Peruvian Outreach Project Inc

Cristian Johnston was adopted at almost the age of four from the Aldea Infantil Virgen del Pilar, an orphanage in the San Martin Department of Peru, back in 2000. Eighteen years later, Cristian returned to explore his roots and was inspired to give back to his community of origin. The Peruvian Outreach Project, Inc., or POP, was created to do just that. POP has expanded its outreach, with a mission to enhance the lives of vulnerable children and young adults living in the San Martin Department of Peru. POP was designated a 501(3) (c) nonprofit in February of 2020. The Peruvian Outreach Project has two major programs: the Hogar Hermelinda and the enrichment of life for the children at the Aldea Infantil Virgen del Pilar Orphanage. The generous support of good people make these projects possible. Thank you!

The Hogar Hermelinda Home for Young Women provides room and board, tuition, materials, and guidance to the participants allowing them to pursue a post secondary/ university education. These women will come from areas of San Martin that are severely impoverished and who would have had little opportunity to continue their studies. The participants of the Hogar Hermelinda Home for Young Women: Graycith, Roxana, Denise, Denixa, Aleyda and Lleninfer are well into their three year nursing programs. They also spend their free time doing community service at the orphanage. They have worked hard to improve the physical surroundings for the children and help with cooking and caring for the children.

There are many young women who would benefit from a program such as the Hogar Hermelinda. The need is great and we have no doubt of the incredible impact that empowering young people through education can make on the lives of many.

The Peruvian Outreach Project has completed many projects with the Aldea Infantil Virgen del Pilar Orphanage including annual Christmas celebrations, first aid kits and books for each house. The drinking water filtration system was cleaned and updated to improve water quality, and a beautiful flower bed was constructed in the heart of the Aldea. A shuttered bakery was renovated and now provides fresh bread twice a week and sometimes a pizza party! Through fundraising and collaboration, POP added vegetable gardens and a new tiled floor in the activities pavilion.

To help with the battle against COVID-19, POP opened a clinic on-site so children and staff can receive timely treatments. POP renovated the playground equipment and in 2022 we established a sewing workshop to teach the children and young people this useful life skill. We look forward to many more activities in support of these vulnerable children.

In 2023 the Peruvian Outreach Project has purchased school supplies and new uniforms for the children at the Aldea Orphanage for the beginning of their new school year. Currently we are fundraising to establish a music workshop at the orphanage. This involves the purchase of instruments and the hiring of a music teacher. Children will receive instruction three days a week for at least 8 months.

Please follow our progress on our website ww.wnypop.org . We sincerely appreciate any support that can be afforded the Peruvian Outreach Project.

Mission Statement

Through advocacy, partnerships, and outreach activities, the Peruvian Outreach Project (POP) works to enhance the lives of vulnerable children and young adults living in the San Martin Department of Peru

~adopted by POP Board 2/14/21