

Congrats to Celsa & La Selecta, June 8, 2009

May 2009

April 2009
Happy Birthday Odilia!, April 26-30, 2009

Holy Week, April 4-12, 2009

March 2009
A Day of Welcome for "El Caminito," March 29, 2009

Remembering Romero's 29 Anniversary,
A New Workshop for the Arts, & More, March 21-28, 2009

The Week of Saint Patrick's Day, March 15-21, 2009

A Weekend to Visit the Community, March 7-8, 2009

February 2009
Visitors from Boston College & New York, February 28-March 1, 2009

A Salvadoran Valentine's Day: Celebrating a Weekend of Friendship, February 14-15, 2009

January 2009
Second Annual Program Retreat in Suchitoto, January 31-February 1, 2009

December 2008

November 2008

October 2008

September 2008

August 2008
"Celebrating the First Day of the Program" by Celsa Gomez

July 2008
"Walking With Nuestro Ahora" by US Board member Regina Rust

Program Presentations in Western Massachusetts

June 2008
"A Visit to Orphanage of the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception" by Celsa Gomez

May 2008

April 2008
"Away in Auchapan" by Victoria Cavanaugh

March 2008
Program Presentations in Southern Florida

"From Salvador del Mundo. . ." by Victoria Cavanaugh

February 2008

January 2008

December 2007

November 2007

October 2007

Mirian

2009-02-06T07:59:00.015-06:00

Hello. My name is Mirian. I’m 25 years old, and I live in Sonsonate, El Salvador. The reason I’m writing, or telling you a bit about my life, is so that you know how I have lived the years that God has given me to live.

During my youth and for part of my teenager years, I lived an orphanage in Sonsonate, El Hogar de la Niña San Vicente de Paul. I want to tell you that at the beginning, one doesn’t feel that well because you want to be close to your family, no matter how your family is. I say “no matter how your family is” because the most important is to feel that someone loves and cares for you. It’s much more important than the economic situation. But only God knows what your life will be and by living in the orphanage, I was able to complete my high school studies, something that I give greatest thanks to God for, for all the people that had the insight to made sure that I and the other kids at the orphanage received an education. They gave us a formation that created a better future for us.

After leaving the orphanage, I lived with my sister, who also grew up in the orphanage, and we learned that everything we were taught in the orphanage would really help us in our life.

Now I’ve finished "El Caminito,” the university prep program of Nuestro Ahora, and am starting to study English at Ave Maria Language Institute. I’ve applied for a scholarship so that I can continue studying and go to university. You know, I’ve put the whole process in God’s hands because only He can give one security, and He’s never wrong, even though many times we feel bad because we don’t achieve what we want to, but if you don’t find what you wish for, don’t feel bad because God is really saving you from future problems. It’s like that; God always has control and perfect timing. I invite you to look for God and put your confidence in Him. He’s always there to help us, and for that I love him. You ought to love Him, too.

Mirian with Vickie at the Ave Maria Language Institute San Salvador Campus, April 1, 2009

Celsa

2009-02-06T07:59:00.001-06:00

Maricela

2009-02-06T07:58:00.011-06:00

Hello! My name is Delmy Maricela Amaya Calderón. I was born in the village of Julupe in the district of Chiltiupán, Department La Libertad, on September 19, 1989. My parents are José Ángel Amaya Castillo and Rosa Delmira Amaya Calderón. My farther works in the fields and my mother takes care of the house. She is an excellent mother.

When I was little I didn’t have a lot of luxuries or even comforts, but I had the most important thing, which is the love of my parents and my five brothers. I studied primary school in a Little school in my village. In 2005, though, for economic reasons, I moved to the COAR orphanage, a beautiful place, where I learned many things such as the importance of loving others, caring for other things, the value of the resources of our country, and what respect means. I learned about the martyrs and to follow their example of fighting for freedom, something that happened even before I was born.

I didn’t stay at COAR for more than a year though because my mother became very sick with a hernia and she had to have an operation, and since I am her only daughter, I didn’t want to leave her alone, and so for that I returned to my home. The next year I started studying high school again, and with a lot of effort, I was able to finish high school at a school in my village.
When I finished my high school studies, I really wanted to continue my studies. My older brother had promised he would help me economically, but he just couldn’t as the economic situation is so difficult here. Without losing hope, I thought about studying and working, but it was impossible to find a job that would also allow me time to study as the university is hours away from where my family lives. So, I did the only thing I could do, which was find a job to try to support my family. It’s really hard to find a job when one hasn’t gone to university, and so the only job I found took all of my time.

Nonetheless, it has always been and is still a dream of mine to become someone professional. Thanks to Nuestro Ahora, I’m now studying Language and Literature at university. I want to share everything I learn with others. I hope to keep going by, taking life step by step, and asking God that He helps me accomplish His plans for me.

Maricela spends a few hours twice a week working with the children of a nearby orphanage for boys, helping then with homework, being present to them, sharing her time. In these photographs, on March 31st 2009, she joins them around their gameboard, then later reads to them on one of their days off from school when, for a change, they had no homework.

Magdalena

2009-02-06T07:58:00.005-06:00

Born in a country in the midst of civil war, her struggles started early. Her determination to overcome those struggles, however, came early as well. While growing up in the COAR orphanage in rural El Salvador, Magda studied hard to excel in school.

Graduation Day: Magda with her mentor, Marta.

At her high school graduation in the fall of 2006, she was awarded Excellence in Academics for her perseverance, courage, and dedication. With the help of Nuestro Ahora, Magda is now in her third year of studies at the acclaimed Universidad Centroamericana, the Jesuit University of Central America, San Salvador, where she is pursuing a degree in psychology. Inspired by her personal hero, Mons. Romero, she hopes one day to use her degree to affect change for the marginalized of El Salvador. She wants especially to be able to help the kids growing up as she did.

501(c)(3) Letter from the IRS Granting Public Charity Status

2009-01-02T11:12:00.016-06:00

Click here to view Nuestro Ahora Inc.'s IRS Letter of Determination (PDF 30.49 KB)

Painting of the Salvadoran Martyrs:
Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero and
The Four American Church Women
(original painting, oil on canvas, Marq Culhane, 2008)

Featured Scholars

2008-10-21T20:14:00.005-06:00

Students of Nuestro Ahora, University Program

Magdalena
Reyna Isabel

Students of "El Caminito," University Prep Program

Celsa
Mirian
Tatiana

Mirian

2008-10-18T14:30:00.003-06:00

Hello. My name is Mirian. I’m 25 years old, and I live in Sonsonate, El Salvador. The reason I’m writing, or telling you a bit about my life, is so that you know how I have lived the years that God has given me to live.

During my youth and for part of my teenager years, I lived an orphanage in Sonsonate, El Hogar de la Niña San Vicente de Paul. I want to tell you that at the beginning, one doesn’t feel that well because you want to be close to your family, no matter how your family is. I say “no matter how your family is” because the most important is to feel that someone loves and cares for you. It’s much more important than the economic situation.

But only God knows what your life will be and by living in the orphanage, I was able to complete my high school studies, something that I give greatest thanks to God for, for all the people that had the insight to made sure that I and the other kids at the orphanage received an education. They gave us a formation that created a better future for us.

Today, I live with my sister, who also grew up in the orphanage, and we are learning that everything we were taught is really helping us in our life.

Now I’m in “El Caminito,” the university prep program of Nuestro Ahora. I’m applying for a scholarship so that I can continue studying and go to university. You know, I’ve put the whole process in God’s hands because only He can give one security, and He’s never wrong, even though many times we feel bad because we don’t achieve what we want to, but if you don’t find what you wish for, don’t feel bad because God is really saving you from future problems. It’s like that; God always has control and perfect timing.

I invite you to look for God and put your confidence in Him. He’s always there to help us, and for that I love him. You ought to love Him, too.

