In partnership with The Ties Program, we are a 501 ( C ) ( 3 ) non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children in developing countries.
Our mission is to identify humanitarian needs and provide charitable donations to the orphanages and communities visited by the Ties Programs.
We provide a channel for World Ties families, friends and others to support identified projects that help people in developing countries create a better quality of life for themselves and their children. Our goal is to educate and inspire adoptees and their families about humanitarian work in developing countries.
Families traveling with The Ties Program often dream about the next visit to their child’s country of birth. The thought of returning feels like “coming home” thanks to the experiences they've had and the people they've met while traveling with The Ties Program. More often than not part of their dream includes getting involved in service work that benefits children. To help that dream come true for Paraguayan Ties familes, Una Mana A Paraguay (Hands On Paraguay), a service and cultural immersion program was created. To learn more about Una Mano A Paraguay 2008, contact Bea Evans.
Una Mano A Paraguay 2006 Farm work and painting kept the seven families who participated in this year's program busy. This year's World Ties Paraguayan service partners were Project for the People of Paraguay (PPP) and Don Bosco Roga. Service workers assisted the staff at PPP’s Dignity Farm by harvesting, planting and clearing land. The group’s next job was indoors as they painted dormitory rooms at Don Bosco Roga, a shelter for boys in Asunción. After several days of “work”, it was time for rest and relaxation. While some families stayed on in Asunción, others embarked upon a five-hour road trip into the Chaco. The city of Filadelfia served as home base for these travelers as they visited an Indian village, toured a Mennonite Community Farm and explored a wildlife region.
Una Mano A Paraguay 2005 In August, 2005 eight Ties alumni families, along with students from Alverno College (Milwaukee, WI), traveled with this World Ties Service Program. Together these 31 people made a difference in the lives of children at the primary school in Altos and the SOS Village in Luque.
"Thanks again for a wonderful trip that brought me much closer to the people and culture of Claire's birth land." ~Donna Stiglmeier Una Mano A Paraguay 2005
The Ties Program was pleased to offer this opportunity in 2007 to past Peruvian Ties families in partnership with CrossCultural Solutions (CCS). CrossCultural Solutions coordinates service placements in Peru as well as other places around the world. It is clear that the participating programs appreciate and depend upon the involvement of CCS volunteers and that the volunteers find their experiences rewarding. CCS provides an infrastructure that enables participants to focus on their placements, encourages them to immerse themselves in the culture, inspires understanding, nurtures commitment, and fosters a sense of togetherness.
CONEXIÓNES Offered the summer of 2007
Driving in Lima, scenes like this one surround you. Who lives in such surroundings? How can anyone survive in these conditions? What chances do the children who live here have for the future?
In English, this area would be referred to as a shantytown. However, in Spanish they are described as pueblo jovenes – or new towns. Just changing the name seems to influence one’s outlook on the area. But it is the opportunity to meet the people who live here that really influences your outlook and impacts your soul.
Villa El Salvador is a pueblo joven with a rich history. Located 25 kilometers from Lima, this area was settled in 1971 by strong-willed Peruvian people who had a vision for the future. Most of the people of Villa El Salvador live on much less than $2.00 a day; but, they have hearts of gold which they are quick to share with those who come to work along side them.
CONEXIÓNES is an opportunity to get to know people like those living in Villa El Salvador. One possible CONEXIÓNES service placement is at Los Martincitos, a center for senior citizens (often referred to as abuelos and abuelas –Spanish for grandpas and grandmas). Three days a week, volunteers are greeted warmly with a kiss on the check and the words “Buenas Dias” by the abuelos. The morning will pass quickly as CONEXIÓNES participants assist the staff in serving breakfast and lunch, participate in Bingo and other large group activities, assist with various small group events and bring smiles to many just by sharing some special attention. On Tuesday and Thursday, Los Martincitos volunteers accompany program staff on home visits of people who for a variety of reasons have been absent from the program. Depending on the need, this visit may involve a building project.
Working with the children that live at Villa Martha is another possible CONEXIÓNES placement. Located in Lima’s Pachacamac district, this orphanage is home to 140 children from infancy to 21 years of age. One of the first things that you may notice upon meeting the children is how confident they are – a quality that is likely a result of the warm care they receive. Schools are closed in July for mid-winter break so this might be a great opportunity to arrange some special events for the children.
