Hogar Madre de Dios orphanage in Cali, Colombia has been managed by Sister Elsa Marie Ayala since 2001. Having worked with many orphaned and disadvantaged children, Sister acquired the skills and a desire to implement her experience by starting her own orphanage and helping children in need live better lives as they work to build successful paths for the future. Focusing on providing clean, safe housing and education, Sister Elsa Marie’s outreach efforts have been instrumental in building partnerships with the local Cali community in donating building materials and labor for the construction of the orphanage. With the financial support of the Cali Orphanage Charitable Fund, Sister was able to realize her vision. Sister also reached out to local businesses such as grocery stores, and community professionals to provide goods and medical services for the children of Hogar Madre de Dios, and to community volunteers to assist with running the orphanage.

 

 

She also sees to it that the children are well educated at local public schools and some of the children in Sister’s care have gone on to college and have successful careers in various fields. Sister Elsa Marie’s efforts currently provide support for over 100 children, some of whom were rescued from mountain regions around Cali that are occupied by violent gangs and drug cartels, which prove to be a dangerous environment, jeopardizing the children’s well-being. Hogar Madre de Dios offers a safe space for these children to grow and prosper. However continued support is always needed. Sister is constantly looking to improve the quality of life for the children and routinely seeks to provide better sleeping accommodations, recreational areas and study aids. With her small staff of volunteers, she also distributes weekly packages of food to local families in need Sister Elsa Marie provides a safe, loving home for many needy children in the community in and around Cali.