Celebrating the First "Day of the Program"

2008-08-28T11:30:00.016-06:00

Sunday, August 17, 2008, we celebrated our first “Day of the Program” with a mass of thanksgiving and a special lunch for all of our students, their families, friends of the program, and our donors. It was a very special day for the Program, an opportunity for sharing the dreams and the reality that is the scholarship program Nuestro Ahora. Below, Celsa Gomez (one of the scholarship students) shares a bit about the special day. We received nearly 50 guests from close by and far away, from San Salvador, San Vicente, Sonsonate, La Libertad, California, and Massachusetts among other places. We want to extend a heartfelt and sincere thank you to all those who offer the Program support. It is because of you that Nuestro Ahora is able to continue growing and helping the youth, the future of El Salvador. . .

Nuestro Ahora, Inc., from left to right, Georgina (Local Committee), Celsa (prep student), Tati (prep student), Reyna (university student), Father Mark Ravizza, SJ, (who celebrated Mass), Cristina (Local Committee), Odilia (Local Committee), Miriam Haydee (prep student), Vickie (founder), and Magda (university student)

Hello to everyone. I hope you all are well. It makes me happy to be able to write again to you and share some of the joys and blessings God has given us.

This Sunday brought me so much joy. It was the first mass of the scholarship program, where we were all together, students, friends, family. We shared the liturgy and the readings that helped us reflect and continue to think about our goals.

After the mass we enjoyed lunch together. There were lots of smiles and congratulating. For me, it was a success to be able to participate in the mass and help my friends from the scholarship program in the day that I think we’ll remember for a long time.

It’s always a special month as well because we celebrate Monseñor Romero’s birthday. We also remember Jean Donovan and Sisters Dorothy, Ita, and Maura who are always present in our minds, accompanying us in our journey with their powerful examples of dignity and justice that we all need in this world.

Archbishop

Oscar Arnulfo Romero

and The Four American

Church Women, drawn by

Catherine Martin, O. Carm.

We thank all the donors, the Local Committee in El Salvador, and the Board of Directors in the United States for the unconditional support they offer us.

We also thank Father Mark Ravizza, SJ, for celebrating the mass for us, our friends, and our families and for accompanying us on this unforgettable day.

Wishing you all many blessings and the profound joy of God,

Until later,

Celsa.

Georgina Deyanira Benavides Leon

2008-08-28T09:47:00.005-06:00

Born in Leon, Nicaragua on April 23, 1965, her parents are Carlos Manuel Benavides and María José León de Benavides. For the first six years of her life, Georgina lived with her parents before later moving to Colón, Panamá in 1973 to live with her aunt. It was there that she began her studies at a school run by the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul.

In 1976, Georgina returned again to the city where she was born in Nicaragua to continue studying junior high and high school at Colegio La Asunción. She graduated with a diploma in Arts and Sciences.

In 1983, she entered the University of Central America at Managua to study psychology, a degree that was interrupted two years later when she joined the congregation of the Sisters of Charity in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

At the end of her formation at the convent, she was sent to the Fray Felipe of Jesus Moraga orphanage in Santa Ana, El Salvador in 1988, where she had the opportunity to work with youth as director. There, she led many activities to benefit the girls that were entrusted to her care.

Time passed and in 1993 she was sent to the St. Vincent de Paul Orphanage in the barrio of San Jacinto, San Salvador. There she served as director of the infant wing, taking on the responsibility of caring for the many young children abandoned by their parents.

In 1995 she continued her work as a Sister of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, this time being assigned to the San Jose orphanage in San Pedro Sula, Honduras where she served as director, helping to bring scholarships to the children for education. Working with Atlántida Bank, she worked on developing a scholarship program allowing the children at the orphanage to complete their primary studies and continue with their education. Before the scholarship program was set up, the majority of girls at the orphanage usually didn’t study beyond sixth grade, due to the lack of economic resources at the orphanage.

In 1998, Georgina was reassigned again, this time to Antigua, Guatemala, where she worked as a guidance counselor for girls studying basic education at Colegio Santa Familia. In Antigua she accompanied the girls from the school to their homes, helping them not just with academics, but with the many other challenges they faced.

Later she became sub-director of the Marillac Orphanage in Sonsonate, El Salvador, and began her studies again in 2000. She graduated with a business degree in 2005 from la Universidad “Dr. Andrés Bello.”

In 2003, Georgina left the congregation and began working for the Department of Public Relations for the government of Sonsonate, El Salvador. In 2003 she received a special placement with “Ludotecas Naves de Sonsonete,” an organization dedicated to defending the basic rights of children, especially their right simply to be kids and enjoy recreation. As part of her work at Ludoteca, she studied towards her masters degree at the Universidad Pedagogica of El Salvador. She graduated in 2006.

"Walking With Nuestro Ahora"

2008-08-26T11:20:00.009-06:00

By Regina Rust, Member of the Board of Directors
June-August 2008

As a member of the board of directors, I was privileged enough to make my first official visit to the home of the Nuestro Ahora Program in San Salvador. It was uplifting to see the remarkable progress the program has made since my last contact in El Salvador with the founder Vickie as the idea was being conceived only in theoretical terms. It is truly remarkable to watch something be born and grow, and it was truly a privilege to be present during a few moments with the program as it takes its first steps…

With students Celsa and Reina during a visit to an orphanage in Sonsonate

During a recent trip to El Salvador to complete my practicum for my master’s studies in public health, I finally got the chance to get a first-hand view of the program in action. In one of these visits, I got the opportunity to accompany members of the Nuestro Ahora community to an orphanage visit in Sonsonate. It was here that I got a glimpse of the passion that drives the students in the program to help young orphans from a reality they understand all too well. The connection they make with these children is deeper than anyone else could provide, and their insights prove valuable to forming a program that suits the needs of these children.

The Nuestro Ahora crew helped me celebrate my birthday in a special time of fellowship

I was delighted to share in times of fellowship with the community, as I got to learn more about the students, their goals and their studies at the university. While they live together as a community, each student follows her own path to achieving her own educational goals. It is remarkable to see pioneer student (the first to enter the program) Magda well on her way to her studies in Psychology at the UCA (the Jesuit University of Central America), and Reina as well beginning her studies at the university. One student, Celsa is just starting out in the “El Caminito” Program but already shows a great initiative and interest for the program, and reflects energy for the future waiting to be unleashed.

Magda (student) and Odilia (Program mentor)

Like many other prospective students, these young people can only achieve these accomplishments with the support of many people who care about their success. With varied interests and talents, these students will truly be a light for the future as they follow their dreams. Nuestro Ahora gives them the tools they need to follow these dreams. I hope you too will have the opportunity to make a visit to the Nuestro Ahora community to witness the growth of young these minds and spirits as they set out in the road less traveled and deny the reality handed them.

Pioneer student Magda, myself, Founder Vickie, and “El Caminito” student Celsa

The program will be visiting the Bay State during July, 2008. Please do JOIN US and discover more about Nuestro Ahora & El Caminito. . .

2008-07-09T05:07:00.038-06:00

We invite you to learn more about our Program's mission and vision, as well as the current situation of education in El Salvador by attending one of the following Western Massachusetts events. All events are open to the public, and we look forward to your presence. We thank our sponsors for their support and hospitality.

