Being a volunteer has enriched my life
By Dulce María Fernández

Arts & Crafts Fair Sat–Sun, Aug 22–23, 10am–6pm Centro de Crecimiento benefit Instituto Allende Ancha de San Antonio 20 Free

My husband and I arrived in San Miguel two years ago, and since then I have been working as a volunteer at Centro de Crecimiento. I love children, so I help the kinesiologist with rehabilitation therapy inside and outside the Centro’s pool.

Centro de Crecimiento was founded 32 years ago by Mrs. Lucha Maxwell with the purpose of helping kids with different capacities, such as Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism and bifid spine, as well as people who need any kind of rehabilitation.

They have several programs for Early and Kindergarten Stimulation. The Centro has professionals in Physical, Language and Psychological Therapies; along with Hydrotherapy (therapy in a pool) for kids and adults. They also give Horse Therapy to the children, according to their needs.

I’m amazed to see how much the kids enjoy working in the pool with their parents, and the youngsters are encouraged to exercise because they can play and have fun with their parents. I also have noticed how much they have improved, not only in their movements, but also in their communication and interaction with their parents.

Centro de Crecimiento stays alive with the help of donations and volunteers and, of course, with all the love, care and professionalism from the staff.

Working as a volunteer makes me feel more alive and teaches me to be a better person. All these people are a lesson of life, a life worth living with love and joy, which they offer to us every day without reserves. Being a volunteer for more than 15 years has enriched my life. 

If you want to join us or visit Centro de Crecimiento, call 152-0318. Proceeds from this weekend’s Arts & Crafts fair will benefit the Centro de Crecimiento. See Around Town for more details.