Service placements are based on the needs of those being served and are coordinated by Cross Cultural Solutions (CCS) staff in Peru. Your interests, experiences and expectations will guide the staff as they make these assignments. Service work is done Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. until about 1:00 p.m. In addition to service work, a number of optional cultural and learning activities will be offered including weekly Spanish lessons, trips to museums or archeological sites, and guest speakers. An ample of amount of free time will also be available enabling participants to visit with people they met when traveling with Peruvian Ties or discover more of what Peru has to offer.
CONEXIÓNES participants will be based together in a CCS home. Generally there are 4 people to a room. A bathroom and shower is shared by several rooms. A common area provides a place to eat, relax and reflect on your experiences. Transportation to areas throughout Lima is accessible by taxi. Three meals a day, seven days a week, are provided by staff cooks and include traditional Peruvian cuisine. Transportation to your Volunteer Placement and any Cultural and Learning Activities is provided by CCS licensed drivers. Please contact Bea Evans if you are interested in learning more about service work in Peru.
At World Ties, we are currently supporting humanitarian projects in several countries. To learn about our projects and how you can help click on any of the country bookmarks below.
In Peru, World Ties has ongoing commitments to helping Instituto Chavez de la Rosa, an orphanage in Arequipa. We donated $1000 in 2006 which was used to provide a series of Hepatitis B shots for 60 children and to make improvements in the living conditions at the orphanage. For a number of years, a February (mid-summer in Peru) trip to the beach was possible thanks to World Ties.
World Ties also has connections with the SOS Children’s Village in Arequipa, a world renowned organization for providing family like communities where orphan children can grow up.
But without a doubt, the most moving orphanage that the Peru Ties 2005 group visited was the Cuzco Orphanage in the Peruvian countryside. Located in a very poor area about 30 minutes from the city and run by nuns, the Cuzco Orphanage is truly a sad environment for children to grow up in. A makeshift structure provides limited protection from the elements and acts as a dining hall. There are no true walls and the plastic holding it together is torn significantly. The kitchen that serves the dining hall is an 8’ x 8’ room attached to a slightly bigger room that houses the wood burning stove. In addition to its 25 children, the nuns serve another 100 lunches daily to the community. Lunch is their only meal. They are stocked with a few plates and cups, but no silverware, so children eat with their hands. The day before the group arrived, they had run out of all staples to prepare meals and were buying firewood week to week based on community donations.
The children's skin was blistered and scabbed from the dry air and lack of soap or hand cream. The three showers appeared not to have running water and there was no toilet paper anywhere. The orphanage had a library, with broken windows and tattered books falling off dilapidated bookshelves.
World Ties was able to make a donation of $1500 and the nuns cried as we presented this gift which we hope will only be a starting point. This money was used immediately as we went together to the market to buy each child a pair of sturdy shoes and then housewares including an industrial size set of pots and industrial size spoons and ladles to go with. The nuns were also able to buy silverware for each child, and a plate, cup and bowl for each. And in a unique cross cultural moment the nuns picked out two heavy French knives and a cutting board, which they had never seen before. Using a cutting board seems simple but it will reduce bacterial infections and keep everyone healthy.
With the rest of the money the nuns were able to buy huge bags of rice, flour, sugar, powdered milk and other staples which would stock the kitchen for six months. The kids in the Ties trip couldn’t help but also buy some treats for the orphanage which would last a few weeks.
The last bit of money was spent on a six months supply of wood for the orphanage. Having wood available will allow the nuns more time with the children rather than going door to door in the community asking for help.
As you can tell, this orphanage needs a great deal and just a little goes a long way. Sadly, many orphanages around the world do not receive government help and this is true in the case of Cuzco. A donation of $50, $100 or more will be used to buy food, fuel, clothes and comfort for the children who ask for nothing.
“The world as we thought we knew it stopped for our kids. For our adults. No child should have to live like this. No adult should have to work and pray so hard each day, and then be able to only provide this environment to children.” - Becca Piper, Ties Founder
Ties is in the process of putting together a Service Project Trip to Cuzco next year so we can make lasting changes to the center. Help us make a commitment to this center and the children who call it home by making a donation today.