> > > Tuesday, July 22, 2008, 6:30 p.m. < < <
ST. PATRICK PARISH
In the Side Chapel
30 Main Street, South Hadley, MA 01075
Tel. 413-532-2850

> > > Thursday, July 24, 2008, 7:00 p.m. < < <
NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY PARISH+
780 Chicopee Street, Willimansett, MA 01013
Tel. 413-532-9421

+Note This Is a CHANGE from the Previously Scheduled Venue of:
ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION PARISH
St. Mary's Hall
840 Chicopee St., Willimansett, MA 01013
Tel. 413-532-1854

> > > Sunday, July 27, 2008, 12:15 p.m. * < < <
ST. BRIGID PARISH
*12:15 p.m. Mass in Spanish
122 North Pleasant Street
Amherst, MA 01002-1703

Directions to St. Brigid Parish

A Visit to Hogar de Las Hermanas Inmaculado Corazon, Izalco, Sonsonate

2008-07-06T16:33:00.008-06:00

As part of the tradition of Nuestro Ahora, each month the students visit one of the many local orphanages to spend time with the children living there. Last month, the students, along with Regina Rust, one of the members of the US Board of Directors, and Vickie Cavanaugh, the program director, traveled to Sonsonate. In addition to visiting the children, we also met with Ana Maria, a hopeful scholarship candidate for the coming year. Ana Maria grew up at Hogar Inmaculado Corazon. Her hard work and dedication, and the support she received at the orphanage helped her become a successful student. To help her and students like her continue their studies and realize their dream for a better El Salvador, please click here.

The following update was written by current Program participant, Celsa Gomez:

June 14, Vickie, Regina, Reyna, and I went to visit the Hogar de Las Hermanas Inmaculado Corazon de Maria in Izalco, Sonsonate. There are many children there in many different situations, each one with his or her own story. They all need a lot of love and support so that they can get better.

Celsa, Reyna, and Vickie (left to right)

I met Ana Maria who is actually now working at the orphanage, and who, before that, lived there for many years. She finished high school and is now really motivated to learn more about the scholarship program. She seems really interested in continuing to study, and I hope that next year she’ll be able to be part of Nuestro Ahora and our community.

For me, it’s something really beautiful to be able to go and know different orphanages in El Salvador because it motivates me to continue fighting for my own improvement and in that way help my country by bettering myself. It’s necessary that every person who wants to be professional works to improve our country.

Regina is visiting us every weekend and she is very active and working in our country with communities in need of support. The reality is that in all parts of our country we have many problems, and thanks to such North American visitors, we’re able to improve a little.

Regina dancing with the girls of Inmaculada Concepcion :)

Reyna (center) with the kids

Meet Tati Torres: A Student Studying with Nuestro Ahora's New University-Prep Program, "El Caminito"

2008-06-23T14:27:00.005-06:00

Tati came to Nuestro Ahora in April in order to study with the university prep program, “El Caminito.” Each week she travels from her home in a small town in San Vicente to the scholarship house in Antiguo Cuscatlan where she spends the weekends with other students in the Program. They have the opportunity to experience the life of the Nuestro Ahora students, participating in activities and volunteering with the students in the Program who are already studying university. Generally, all the students share dinner together on Friday nights and the students participating in “El Caminito,” like Tati, go to study on Saturdays at the UCA, where they receive tutoring and review classes in math and language. At the end of the year, Tati and the other students in the university prep program will work to win a full scholarship with Nuestro Ahora, allowing them the chance to continue with their university studies. To help Tati, and the other students, please click here.

Photo: Tati (left) and Celsa, participants in "El Caminito"

My name is Gilma Tatiana Torres Alvarado. I live in the small town of Amatitán Abajo San Esteban Catarina in the department of San Vicente, El Salvador.

I would like to study math because I really like it, and also because by studying I would be able to improve myself and become someone professional in the future. I would be able to help my family and others with what I would learn. In my free time, I like to listen to music and play soccer.

I have three siblings. I’m the youngest. My siblings have grown up with just our mother who has fought to see us grow up and has worked to give us the most necessary things since we were little.

I was born in Tegulcigalpa, Honduras. I’m 18 now. Because of the civil war, my family had to leave El Salvador and go to a refugee camp in Honduras called “San Jose.” After the war, my family was able to return again to El Salvador and we lived in a small town called Gualcho. There was an organization there that was helping people by giving them small lots of land where they could build a place to live. Thanks to that organization my family found a place to live in the town of Amatitan Abajo.

I studied from first to ninth grade at the school in Amatitan Abajo. I had to walk half an hour each way to get to my classes everyday. I studied high school in San Esteban Cararina. I would leave my home at 6am in order to get to class on time because I had to walk an hour and a half and later take the bus another half hour. I was able to study thanks to a scholarship that I was given and the help of a parish priest. In that way, I was able to study. My mother didn’t have the economic resources to be able to help me study.

Before, my mother worked cleaning homes in order to earn money to buy the basic things we needed. My siblings and I would stay with our grandmother, and she actually worked in agriculture. My siblings and I helped her with the harvest and farmwork so that we could find a way to live.

Away in Ahuchapan, April 5 and 6, 2008

2008-04-08T13:08:00.017-06:00

"¿Qué ganaba con darle el número y la calle a Luciano, si no sabía leer?" (What do you gain from giving Luciano the number and the street when he doesn't know how to read?)
-from Mi Planta de Naranja-Lima by Vasconcelos

*gathering pieces*

By: Victoria Cavanaugh

This weekend, as I headed back on the bus after visiting two hogares in Ahuchapan, I spent the two hour ride reading a novel for a class for my masters. The novel, Mi Planta de Naranja-Lima, by the Brazialian author, Vasconcelos, tells the story of Zezé, a poor boy who grows up in a broken family in a miserable world. As one of the youngest in his family, he too often becomes the scapegoat, enduring the effects of his family's struggles and misfortunes. It's a fictional account, but one that probably all too closely mirrors the very real reality of all too many children growing up in Latin America. Zezé's story no doubt is the story of countless children in El Salvador. Zezé outlives his world's misery thanks to his powerful ability to imagine and hope and due to a friendship he forms with the Portuga, a wealthy, but nonetheless truly kind, old man.

*steps*

Over the weekend, we visited two hogares in the capital of the eastern department of Ahuachapan, Hogar de la Niña San Jose and Hogar del Niño Doctor Gustavo Magaña. El hogar de la Niña San Jose serves girls ages 4-14 and el Hogar del Niño Doctor Gustavo Magaña serves boys of a similar age range. Much of the vision in visiting the hogares of El Salvador is to give the Program a chance to look for potential candidates for scholarships for upcoming years. Nonetheless, we are often met with a certain sense of disbelief. Many believe that the children who grow up in such hogares will, in fact, simply never make it to university. Certainly, the odds seem very much against the possibility. The majority of children enter the hogares with no prior formal education, many of them well past the traditional age to start schooling, and thus, when the time comes for the kids to "move on" (due to age), making it to fifth or sixth grade as a fourteen year old becomes a tremendous feat in itself.

*hand in hand: the girls of San Jose*

So as I read, Vasconcelos' words, I was reminded of the kids we met over the weekend. As I visited with them Saturday evening, as I walked to mass with them Sunday morning, and then played with them a bit afterwards, I couldn't help but wonder at their futures. They are kids with such an incredible amount of potential, but kids who need very badly for someone to give them "the street and number" so that they can indeed realize their potential.

*The Girls of "Group 3" from Hogar de la Niña San Jose with Vickie*

As we talked with the nuns who currently are running the orphanages, they voiced their concern for educational support for the kids after they turn too old to remain in the hogares. There is a very great gap between fifth and sixth grade and university, and hence much support, on every level, is needed for these kids. They need to learn to read; but I believe very much they need even more that expectations are set higher than just learning to read. As a Program, we need to look at how to respond to that need. In the coming months, we'll be developing "El Caminito," a part of the Program focused on working with high school students in preparing for graduation and "life" thereafter. . .We welcome your ideas and suggestions. . .do contact us.

tradition: walking together into the city for mass on Sunday morning

the boys of Hogar del Niño and the girls of Hogar de la Niña coming together to celebrate mass

the choir, girls of el Hogar de la Niña San Jose

entrance to Hogar de la Niña San Jose and the school there

Sister Maria Teresa Lang, who founded el Hogar de la Niña in 1928

the patio of Hogar de la Niña

responsibility

the beds of the older girls aged 10-14, "Group 3"

Group 2's (ages 6-9) uniforms, the dress of 30-something scholars

entrance to El Hogar del Niño Doctor Gustavo Magaña

A Weekend with the Program: from Salvador del Mundo to San Diego, March 30 & 31st, 2008

2008-04-01T10:45:00.009-06:00

Romero's Anniversary, Salvador del Mundo

By: Victoria Cavanaugh

This past weekend was an especially good one for the Program. On Saturday, after classes in the morning and a nice run through Cafetelon, a park in Santa Tecla closeby to our scholarship house, I had the chance to join at least two thousand other people gathered to pay tribute to the great Salvadoran hero and martyr, Mons. Oscar Arnulfo Romero. Though the actual day he was killed was the 24th of March, his anniversary was celebrated on Saturday this year, making it more accessible to the numerous Salvadorans and foreigners alike who came from all over and all walks of life to demonstrate their deep respect for Romero.

