"We really do make a difference in the lives of these children." ­Susan Moreira, project co-leader. Supporting approximately 50 students, the Leonardo Romero Scholarship Fund is the primary outreach ministry of Holy Family Church. Founded in 1981, the fund awards money to students in primary school through university. If not for the fund, many of our students would be required to quit school to work to support their families. Even families who want their children to stay in school often find it impossible. While public schools in Mexico do not charge tuition for children up to 14 years old, families are required to pay for books, transportation, supplies, and many extra fees. Our work consists of much more than simply handing out money. The project leaders serve as advisors, counselors, and parent figures for the students, many of whom come from families and communities that give them no incentive to continue school. Students are chosen based on potential, as judged by their local clergy and teachers; and on need, as judged by our screening committee. We require each student to provide grade reports to assure attendance and dedication, and receipts for their expenditures to make sure the scholarship money is used as intended. We see no better way to give back to the community than by giving children a chance to realize their dreams through education.

Carlos' father is permanently unemployed. His mother sells trinkets at traffic lights. Carlos will be the first student from our program to attempt to enter Monterrey TEC, a prestigious university that caters to students from private schools with wealthy parents. Even if Carlos does not make it past the TEC's entrance exam, he will no doubt be successful in another university as he pursues a career in engineering and continues to represent the state in soccer.

Luis came into the program ten years ago, a small silent boy with his head hung low. He had come in second in his grade school, and seemed to have potential. His lofty career ambition was to be an auto mechanic. Today Luis is a polished, organized university student, majoring in computer science. He works part time for a major corporation, and freelances as a computer trouble shooter much in demand!

Lucia, now in junior high, has been in the program since 2nd grade. Her mother has no steady job, and has been in and out of the hospital. When she is ill, Lucia is left on her won. She has maintained her grades and continued to stay focused on school in spite of the chaos in her life. She is a serious girl, and is doing well against the odds.

Humberto is a medical student. He failed two classes in his first year, and we thought we would lose him from the program. Our rigid standards required us to drop him until he brought up his grades. Through sheer determination, Humberto repeated the classes while working full time to pay his own expenses. He is now back in the scholarship program, and doing very well in his second year of medical school.

Maria was first in her school in junior high, but her parents planned on sending her to work as soon as she finished 9th grade. We talked them out of it, instead encouraging her father to allow her mother to work. While wives traditionally do not work, he agreed that giving his daughter a chance at a better life was worth a change in tradition.

"We are surrounded by poverty, but we have to make a difference where we can." ­Celia Levy, member of Holy Family. * We support the Ecumenical Hunger Ministry of Monterrey. * Emergency Relief and Development. * Mexican Clergy Aid-for education, personal, and family needs. * Short-Term Assistance-providing for medical, funeral, or other one-time needs.