2019 was an important year for Lidia and Adrian Portillo's now three orphanages located in Honduras, Columbia and El Salvador. Each location not only expanded the scope of their services, but also increased adoption rates. An exciting addition to the Honduras location was made: Three school buses that will allow the all-volunteer staff to safely transport the children to activities and important programs.
Currently, the original Honduras location is home to 250 children, with 56 children residing in the El Salvador location and 49 children in the orphanage in Columbia. The children range in age from three months old to 18 years old. Commonly older children are less likely to be adopted, so Adrian and his team have connected with trade organizations where young people can learn skills and even earn money. Not all the young adults who reside in the orphanages will attend trade programs, some are destined for college.
The adoption process typically takes two years, but can take longer depending on international policies and the disparate judicial systems of the three countries where the orphanages are located. In 2019, nine adoptions were facilitated by the Honduras orphanage and three adoptions were facilitated by each the El Salvador and Columbia locations.