In the U.S. state of Maryland, CAIF provided grants totaling $36,000 for Childsavers Inc., which provides a nationwide referral service and guidance for child advocates. It prepares individuals for court appearances, informing them of their rights and teaching them the most effective strategies for dealing with situations they encounter as they attempt to protect children. A 24-hour confidential crisis hotline (301-251-9099) is staffed, receiving an average of 40 calls and 50 e-mails each day. The best in follow-up services are provide to ensure dignity and promote healing.

In southern California CAIF provided regular financial support for Garden of Angels, a beautiful, peaceful “cemetery within a cemetery” in Calimesa created in 1996 to honor abandoned and unclaimed children and provide them a final special resting place. Since it opened, the bodies of 80 tiny children have been laid to rest within its quiet walls.

In Virginia CAIF supported CareNet and its Option Line and Billboard Campaign programs, advising the public of alternatives to abortion. The main purpose is to help women who call the national toll-free number get connected to their local crisis pregnancy center. Over 180,000 callers were served last year.

Outside the U.S. we provide food, shelter, medicine, education, counseling, and other necessary care for abused and needy children in China, Liberia, Peru and Ukraine.

China: Child Abuse Intervention Fund provided monthly grants to Lang Fang Children’s Village and Shepherd’s Field Children Village in Tianjin. They provide care for 140 children with birth defects. Last year 22 children received life-changing surgeries, and 31 joined their adoptive families.

Liberia: CAIF provided financial support for World-Wide Missions clinics in Paynesville and Buchanan. Hundreds of children being treated suffer from physical and emotional wounds received during the vicious 14-year civil war.

Mexico: CAIF supported the work of missionary Yolanda Villalobos, based in San Antonio de Minas, Baja California. She has a unique ministry among migrant farm workers, providing childcare while parents are working, including food, medical attention, and schooling. She also holds chapel services and leads a kids club, a teen meeting, and a women’s Bible study as well as a special outreach to a group of families living in chicken coops.

CAIF shipped a 40-ft sea container filled with 12 medical modules to Centro Cristiano Poder de Dios in Mexico City to benefit suffering children and families. Included were medical supplies, surgical supplies, pain relievers, and bandages worth $532,480.

Peru: CAIF supported the childcare ministries of missionaries Manuel and Sonia Guiterrez in Lima and Lince. Our contributions were used to operate weekly “Kids Klubs” for over 300 children and vacation Bible schools in 6 locations.

Ukraine:

CAIF sent a grant of $5,000 in support of the LIFE International East European Regional Conference in Kiev, Ukraine. The 5-day meeting was held in October, bringing together 50 leaders of the Christian anti-abortion movement from Georgia, Hungary, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, and Ukraine.