Ketty, Blanca, & Heather

This is Ketty. She is the social worker at Pat's Place. She is married with two dogs and no children. She has a heart for animals and has been very helpful with the monkey. Aside from that, she is invaluable here at Pat's Place. She has the knowledge needed to get all of the paperwork in order. She knows how to get the children signed up for school, and registered for health care. She can assist the residents with health care access, parenting skills, and other such needs. She also really likes to clean! Whenever she is not interacting with the residents, she is cleaning something in the house. I invited her to come home with me! Heather is currently trying to raise enough money for a year's salary for Ketty. If she can raise it, it will be matched, thus assuring that Ketty will be able to work at Pat's Place for the next two years. The yearly salary is $3600. If you would like to help, please contact my sister (heatherga@juno.com) and she can help with the details.

Blanca is Heather's right hand woman. She is the assistant director of Pat's Place. Blanca has one son, the result of an uninvited interaction. Having "been there" herself, she can offer support to the women of Pat's Place in a way few others can. She is also a great cook, and able to stretch the food soles (dollars) in amazing ways, offering warm, nutritious, and filling comida (food). She is a wonderful friend and source of encouragement for Heather. I am glad Heather has her around!

This is my sister. I love her dearly. Although at times we do not see eye to eye, we appreciate (or at least I do...) the differences of the other. I am amazed at the strength of my baby sister. She is so much braver than me. I cannot imagine leaving all of my friends, family and comfort zone to travel to another country and immerse myself in the lives of the downtrodden, but yet, my sister has done just that. Not for a week or two, but likely for the rest of her life. Watching her skillfully manage a house of 18 women and children has shown me what an intelligent and capable person she is.