We walked from Salvador del Mundo to the Centro as the sun was setting; the streets were filled with people, music, candles, song. For me it was especially nice, as I got to see, at once, so many of the people who have worked, both directly and indirectly, to make the dream of Nuestro Ahora possible. . .students and staff from the Casa, past professors, members of a wealth of organizations and other ngo's throughtout the country, current classmates, good friends. I thought back to 2005 when I was studying here for the first time and living in COAR, a time not too long ago in which I couldn't even have imagined Nuestro Ahora's existence, a time when I certainly saw the need, but had not yet imagined a response. . . .

So as I walked next to participants in the Program Saturday night, as we literally made our way across San Salvador, I was taken aback by the thought of how far we've come, and how grateful I am to all of you, on behalf of the students, for all you have done as supporters of Nuestro Ahora. Thank you.

When we reached the Centro of San Salvador, we enjoyed some classic pupusas before listening to the archbishop of San Pedro Selo, a longtime and dear friend of Romero, celebrate the vigil mass on the steps of the Cathedral. In his homily, he spoke of great leaders who have struggled for human rights, who have worked with a vision of non-violence, who have dedicated their lives to caring for the poor. . .Ghandi in India, Martin Luther King, Jr. in the States, and, of course, Romero, in Latin America. And, he urged people not to dwell in the errors of aggresors, but to persevere in searching for a way to care, authentically, for those at one's side and to forgive as Christ did on the cross, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they are doing." He challenged people to respond to the suffering and hardships in El Salvador with faith and solidarity, believing in the potential for reconciliation and growth. (You can watch the video for an excerpt from the vigil homily.)

Sunday, after breakfast together, we rode the bus to the port city of La Libertad where Ms. Robinson, a friend and supporter of the Program, met us and took us to the Laughing Pelican, the guesthouse in Playa San Diego she opened with her husband a few years ago, when she moved to El Salvador from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. We spent the day enjoying San Diego, walking the beach, swimming in the Pacific (and in the pool), taking a break from studies and talking about how we'd like to see the program develop as a group of new high school students from various orphanages around the country will join us in April in a new project of the Program, "El Caminito." We ate dinner, watched the sunset, and talked about life in Canada and Salvador, the similarities and the differences. A special thanks to Ms. Robinson and the staff at the Laughing Pelican for the generous invitation to San Diego.

We caught the last bus back from the Port, ready for another week of studies. . . .

Nuestro Ahora to Visit Southern Florida, March 16-25, 2008

2008-03-24T19:32:00.000-06:00

The program will be visiting the Sunshine State, specifically Marco Island and Naples, Florida this month of March. We invite you to learn more about our Program's mission and vision, as well as the current situation of education in El Salvador by attending one of the following events. All events are open to the public, and we look forward to your presence. We thank our sponsors for their support and hospitality.

*Tuesday, March 18, 2008, 8:00 p.m.,
Student Union Ave Maria University
5050 Ave Maria Boulevard, Ave Maria, FL 34142-9505

*Friday, March 21, 2008, 8:30 a.m.
San Marco Catholic Church
851 San Marco Road, Marco Island, FL 34145

*Monday, March 24, 2008, 7:30 p.m.
San Marco Parish Center
851 San Marco Road, Marco Island, FL 34145

Recent Updates

2008-03-23T18:28:00.001-06:00

Trip to Sonsonate with FUDESCA

2008-03-23T18:27:00.000-06:00

Trip to Santa Ana

2008-03-23T18:26:00.000-06:00

Saint Valentine's Day: Dia de La Amistad

2008-03-23T18:25:00.001-06:00

Retreat in Suchitoto

2008-03-23T18:24:00.000-06:00

Anniversary Mass in Memory of the Four Churchwomen

2008-03-23T18:22:00.001-06:00

El Caminito

2008-03-23T18:21:00.001-06:00

Nuestro Ahora to Visit Southern Florida, March 16-25, 2008

2008-03-20T11:33:00.001-06:00

*Tuesday, March 18, 2008, 8:00 p.m., Student Union

Ave Maria University

5050 Ave Maria Boulevard, Ave Maria, FL 34142-9505

*Friday, March 21, 2008, 8:30 a.m.

San Marco Catholic Church 851 San Marco Road, Marco Island, FL 34145

*Monday, March 24, 2008, 7:30 p.m.

San Marco Parish Center

851 San Marco Road, Marco Island, FL 34145

Hogar Moraga, Santa Ana

2008-03-20T10:44:00.003-06:00

Hogar Divina Providencia, Santa Tecla

2008-03-20T10:43:00.002-06:00

Hogar de la Niña, Sonsonate

2008-03-20T10:41:00.001-06:00

Hogar del Niño, San Salvador

2008-03-20T10:35:00.001-06:00

COAR Orphanage

2008-03-20T10:34:00.002-06:00

Salvadoran Orphanages

2008-03-20T09:07:00.009-06:00

COAR, Zaragoza, La Libertad
Hogar de la Niña San José, Ahuachapan, Ahuachapan
Hogar de la Niña, Sonsonate, Sonsonate
Hogar de las Hermanas Inmaculado Corazon, Izalco, Sonsonate
Hogar del Niño Doctor Gustavo Magaña, Ahuachapan, Ahuachapan
Hogar del Niño, Ilobasco, Cabañas
Hogar del Niño, San Jicinto, San Salvador
Hogar Divina Providencia, Santa Tecla, La Libertad
Hogar Emiliani, Antiguo Cuscatlan, La Libertad
Hogar Guirola, Santa Tecla, La Libertad
Hogar Natalia Siman, Santa Tecla, La Libertad
Hogar Moraga, Santa Ana, Santa Ana
Hogar REMAR, El Puerto de La Libertad, La Libertad
Hogar San Cristóbal, San Marco, San Salvador

Father Mario

2008-03-20T09:05:00.001-06:00

Mary Kate Cavanaugh, Treasurer

2008-03-20T09:02:00.009-06:00

Mary Kate Cavanaugh, the mother of the the program's founder, has been instrumental in the initial stages of Nuestro Ahora, Inc.'s development. Serving as treasurer of the Program, Mary Kate brings great expertise in financial management and communications. A graduate of Mount Holyoke College, Mary Kate began her career working for Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington, MA as an medical editor. She later spent twenty-five years as the Firm Admistrator for the law firms of Sheridan & Sheridan, L.L.P and Sheridan Law Offices, L.L.C. She currently tutors English with non-native speakers as a volunteer through the Center for New Americans in Northampton and volunteers as a tutor with local school children at Homework House in Holyoke.

She resides in Easthampton, MA with her husband John. They visited El Salvador in April-May 2006, where they spent time with the scholarship students at the COAR orphanage in Zaragoza. In 2009, Mary Kate shared in the Mass of Welcome for the Incoming Students of El Caminito on March 29th at the Scholarship House, shared days living with the current university students, visiting their campuses and going with them to their praxis sites, and witnessed the fervent faith of Semana Santa in their company. Mary Kate and John are the proud parents of two young adults.