Hurricane Stan devastates Guatemala and LakeAtitlan region
The Guatemala Ties trip visits several regions of the country, including the LakeAtitlan region which has recently been struck by Hurricane Stan. We have all read about the real damage hurricanes can cause. In this case, Ties has a close connection with the effected region. Our Guatemalan guide, Sergio, has informed us that hundreds of children are left without schools, forcing them into the streets, depressed, scared and unstructured. As a way to help, Sergio is organizing an outlet for them through music. Sergio is looking for donations to buy instruments for the children so they can channel their energy into something constructive. If he is able to raise enough money to buy many instruments, he can mobilize the group to travel and perform. Sergio writes "When a natural disaster strikes, children are often left to cope with the mental burden of not knowing what will happen next." Help us bring some structure and positive outlet into their lives but making a donation to this remarkable program. Scroll down to make an online donation now.
World Ties families reach out to children of the Lake Atitlan region
Thanks to the generous contributions received, World Ties assisted Sergio with the purchase of instruments to be used with children in the Lake Atitlan region. Sergio wrote the following note from Panajachel, Guatemala on December 21, 2005:
"To all lovely people involved in the Guatemalan Ties Program: Gracias, maltiosh, maltiosh, gracias! All what you have sent has been very well used. All your greatest feelings have been very well felt by these guys...All your demonstrations of love are unforgettable...THANKS AGAIN!!!! Caninosamente, Sergio"
Other ways to help in Guatemala
Also in Guatemala, World Ties has provided financial support to several organizations over the years such as Common Hope in and the Maya Medical Relief. These organizations and the others we are committed to target the urgent needs of people in Guatemala.
The two organizations we are currently focusing on are the Open Windows Foundation and Semillas de Amor Children’s Village.
The Open Window’s Foundation is located in the village of San Miguel Duenas near Antigua. The Foundation is a non-profit organization, dedicated to improving the literacy rate in the community by providing open access to their library, computer center, and school (materials) loan program. In just a few years, over 500 children have used their programs to improve their education, job opportunities and life skills. Funded completely by donations from generous people all over the world the Foundation offers their services free of charge to the people in the community. They also enlist the help of local and international volunteers who assist with the services provided. World Ties is proud to support this organization and encourages you to join us by making a donation to this sustainable solution for children.
Semillas de Amore Children’s Village is an organization that takes in children who have been orphaned, abandoned or whose parents are otherwise unable to take care of them, and provide a loving and safe place for them to grow up. They also provide a free daycare so working parents can safely leave their children during the day. Semillas de Amore has a library and a bilingual school staffed by local teachers and volunteers. It’s a relatively young organization, started in 2001 but already they have filled a need in the community and they need help to maintain their programs. During the Guatemala Ties 2005 trip, families brought cash donations, as well as clothes, toys and medical supplies.
World Ties is committed to supporting this important community. Please join us as we make a lasting impact on the lives of young children.
Like most grassroots non-profits in developing countries, these organizations count on donations and word of mouth to support their causes. Join us right now by making a donation through World Ties and share this information with friends.
During the summer of 2005, the families traveling with Korean Ties had the opportunity to visit the Sung Ae Won Orphanage in Busan, South Korea. The orphanage directors, Mr. and Mrs. Kim have dedicated their lives to helping children whose parents cannot raise them. With 70 children to care for and a staff of 19, we learned that they face daily challenges to feed, clothe and educate these wonderful children.
The Kim’s have been recognized for their dedication to Korea’s youngest citizens by receiving awards and recognition from the community and government. However, they have limited sources of income to help the children. An overwhelming 60% of their operating costs come from donations to make ends meet. During our visit we learned of several urgent needs of the center to get through the winter.
$6,000 for an industrial size washing machine
Sung Ae Won is in desperate need of a new industrial size washing machine. Currently they only have one machine which is unpredictable and often leaves the staff to wash clothes by hand and thus, unavailable for the children. As soon as World Ties has enough funds the washing machine will be purchased in Korea and put to use immediately.
$250 a month to purchase diapers
There are 40 children at the orphanage who wear diapers. However, it is not easy for the staff to keep up with washing the cloth diapers. Having a well stocked supply of disposable diapers will help reduce the amount of soiled diapers sitting around and will be more efficient for the staff. This will translate into better health for everyone.
$200 a month to purchase fuel
In Korea, children traditionally sleep on the floor. During the months of October through April, the orphanage must heat the floors in order to keep the children warm. They have a good working boiler but struggle to pay for fuel each month. Your support will keep these kids warm during the winter months.
