With a desire to help the poor, homeless and impoverished in Baja, Mexico; Ted, Karen and Shelley began volunteer work in May of 2000 in collaboration with a local church group and Youth With a Mission (YWAM). For several years they participated in building homes for needy families and their children in the dusty hills of Tijuana. As time progressed, there was an increasing awareness of children who were without parents or family; children who were abandoned, neglected, abused and at risk for sex trafficking. In response to this, in 2004 they helped build an orphanage that provided shelter for underprivileged children. It a blessing to watch the transformation of each child as they arrived frightened and vulnerable. Some malnourished, others with emotional scars, babies without a name… all desperately needing a safe haven to call home. Since 2004 the directors of the orphanage, Alejandro and Aracelis, have raised the children with Christian values and have provided consistent, caring stewardship which has created a loving children’s home that is called Casa de mi Familia.
WTHICM is dedicated to ensuring that all donations go directly to fund the care and welfare of Casa de mi Familia. We are committed to assuring sustainability and a hopeful future for these precious children. Our desire is to nurture them with the love and attention that every child deserves and to provide memories that heal. Moreover, the ministry seeks to ensure an environment in which the children can grow, play, learn and, ultimately, live productive adult lives. Lastly, we strive to cultivate partnerships with like-minded organizations that are receptive to sharing ideas and resources that result in mutually beneficial collaborations.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11(NIV)
The Directors:
Ted Springer, Ph.D. Founder:
Ted Springer holds a PH.D in Clinical Psychology and is a licensed psychotherapist and credentialed School Psychologist. Dr. Springer was in private practice for 18 years working with children, adolescents, adults and families in both hospital and outpatient settings. Additionally, he has worked in the public school system as a psychologist for 20 years, retiring in June 2017. He feels truly blessed by the opportunity to work with, love and support the children of Casa de mi Familia.
Karen Springer, Co-Founder:
Karen Springer holds a B.A. degree in business administration. She has worked with a local city in their Community Service Department since the year 2000. For the first 10 years she led a Youth Employment Program. In 2010 she made a lateral transfer as Program Specialist to the Senior Services Department. In this capacity, she worked with a team of Care Managers overseeing a resource and referral program that offers support and assistance designed to help families deal with physical, emotional and practical challenges. After retirement in October 2017 she is focused on spending more time with the children and looks forward to the opportunities ahead.
Shelley Hoover, Board Member:
Shelley Hoover is a Regional Sales Manager with Dickerson Employee Benefits and is a subject matter expert on Health Care Reform and the Affordable Care Act. Shelley also has more than 30 years experience with Kaiser Permanente working in Sales and Marketing.
With a heart for our Lord and children, Shelley has been involved with teaching Sunday School, worship ministries and church leadership. After building homes and supporting the building of an orphanage in Mexico she fell in love with the children of Casa de mi Familia.
Delia Christian, Board Member:
Delia Christian has been a resident of Southern California her entire life, being raised close to the Mexican border in Chula Vista. She holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders from California State College, Fullerton. She has enjoyed working in California public schools as a Speech Therapist since 1984. In recent years, she has become involved with and supportive of the children of Casa de mi Familia and has enjoyed watching them flourish. She is committed to providing continued support and ensuring the children have opportunities for a successful future.