Regina A. Rust, Director

2008-03-20T09:00:00.004-06:00

Regina Rust (right side in pic) hails from Indiana, where she recently graduated from Marian College after completing studies in Biology and Sociology. Regina met the Director of Nuestro Ahora through the Casa de la Solidaridad program while studying abroad in El Salvador in 2005. It was there that they both fell in love with El Salvador by being exposed to its broken reality, and thus found their calling. She she has had the opportunity to study briefly at the University of El Salvador (UES) and collaborate with the youth group CoCoSI (Committee Against AIDS) in the rural community of Santa Marta, Cabañas. She currently resides in Pilsen, a Mexican community on the near-south side of Chicago, where she is a member of La Otra Campaña in solidarity with the Zapatista community of Chiapas, Mexico and studies Public Health at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

email: rrust2@uic.edu

Lizeth Mora, Secretary

2008-03-20T08:59:00.002-06:00

Lizeth Hernandez was born in Mexicali, Baja California Mexico and lived there until she was three years old when she and her mother immigrated to the States in search of a better life. She grew up in Los Angeles, California and then attended Boston College. Lizeth graduated from Boston College on May of 2007 with a Major in English, and a double minor in Lain American Studies and Faith, Peace, and Justice. Upon graduating, Lizeth worked at Cushing Academy as an English teacher. She is currently pursuing a Masters Degree at the University of Southern California in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

Michael Patrick Sheridan, Esq., Director

2008-03-20T08:36:00.005-06:00

Michael P. Sheridan, an attorney for the Hampden County Sheriff's Department under the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, has been an attorney since 1984. A graduate with honors from the University of Massachusetts Business School at Amherst, Michael completed his legal studies at Western New England School of Law where he was an Editor for the Law Review and graduated with honors. Having served as a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in New York city and Boston investigating organized crime, he later became a partner in the law firm of Sheridan & Sheridan, L.L.P.

He lives in Western MA with his wife Robin and three children. He enjoys coaching youth soccer and baseball.

Philip J. Sheridan, President

2008-03-20T07:19:00.004-06:00

Bringing fifty years of expertise in the field of Labor Arbitration and Labor/Employment Law, Philip J. Sheridan dedicates his extensive knowledge to leading the US Board of Directors for Nuestro Ahora, Inc. The founder of Sheridan & Associates, Inc., a labor-management consulting firm, he operated the firm for a quarter century until his retirement in 1996. In addition, he served as senior partner of Shamrock Realty Partnership. Recognized as a national seminar leader, he spoke throughout the country on the topic of labor relations management between labor unions and employers for some twenty-five years. With such experience of his own, he looks forward to guiding, along with the other directors, the growing scholarship program so that ultimately many more Salvadoran students can be served.

Mr. Phil Sheridan, a resident of Marco Island, Florida, first traveled to El Salvador in the fall of 2005 and was introduced to some of the current scholarship students. Along with his wife, Betty, he spent fifteen days touring the country, visiting the COAR orphanage and the University of Central America (UCA), among several other rural and urban sites. He looks forward to returning in the future, and this time being able to visit the scholarship students in their new home with Nuestro Ahora.

Mr. Phil Sheridan is a proud father of four children and eleven grandchildren.

Nuestro Ahora To Visit Southern Florida, March 16-25, 2008

2008-03-14T20:36:00.010-06:00

The program will be visiting the Sunshine State, specifically Marco Island and Naples, Florida this month of March. We invite you to learn more about our Program's mission and vision, as well as the current situation of education in El Salvador by attending one of the following events. All events are open to the public, and we look forward to your presence. We thank our sponsors for their support and hospitality.

*Tuesday, March 18, 2008, 8:00 p.m., Student Union
Ave Maria University
5050 Ave Maria Boulevard, Ave Maria, FL 34142-9505

*Friday, March 21, 2008, 8:30 a.m.
San Marco Catholic Church
851 San Marco Road, Marco Island, FL 34145

*Monday, March 24, 2008, 7:30 p.m.
San Marco Parish Center
851 San Marco Road, Marco Island, FL 34145

Welcome!

2008-02-19T13:55:00.003-06:00

Thanks for visiting our site. On these pages we hope to share with you a bit about our scholarship program, Nuestro Ahora. We're a NGO dedicated to making higher education available to the youth who have grown up in El Salvador's orphanages and shelters.

Our Supporters

2008-02-19T13:23:00.274-06:00

Nuestro Ahora wishes to thank our following supporters. Our program exists because of you. Know that your gift is making a difference today; thanks to your contribution our students are studying.

> > > > > GIFTS IN HONOR OF: < < < < <

Ms. Jeanne Allen, Massachusetts
Mrs. Gloria Benci & Family, Oregon

Dr. John Benci & Family, Pennsylvania

Mrs.Maria Benci, Florida

Mr. Richard Benci & Familiy, California

Dr. Vivian Benci & Family, Florida

Catholic Schools Office, Diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts

Ms. Nelly deCarvallo, Head of Academy, St. Michael's Academy, Springfield, Massachusetts

Ms. Ann Dougal, Principal, St. Michael's, Springfield, Massachusetts

Ms. Patricia Fay, New York, New York

Fr. John D. Kirwin, Saratoga Springs, New York

Leadership Team, St. Michael's Academy, Springfield, Massachusetts

Sr. Millie Marengo, SSJ, Springfield, Massachusetts*
Mrs. Eileen Mariani's Special Birthday, Massachusetts*
Sr. Catherine Ormond, SSJ, Springfield, Massachusetts
Ms. Sally Pollard, Maine

Ms. Joanne Powers, Lead Teacher, St. Michael's Academy, Springfield Massachusetts

Ms. Carol Raffaele, Principal, St. Michael's Academy, Springfield, Massachusetts

Fr. Richard A. Riendeau's 50th Anniversary, Holyoke, Massachusetts

Ms. Regina A. Rust, Indiana

Sr. Mary M. Shea, SSJ, Springfield, Massachusetts*

Sr. Judith Smeltz, SSJ, Springfield, Massachusetts*

Sr. Maureen Toomey, SND, Springfield, Massachusetts*

Sr. Mary Magdalen Ward, SSJ, Springfield, Massachusetts*
Mr. Chris Welch, Massachusetts*

Ms. Jeanine Wilson, Springfield, Massachusetts

> > > > GIFTS IN MEMORY OF: < < < <
Mr. Oscar J. Bail, Massachusetts
Mr. Floyd Ruggero Benci, Florida

Mrs. Ann M. Butova, Massachusetts
Rev. Mr. Thomas A. Callahan, Massachusetts
Mrs. Helen Marie Cavanaugh, Massachusetts*
Mr. Edmund J. Czelusniak, Massachusetts

Mr. Paul A. Durand, Massachusetts

Mr. Robert Engelke, Florida

Mr. Ray Feeley, Massachusetts
Mrs. Claire Barbara Grimaldi, Massachusetts*

Mr. Anthony Kocylowski, Pennsylvania

Ms. Jodie Lynn Malinowski, Massachusetts

Mrs. Norma G. Mercier, Massachusetts
Dr. Francis D. Nelen, DMD, Massachusetts

Mr. Richard Shale Robin, Massachusetts

> > > > > GENERAL GIFTS: < < < < <

Mr. Matt Allen, New York
Anonymous

Anonymous, California

Mr. & Mrs. Jerry R. Aldrich, Massachusetts

Ms. Sherry Armstrong, Massachusetts

Mr. Ray Archambault, Massachusetts

Mrs. Mary Ann Avello, Illinois

Mrs. Maria R. Baccino, Florida*

Mr. Bill Bacis, Massachusetts
Mrs. Lorraine R. Bail, Massachusetts

Mr. & Mrs. Oscar J. Bail, Massachusetts*

Ms. Lyndsi Baker, Honduras

Mrs. Connie Baron, Massachusetts*
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Behan, New York
Ms. Margaret M. Bernard, Massachusetts
Mr. & Mrs. Gerard Bernier, Massachusetts
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Blasi, Massachusetts
Rev. Mr. & Mrs. John Bledsoe, Massachusetts*

