Our History
Several of our board members already had long-standing relationships with Christian- based organizations serving the less fortunate in other countries, specifically Fundación Con Una Sonrisa (With a Smile Foundation) in Asuncion, Paraguay and the He Cares Mission, operating in six provinces in India. Closer to home, board members are seeking avenues to help disadvantaged women, particularly in the New London,
Connecticut area.
The founding board of directors of Heart of Love, International were impressed by what the groups in Paraguay and India had already accomplished with the limited money and resources available to them. The organizations were obviously conscientious stewards of their assets. The board members also knew that, given the proper funding and direction, these groups could accomplish so much more.
Read on to discover more about the Christ-affirming and life-affirming work of Heart of
Love International.
Long-standing (over 20 years) of field experience meeting the needs of children & families in the areas where we operate through an already established foundation called “Fundación Con Una Sonrisa” With a Smile Foundation. This foundation was established over 22 years ago by a local family with the help and support of a local church, Embajada Christiana, The Christian Embassy. Our ties to the foundation are long-standing.
Left to Right: Aldo Ramon Paredes Martinez, President, Maria Teresita de Paredes, Catalina Alderete, Pastor Leonardo Alderete, Founder.
- Location: All our frontline outreach centers are within walking distance of a partnership church, allowing personal one-on-one ministry opportunities.
- Operational Systems: We have developed systems that allow us to maintain records on each child and their family (if they have one) and thereby track their spiritual, physical, and educational progress over time.
- The Need: We are already serving in some of the direst areas of need in Asunción, Paraguay, and are expanding our reach to other areas of need.
- Spreading the Word: (Marketing) Because we are a Jesus-driven ministry, our natural and first approach will be to churches and para-church organizations.
- Currently, the Foundation has approximately 49 part-time volunteers and 9 full-time volunteers
Through an already-established foundation called “He Cares Mission,” HEART OF LOVE can reach hundreds of children and families. This foundation was established over 30 years ago by a local family with a heart for God and a desire to meet the ever-growing needs throughout India. The Director of He Cares Mission is Bhath Singh (Paul Krause). He is a young man from a committed Pastoral family with ties to establishing churches throughout the area.
He Cares Mission
- The family management team has unique experience in Christian education & evangelism. In addition, all the local work is accomplished through partnering with local churches. Currently, He Cares Mission works in 8 different Provinces through faithful local churches and ministers who deeply love and desire to raise India from the depths of poverty.
- Location: Each local outreach is in a village with a local church, most established by the founder’s family or through a direct personal relationship.
- Operational Systems: We have developed systems that allow us to maintain records on each child and their family (if they have one) and thereby track their spiritual, physical, and educational progress over time.
- He Cares Mission has 23 uniquely qualified pastors involved in its day-to-day operations across the 3 main provinces it is currently serving. This number is growing because of the increase in salvations and full-time ministers starting churches across India.
STH is an organization that provides STH and life skill training for women. It aids women, frequently homeless, as they move from dependent, often abusive relationships into independent, self-sufficient lifestyles. Additionally, it assists clients in child reunification. This is particularly important as 80% of the clients have children but no custody.
This is the area’s only women-only long-term STH. All other shelters only offer 30 days or less of housing whereas STH offers up to two years. Available will be a chemical dependency, AIDS, and a family reunification Christian based counseling to assist clients. The facility will also strive to provide clients with necessary life skills helping them to develop stable self-sufficiency.
STH has identified two distinct market segments based on age; those who are under thirty and those who are thirty and over. The distinction is important because of the high percentage of clients with children, and those in the younger market segment having far younger children. The under thirty age group is growing annually at 9%, and the thirty and over age group growing at 8%. The number of potential clients is in the 100’s, just for the greater new London area. The overwhelming majority of clients come from lower socio-economic population groups. These segments can be difficult to communicate with, yet their use of STH’s services would give them some profound benefits.
STH’s mission is to provide women of New London area a safe Housing alternative, teach a multitude of skills to empower the women to self-sufficiency, and facilitate the possible reunification of clients with their children.