The Daegu Maternity Home is one of the first centers of its kind in Korea. It's a center where up to 50 expectant birth mothers can go to live safely and peacefully as they bring their pregnancies to full term. While at the Maternity home they receive supportive counseling and live with other birthmothers going through the same experience. Because of the social stigma associated with unwed pregnancies in Korea, many of these girls need additional support such as job skills training since they may not be welcomed back into their homes. Right now the Daegu Maternity Home has a kitchen, library, classroom and a labor room. But what they really need are computers for the classroom so the women and learn skills which will help them get jobs later.
Please make a donation to World Ties for the Deagu Maternity home to give these young women a chance for better opportunities for their futures.
For more information or to specify your donation to a certain project please email Becca Piper.
Thank you for making a difference in the life of a child!
World Ties is a non-profit, 501 (C ) ( 3 ) organization
Gifts purchased at The Ties Shoppe make a difference in the life of a child. All proceeds are donated to orphanages, maternity homes and humanitarian organizations as Ties families travel.
Each item comes beautifully boxed with a note saying,
"World Ties is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization founded for the purpose of raising funds to be used as donations to orphanages, maternity homes and child welfare agencies around the world. Please know that a child somewhere in the world is receiving a more nutritious meal, is getting better health care or sleeping in a warmer bed at night because you chose to share in this project and its expression of hope and love. Thank you."
2007 HOLIDAY ORNAMENT
Beautiful hand made ornament....last in a series of three!!!
This lovely hand painted, custom made ornament, has year round meaning, particularly for the children who benefit from your purchase!
2007 message:
"Celebrate our Children of the World."
$12.00
Other ornaments in the series of three still available on a limited basis......
2006 HOLIDAY ORNAMENT
2006 message:
"World Without Strangers"
$12.00
ORIGINAL 2005 HOLIDAY ORNAMENT
2005 Message:
"I am not the same having seen the moon shine on another part of the world."
$12.00
CHILDREN OF THE WORLD PINS & PENDANTS
Each of these beautiful Children of the World pins and pendants are hand made by an adoptive Mom in Seattle. They are lovely in every way. Made of a light polymer clay (apx. 3 " tall) they can be worn as a pin, or as a pendant. And, they are especially beautiful when placed in a shadow box. Proceeds from all purchases will be used to support World Ties Humanitarian Projects.
others embarked upon a five-hour road trip into the Chaco. The city of Filadelfia served as home base for these travelers as they visited an Indian village, toured a Mennonite Community Farm and explored a wildlife region.
Driving in Lima, scenes like this one surround you. Who lives in such surroundings? How can anyone survive in these conditions? What chances do the children who live here have for the future? 
Peruvian people who had a vision for the future. Most of the people of Villa El Salvador live on much less than $2.00 a day; but, they have hearts of gold which they are quick to share with those who come to work along side them.
CONEXIÓNES participants assist the staff in serving breakfast and lunch, participate in Bingo and other large group activities, assist with various small group events and bring smiles to many just by sharing some special attention. On Tuesday and Thursday, Los Martincitos volunteers accompany program staff on home visits of people who for a variety of reasons have been absent from the program. Depending on the need, this visit may involve a building project. 
Peru. Your interests, experiences and expectations will guide the staff as they make these assignments. Service work is done Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. until about 1:00 p.m. In addition to service work, a number of optional cultural and learning activities will be offered including weekly Spanish lessons, trips to museums or archeological sites, and guest speakers. An ample of amount of free time will also be available enabling participants to visit with people they met when traveling with Peruvian Ties or discover more of what Peru has to offer.
In Peru, World Ties has ongoing commitments to helping Instituto Chavez de la Rosa, an orphanage in Arequipa. We donated $1000 in 2006 which was used to provide a series of Hepatitis B shots for 60 children and to make improvements in the living conditions at the orphanage. For a number of years, a February (mid-summer in Peru) trip to the beach was possible thanks to World Ties. 
s de Amore Children’s Village is an organization that takes in children who have been orphaned, abandoned or whose parents are otherwise unable to take care of them, and provide a loving and safe place for them to grow up. They also provide a free daycare so working parents can safely leave their children during the day. Semillas de Amore has a library and a bilingual school staffed by local teachers and volunteers. It’s a relatively young organization, started in 2001 but already they have filled a need in the community and they need help to maintain their programs. During the Guatemala Ties 2005 trip, families brought cash donations, as well as clothes, toys and medical supplies. 