Boston College School of Theology and Ministry Summer Institute Collection, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
Mr. & Mrs. Wayne T. Boulais, Massachusetts

Mr. & Mrs. Gary Bourbeau, Massachusetts

Ms. Maureen E. Bourbeau, Massachusetts
Mr. & Mrs. Charles C. Bowers, Massachusetts

Mrs. Mary S. Bowler, Massachusetts

Ms. Sheila A. Brady, Illinois
Ms. Stephanie Bronner, Illinois

Mrs. Hilda Brosky, Florida

The Brothers of Sabbath House, Albany, New York
Ms. Sheila M. Brown, Massachusetts

Ms. Kristy Calaway, Ohio

Ms. Adrienne Calotta, New Jersey*

Ms. Grace Carlson, Minnesota*

Ms. Marie Cavanaugh/Mr. James Barrese, New Jersey*

Mr. & Mrs. Mark Cavanaugh, Massachusetts*

Mr. Matthew W. Cavanaugh, Massachusetts

Mr. Neal T. Cavanaugh, Massachusetts*

Mr. William Cavanaugh, New York

Mr. Rueben Chacko, Massachusetts*
Ms. Deborah A. Charren, Massachusetts
Mr. Michael C. Clarke, New York
Mr. & Mrs. Gerard K. Coiley, Sr., Virginia*

Ms. Mary E. Courtney, Massachusetts
Dr. & Mrs. Michael F. Cristoforo, Illinois*

Mrs. Monique C. Cunningham, New York
Atty. Colleen C. Currie, Massachusetts

Mr. Claude C. Curtis, Massachusetts

Mr. Gary Curtis, Massachusetts

Mrs. & Mrs. James M. Daly, Massachusetts

Ms. Hazel Dardano, Massachusetts*

Rev. John T. Dean, Massachusetts

Mr. & Mrs. William J. Dermody, Massachusetts

Mr. & Mrs. Herbert T. DiFiore, Massachusetts

Ms. Lauren DeLisi, Massachusetts

Mr. Bill Densmore, Massachusetts

Mr. Wayne Doerphotz, Massachusetts
Ms. Meg Donnelly, Massachusetts
Mrs. Barbara M. Duda, Massachusetts*
Ms. Christine M. Duggan,

Mr. & Mrs. Brian D. Duncan, Massachusetts*

Ms. Julie A. Dupuis, Massachusetts*

Mr. & Mrs. Paul A. Durand, Massachusetts

Sr. Virginia Duross, SSJ, Springfield, Massachusetts

Mr. & Mrs. Paul F. Duval, Massachusetts

Ms. Marilyn R. Erickson, Massachusetts*
Mr. & Mrs. Barry J. Farrell, Massachusetts

Mrs. David J. Fitzell, Massachusetts*

Dr. William J. Fitzgerald, Connecticut*
Mr. & Mrs. Jerry D. Fix, Massachusetts*
Ms. Sarah Floro, Honduras

Mrs. Jackie Fontaine, Massachusetts

Fran's Jewelry, Massachusetts*

Mr. & Mrs. Sam Gibbs & Family, North Carolina*
Ms. Irene M. Giguere, Massachusetts

Ms. Audrey M. Gilhooly, Connecticut
Atty. & Mrs. William G. Gilmore, Virginia*

Mrs. Catherine Glennon, Massachusetts
Mr. John S. Goda, Massachusetts
Mr. Ron Gordenstein, Massachusetts

Mr. & Mrs. Gary M. Gorman, Massachusetts

GoodSearch, Los Angeles, California (and all you faithful users!!)

Rev. Msgr. Homer P. Gosselin, Massachusetts
Ms. Marilyn A. Griffin, Massachusetts

Mr. E. Lary Grossman, Massachusetts

Mr. & Mrs. Richard A. Guistina, Massachusetts*
Hampden County Deputy Sheriffs' Association Inc., Massachusetts
Ms. Jennifer Henning, Pennsylvania*

Holy Cross Parish, JustFaith, Springfield, Massachusetts

Holyoke Catholic High School BINGO, Massachusetts
Ms. Rita L. Houlihan, New York

Mr. & Mrs. James F. Hourihan, Massachusetts
Mr. & Mrs. Philip C. Infurna, Massachusetts*

Mr. & Mrs. Michael A. Irwin, Massachusetts

Mr. Douglas A. Jacobs, Michigan

Mrs. Dorothy J. Jayes, Massachusetts

Ms. Genevieve Joyce, Massachusetts
Sr. Kathleen Keating, SSJ, Springfield, Massachusetts*

Dr. & Mrs. Jack Kelley, Indiana

Mr. & Mrs. James B. Kelly, Michigan
Dr. & Mrs. Peter C. Kenny, Massachusetts*

Rev. John D. Kirwin, New York
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth F. Kitchell, Jr., Massachusetts
Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Kocylowski, Pennsylvania

Ms. Lorraine U. Kotelnicki, Massachusetts

Mr. & Mrs. David A. Labonte, Jr., Massachusetts

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas H. Labrie, Massachusetts

Mr. & Mrs. Steven Lachowetz, Massachusetts

Ms. Clare LaMontagne, Massachusetts
Mr. & Mrs. Guy R. Lanza, Massachusetts*
Mr. Leonard J. Lapon, Massachusetts

Br. Brian Lawson, New Hampshire
Sr. Catherine Leary, SSJ, Springfield, Massachusetts

Mr. Dave Leh, Massachusetts

Mr. Joseph Lipic, Florida
Ms. Gisele Litalien, Massachusetts
Mr. & Mrs. Frank A. Losurdo, Illinois*

Ms. Cynthia A. Loveless, Massachusetts

Mr. Anthony F. Lucia, Jr., Massachusetts

Fr. Robert L. Mahoney, Texas

Mr. Ronald C. Mannino, Massachusetts

Marco Island Sunrise Rotary Members, Marco Island, Florida

Ms. Johannah Marcoux, Massachusetts
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Mariani, Massachusetts*
Ms. Teresa Mariani, Massachusetts

Ms. Cynthia C. Marr, Massachusetts

Mr. Mark Mayberry, Massachusetts

Dr. & Mrs. Robert F. McArdle, Florida

Mr. Kevin M. McCarthy, Massachusetts
Mr. Timothy McCarthy, Massachusetts

Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. McKay, Michigan
Mrs. Norma G. Mercier, Massachusetts
Mr. & Mrs. Frank W. Mertes, Massachusetts

Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Messer, Massachusetts*

Mr. & Mrs. Edward D. Meyer, Massachusetts

Mission Committee of Immaculate Conception Parish, Easthampton, Massachusetts*

Mission Committee of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Easthampton, Massachusetts*

Ms. Christine A. Moriarty, Massachusetts
Mr. & Mrs. John A. Morrissey, Jr., Massachusetts

Mr. & Mrs. John F. Moynihan, Massachusetts

Mr. James J. Nadeau, Massachusetts

Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary Church Ladies Sodality, Chicopee, MA
Mrs. Valeria M. Novak, Massachusetts

Ms. Amy O'Brien, Massachusetts*
Mr. & Mrs. John O'Connor, Massachusetts
Mr. & Mrs. Sean T. O'Connor, Massachusetts

Mr. & Mrs. Drew O'Hara, Massachusetts

Mr. Joseph Olivier, Louisiana

Mr. & Mrs. Timothy J. O'Neil, Massachusetts
Sr. Catherine Ormond, SSJ, Springfield, Massachusetts*
Mr. & Mrs. Alberto R. Ortiz, Massachusetts

