Amigos' Goals
Our Mission
Our Target Population
Our Organization
Youth Camps
Health Care
Adoption Program
You can help
Amigos' Goals
To establish a bond of friendship between the peoples of Mexico and the United States, linking available resources with those in need. Amigos believe even small amounts of education, and health care and other assistance can have a major impact on improving people's living conditions and equipping children to lead more productive lives.
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Our Mission
To provide the needy with the opportunity to better their lives.
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Our Target Population
The people of the state of Sonora, Mexico, and those living within the states of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas in the United States.
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Our Organization
The incorporation of Amigos de las Americas formalized a relationship among the three founders of the organization and the Mexican people that began many years ago.
Mr. Dean Graves and Mr. Hector Gradillas have had business relationships with Mexico since the early 1960's. Mr. Graves operated a spice business in northern Mexico for fifteen years, while Mr. Gradillas worked with a University of Arizona agriculture program in Mexico and represented firms wishing to set up businesses in Mexico. Mr. Albert Bertelson, a Texas farmer and business manager, spent time in Mexico with his friends. During this time the three men grew to love Mexico and its people. At the same time, they became increasingly aware of the many challenges facing the average Mexican family: lack of education, lack of healthcare and lack of opportunity. In response, they personally began to donate clothing, soap, bandages and other sorely needed items to orphanages and similar humanitarian organizations in Sonora.
In 1996, while in Mexico, the three men met a young doctor who could not treat his patients for lack of appropriate equipment and medicine. Graves, Gradillas and Bertelson were so moved by this doctors' sincerity and desire to help his people that they decided to establish a formal organization that could not only respond to the needs of the people like Dr. Ramiro, but also provide services which would help prepare young people for a more productive future. On July 7, 1997, Amigos de las Americas was formally incorporated as a nonprofit organization, registered in both the United States and Mexico.
Through establishing and incorporating Amigos de las Americas, Mr. Graves, Mr. Gradillas and Mr. Bertelson have given their humanitarian efforts a formal structure. This structure provides a basis for expanding their activities by clearly articulating their goals and objectives, by putting in long-term strategy for systematically reaching those in need and by expanding the available resource base through the solicitation of tax free charitable contributions.
In January of 2000, Mr. Bertelson stepped down as Vice President. Mr. Gradillas was honored with that position. Amigos de Las Americas brought in a local business owner, of Thatcher, Lyn Rhodes, to be Secretary/Treasurer.
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PROGRAMS SUPPORTED BY AMIGOS DE LAS AMERICAS
Youth Camps
Caritas Canyon Camp: Amigos de las Americas is expanding its youth camp on 330 acres of beautiful water front property just south of Guaymas, Mexico. Situated on a sheltered bay, the camp, when completed, will boast several travel trailers, a community kitchen, a common room and a marina with several fishing boats. The camp it currently small, but has already begun to operate.
Lake Novilla Camp: On the souther side of gorgeous Lake Novilla, Amigos de las Americas has access to five prime acres. Construction of a youth camp on this land has begun and is expected to be completed by early 2000.
Youth camps will be available for use by Mexican and American Church groups, scout groups and other charitable, non profit organizations. The camps can serve as training and recreation facilities, s central points for visits to museums and other cultural sites, and as friendly settings in which inter-cultural friendships can be formed between the youth of the Americas.
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Health Care
Training Program: Amigos de las Americas is in the process of linking U.S. medical technicians with members of the Red Cross of Mexico through a training program. The Red Cross of Mexico is an all volunteer organization. These volunteers are in need of training in both disease prevention and emergency medical treatment (EMT). EMT providers in the U.S. will train their Mexican counter parts through short courses, thus equipping them to better perform their duties.
Provision of Supplies: Amigos de las Americas will continue to distribute donations of medical supplies, soap and other health care equipment to appropriate organizations in Mexico. The Mexican government has granted Amigos a permit for bringing these supplies into Mexico duty free.
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Adoption Program
Amigos de las Americas has received permission from the Government of Mexico to operate as an adoption agency in Mexico. Licensing by the State of Arizona is pending. Once fully licensed in both countries, Amigos de las Americas will locate Mexican orphans and match them up with U.S. parents.
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YOU CAN HELP
In order to carry out its program, Amigos de las Americas accepts charitable contributions in cash or kind from all interested individuals and organizations. The needs are great. Amigos desperately needs travel trailers, vehicles, boats and boat trailers for the youth camps. Furniture, clothing, medical supplies, books and toys are also needed. (Items need not be in working order.) Donations of time and professional services are welcomed. All donations are fully tax exempt. Please HELP US TO HELP OTHERS.
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