Mr. & Mrs. Frederick J. Orwat, Massachusetts

Mr. & Mrs. Maurice O'Shea, Massachusetts

Ms. Madeleine Pack, Massachusetts

Ms. Dorothy J. Parker, Massachusetts*

Ms. Katheryn M. Parsons, Massachusetts

Mr. & Mrs. J. Stan Parsons, Massachusetts*

Mr. & Mrs. Philip J. Paul, Massachusetts

Mrs. Pat Perrotti, Pennsylvania
Ms. Jan Peterson, Massachusetts

Dr. & Mrs. Robert J. Porter, Ohio*

Mr. & Mrs. William T. Quackenbush III, New York

Mrs. Stasia Ragoza, Massachusetts
Ms. Marisa Ramirez
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph J. Ratyna, Connecticut

Ms. Jacqueline M. Regan, Massachusetts

John K. Rhicard, DMD, Massachusetts

Mrs. Mary K. Rider, Massachusetts*

Ms. Nicole Robilotto, New York

Ms. Caitlin Rooke, Massachusetts

Mr. Dick Roos, Massachusetts

Mr. & Mrs. Daniel P. Rukakoski, Massachusetts

Ms. Christine Ruppert, Maryland

Mr. & Mrs. David J. Ruppert, Maryland*

The Rust Family, Indiana

Ms. Regina A. Rust, Indiana*

Ms. Sylvia J. Rust, Indiana*

Ms. Karolina M. Sadowicz, Massachusetts

Ms. Faith B. St. Onge, Massachusetts

Mr. Mark Salvini, Massachusetts

Mr. William Saunders, Connecticut

Rev. Thomas M. Shea, Massachusetts*

Mr. & Mrs. John F. Sheehan, Massachusetts

Ms. Sue A. Shepanek, Michigan
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel J. Sheridan & Family, Massachusetts*
Mr. & Mrs. James S. Sheridan & Family, Massachusetts*

Ms. Kate B. Sheridan, Massachusetts

Ms. Kel Sheridan, Massachusetts
Mr. & Mrs. Michael P. Sheridan & Family, Massachusetts*
Mr. & Mrs. Philip J. Sheridan, Florida*

Mr. Sean M. Sheridan, Massachusetts

Ms. Janet J. Sikes, Massachusetts
The Silpe Foundation Inc., Florida*

Ms. Ann Snyder, Massachusetts

Ms. Monica Sobrero & Martin Sobrero, Uruguay

Mr. & Mrs. Nelson Sobrero, Uruguay*
Mrs. Edward Sowell, Massachusetts
Ms. Laura Stankiewicz, Honduras
Mr. & Mrs. Ralph S. Strycharz, Massachusetts

Ms. Joyce M. Sustar-Martucci, New York*

Mr. & Mrs. Brian Sutton and family, Massachusetts
Mr. Wayne Talamas, Florida

Mr. Dan Therrien, Massachusetts

Mr. & Mrs. Steven Thompson, Massachusetts

Rev. Mr. William R. Toller, Massachusetts

Sr. Maureen Toomey, SND, Springfield, Massachusetts*

Mr. Joseph M. Toritto & Family, Massachusetts
Mr. & Mrs. Robert F. Triggs, Massachusetts*

Ms. Athanasia S. Vakakas, Massachusetts
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph S. Volpe, Massachusetts

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas D. Wallace, Massachusetts*
Ms. Christina R. Weckstrom, Massachusetts
Mr. & Mrs. Karl B. Weckstrom & Family, Massachusetts
Ms. Theresa Weigel, Florida
Mr. Brendan Welch, Massachusetts
Mr. Christopher J. Welch, Massachusetts*

Mr. & Mrs. Charles E. Wilson, Massachusetts

Ms. Jeanine Wilson, Massachusetts
Ms. Jane E. Winnie, Massachusetts

Mr. Jeff Witt, Massachusetts

Mr. & Mrs. Flavian Zeugin, New Jersey
San Marco Catholic Church Yes, Lord Prayer Group, Florida

St. Brigid Parish, Amherst, Massachusetts
St. Mary's Women's Guild, Chicopee, Massachusetts*
St. Michael's Women's Club, Bedford, Massachusetts
St. Patrick's Ladies' Guild, South Hadley, Massachusetts

St. Patrick Parish, South Hadley, Massachusetts*

St. Rose de Lima Parish CCD Program, Aldenville, Massachusetts
St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Mary's, Willimansett, Massachusetts

> > > GIFTS IN KIND: < < <

Ave Maria University Language Institute, San Salvador, El Salvador

Mr. & Mrs. Ackerman, El Salvador

Mr. Jim Bosworth, Sons, & Family, El Salvador

Mr. & Mrs. Peter DeSoto, El Salvador

Mr. & Mrs. Sam Hawkins, El Salvador

Mr. It Joo Ahn, El Salvador

Ms. Ann Bruce Pineda, El Salvador

Ms. Carolyn Robinson, Vancouver

Ms. Susan Tilton Pecora, Massachusetts
Dr. Michael & Mrs. Jodi Simmons, Massachusetts

Mr. Tim Sweeney, Massachusetts

Tavern on the Hill, Easthampton, Massachusetts

Ms. Pam Truesdale, El Salvador

Starting Off the School Year. . .First Program Retreat in Suchitoto

2008-02-14T00:20:00.004-06:00

In the News

2008-02-13T10:48:00.181-06:00

Read about Nuestro Ahora in the news. Here are some of the most recent publications and interviews detailing the Program:

"Local 5K Run to Benefit Children in El Salvador"

iobserve.com / Regional Top Stories /28 June 2010

Catholic Communications Corporation

Diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts

"From an American College to a Mission in El Salvador"

Q&A with Victoria Cavanaugh, Founder and Director of Nuestro Ahora

Catholic Digest, October 2009, Vol. 73, No. 11, pp. 78-83

Bayard, Inc., New London, Connecticut

"Mission: College Education for Salvadorans"

The Daily Hampshire Gazette, August 13, 2009

The Summit, p. 4

Northampton, Massachusetts

"Women Helps Orphan Project"

The Republican, July 30, 2009, p. C1, C3
Western Massachusetts Daily Newspaper
Springfield, Massachusetts

"This is the Day" CatholicTV® Talk Show Guest Spot

Friday, July 10, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. live, rebroadcast 8 p.m. EST

(click the program name above to view show on your computer)

CatholicTV® / America's Catholic Television Network

First Diocesan TV Station in the World, Founded in 1950s

Archdiocese of Boston, Massachusetts

"24-Year-Old American Founder of Educational Non-Profit to Appear on Catholic TV"

Catholic TV, Watertown, Massachusetts, July 9, 2009

-ciited by Catholic Online / Catholic PR Wire, July 9, 2009

-cited by iObserve.org, Diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts,

"Holyoke Catholic Graduate Appears on CatholicTV"

-cited by MetroCatholic, McKinney, Texas, July 10, 2009

-cited by ProLifeBlogs.com, July 10, 2009

"Helping Orphans in El Salvador Get an Education"
Catholic News Service Blog, July 7, 2009

-cited by Diocese of Savannah, Georgia, July 7, 2009

-cited by TheCatholicSpirit.com, Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota, July 8, 2009 (under Blogs We Like)

-cited by Cathoic News Service on twitter, July 9, 2009

-cited by regator.com, The World's Best Blogposts, July 12, 2009

"Education Program in El Salvador Began with Founder's College Trip"
Catholic News Service, News Briefs, July 6, 2009, People
Washington, D.C.
-cited by The Pilot, Official Newspaper of the Archdiocese of Boston, July 7, 2009 online; in print July 17, 2009, Vol 180, No. 27, p.7, 17

-cited by Boston College on twitter, July 7, 2009

-cited by The Observer, Diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts,

"Education Program in El Salvador Began with Western Massachusetts Native's College Trip" July 7, 2009

-cited by BC in the News, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts "Service-Learning Trip Spurs Aid Venture"

-cited by The Swail Letter on Higher Education, EPI Today, Educational Policy Institute, Virginia Beach, Virginia

-cited by The Georgia Bulletin, Archdiocese of Atlanta, Georgia, July 10, 2009

"Sowing the Seeds of Education" / p. 34
Class Notes Profile: Victoria Cavanaugh, Class of 2007
The Founding of Nuestro Ahora and 20 Q & As
Boston College Magazine, Vol. 68, No. 4, Fall 2008
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

An Interview with Nuestro Ahora's Founder
From a Presentation Taped on July 22, 2008
at St. Patrick's Parish, South Hadley
Airing on Real to Reel September 27, 2008
". . .Devan Green tells us about another remarkable woman,
Holyoke Catholic Grad Victoria Cavanaugh,
who has let nothing stand in her way to help disadvantaged
youths in El Salvador further their education. "
Saturday Evenings at 7 p.m. on WWLP 22 News
from the Catholic Communications Office
Diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts

"Veo a Cristo en la Cara de Estos Ninos"
Despertar Latino, September 2008, Vol. 6, No. 9, p. 3
Catholic Communications Corporation
Catholic Latino Ministry
Diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts

"Salvadoran Scholars" / This Week at NMH, July 31, 2008
Northfield Mount Hermon School web site
Gill, Massachusetts

"Carrying on a Legacy of Hope in El Salvador"
The Republican, July 22, 2008, p. B1
Western Massachusetts Daily Newspaper
Springfield, Massachusetts

"Victoria Cavanaugh Outlines Efforts in El Salvador"
Marco Island Sun Times, March 27, 2008, p. B1, B5
Marco Island, Florida Weekly Newspaper

Panamerican Voice, March, 2008
Escuela Panamericana Monthly Newsletter
Colonial Escalon, El Salvador

Profile "Living the Faith:
Missionary Puts Education in Reach of Salvadoran Orphans"
Our Sunday Visitor, March 9, 2008 , Vol. 96, No. 45, p. 21
National Catholic Newsweekly
Huntington, Indiana

"I See Christ in the Faces of These Kids"
The Catholic Observer, February 1, 2008 , Vol. 55, No. 3, p. 12
Catholic Communications Corporation
Diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts

"Teacher Seeks Big Dividends from Small Gifts:
Easthampton Woman Leads Scholarship Effort for Salvadoran Youth"
Daily Hampshire Gazette, January 3, 2008
Northampton, Massachusetts

Nuestro Ahora Welcomes 2 New Scholars!

2007-11-17T13:26:00.000-06:00

Two new students, Lupe and Reyna Isabel, have recently been admitted into the program. Their applications stood out from among many qualified candidates. Lupe, who graduated from COAR in 2005 after spending nearly 15 years in the orphanage, will pursue a career in education this coming January. She plans to focus on early childhood education. Reyna Isabel, also a former student at the COAR orphanage, will join Lupe at the Pedagogical University of El Salvador. Reyna, too, will study education with a specialization in history and the social sciences. Both students are currently enrolled in the preuniversity courses this month, and we wish them the best as they begin their studies.

Timeline

2007-07-25T20:55:00.002-06:00

February 2008: Scholarship students, Local Committe, and program founder participate in the Program's first retreat in Suchitoto, El Salvador to officially begin the new school year

November 2007: Second Nuestro Ahora scholar welcomed into the Program, begins her pre-university coursework

August 2007: Current Nuestro Ahora house opened in Santa Tecla; scholarship community begun

July 2007: First Nuestro Ahora scholar finishes her initial semester of university

June 2007: COAR Ex-alumnos joins in supporting the mission of Nuestro Ahora

March 2007: Nuestro Ahora rents first house for scholarship students

January 2007: First Nuestro Ahora scholar embarks on her university career

December 2006: Nuestro Ahora receives its first funding

November 2006: 4 residents of COAR graduate from high school

September 2006: the concept of Nuestro Ahora first conceived

December 2, 1980: Maura Clarke, Jean Donovan, Ita Ford, and Dorothy Kazel martyred. The scholarship program has been dedicated to the legacy of these four courageous American churchwomen who dedicated their lives to the people, and especially the children, of El Salvador.

August 15, 1980: La Comunidad Oscar Arnulfo Romero "COAR" founded in memory of Mons. Romero. Founder Father Ken Myers welcomes the first 27 orphans.

March 24, 1980: Salvadoran hero Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero assassinated while celebrating mass at the Hospital Divina Providencia.

9 Ways You Can Help El Salvador

2007-07-25T13:43:00.000-06:00

1. Read. The more you know about El Salvador, the better you can motivate others to help. Read a survey of Salvadoran history since the arrival of the Toltecs and Aztecs nearly a millennium ago. Read a book about Salvadoran leaders, from José Matías Delgado (who helped lead the country to independence) to Juan José Cañas (diplomat, poet, and composer of the national anthem) to Oscar Arnulfo Romero (Catholic priest and human rights defender). Follow Salvadoran current events on the web. Check out Nuestro Ahora's collection of news links in English and Spanish here.

2. Learn, teach. If you're a student, do a research paper on El Salvador. Study issues in education or health. If you're a teacher, plan a lesson or special project about El Salvador. If you're a parent, look for a fun "Salvadoran experience" your family can share.

3. Write. Voice your perspective on issues related to El Salvador. Send an e-mail of support to the Nuestro Ahora scholarship students. Author a guest editorial for your community or school newspaper. Write poetry or stories about issues you believe are most important. Share your work with friends and family or organizations that support Salvadoran causes.

4. Speak. If you've traveled, volunteered, or worked in El Salvador, then give a talk to a group you belong to. If you've never been to El Salvador, talk to people who have. Ask them about their experiences.

5. Travel. If you have the means, visit El Salvador. Consider a group trip or "delegation" which will help you save costs and, equally important, provide you with a great community. Study abroad for a summer or semester. There are many excellent programs in the region. As much as possible, do business with Salvadoran vendors for transport, lodging, and tours. While in El Salvador, absorb the beautiful scenery and historic and cultural sites, while also taking the time to meet local people, to learn about their lives, and to understand the challenges they may face. Finally, stay connected, and committed, once you return home. For example, if you visited a drought-prone region, involve your friends in raising funds for water wells. And, of course, if you meet students without access to education, refer them to Nuestro Ahora. Support them.

6. See, hear, eat. . .enjoy! You can see movies about El Salvador such as Innocent Voices, Roses in December, Salvador, Romero, or Choices of the Heart. Listen to Salvadoran music. Eat at a Salvadoran restaurant. Visit a museum or attend a performance. Enjoy and appreciate the many ways to partake in Salvadoran culture and share such enthusiasms with others.

7. Meet. There are more than 3 million Salvadorans living in the US today. Find opportunities to meet with your Salvadoran neighbors, to learn from them, and to invite their participation in local organizations. Make an effort to reach out to new arrivals, who might welcome your help and support in finding housing or jobs and in generally adjusting to life in the States.

8. Invest. Buy Salvadoran coffee from fair trade sellers or purchase jewelry, crafts, and other gifts from Salvadoran artisans. This directly supports farmers and/or artists and their families in El Salvador. You may be in a position to invest in a Salvadoran business or to join a group of investors with Salvadoran interests. Depending on where you work, you might also engage your employer in Salvadoran investment or trade.

9. Donate. Make a charitable contribution to one of the many reputable organizations assisting those at need in El Salvador. Your gift may be large or small but no matter the amount it will make a difference. You can support special projects or offer to help "where needed most." You can give individually; you can organize a fundraiser at school or with your team or group; you can give in your workplace. Many companies will even match your donation. If you'd like to help Nuestro Ahora with making education available to El Salvador's neediest kids, click here.

Maura Clarke

2007-07-19T00:25:00.005-06:00

Padre Ken Myers

2007-07-19T00:25:00.003-06:00

Ita Ford

2007-07-19T00:25:00.001-06:00

Jean Donovan

2007-07-19T00:24:00.004-06:00

Dorothy Kazel

2007-07-19T00:24:00.003-06:00

Patti Pinto

2007-07-19T00:24:00.001-06:00