We appreciate your visit and are looking forward to get to know you better through your stay. The kids are always eager to meet those who make their life here possible.

Please make yourself at home and feel free to ask questions at anytime. While you are here, we do ask that you follow certain guidelines for the benefit of our kids, families, Program, your stay and the stay of those yet to come.

PROGRAM:

Visiting families:

Most volunteers want to spend as much time with the children as possible. We understand this and would like you to have a great experience with our kids, yet at the same time we have to remind ourselves that the children/families also need their private time. One of the biggest differences between Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II and any other orphanages in Peru is the fact that our kids live in a family setting. Married couples head each family, playing the roles of mother and father. The biological children of the couples also live here at Casa Hogar… which means that we have many families! Because of so many families and types of families, there are many different daily routines. While everyone has a similar schedule with Mass and meal times, each family has the liberty to schedule and prioritize other activities. We just ask that you be conscience of this and respect family time and the decisions of the Family Teachers should they (not) allow something. Please leave families by 8 PM if visiting in the evening.

Privileges:

Also, the children will be able to play or leave Casa Hogar depending on the system they are on and whether or not they have earned their privileges. Before going out with a child or offering him something sweet to eat, ask him if he has his privleges. It is always a good idea to double check with his Family Teachers to make sure the child is telling the truth. The children know that when possible, they should always ask permission even if they have their privileges. The kids have learned that honesty is the best policy, but there are a few that think that they can manipulate newcomers who don't know the Program well.

Gifts:

Please okay gifts for kids with Father Sebastian or Amber.

If a child wants to give you something, please make sure that one if his Family Teachers is aware.

Dress code:

The only other BIG thing that we ask of our volunteers is to comply with our dress code. This is something we ask of the kids, staff and volunteers. As part of the Girls & Boys Town Program, we put a big emphasis on our image; how it portrays who we are, how we feel about ourselves, and the image or “message” we want to send to others. We also want to instill modesty in our girls as well as respect of self, and the clothes we wear reflect just that. Basically, we don't allow any clothing too tight or too baggy; clothes should fit well. Shirts should be long enough that if you lean over or lift your arms you will not be showing your back or stomach. Skirts and shorts should be two inches below your middle finger when hands are at your sides. Pants should fit well in the waist… we don't want to see anyone's underwear. For obvious reasons, there should be no reference to drugs, sex, alcohol, violence, racism, etc. on any clothing. We ask that you dress appropriately for Mass; dress pants, skirt, nice shirt, tie, etc. Hemp is also not allowed. Caps should not be worn indoors or at meals. If you are visiting a family and the Family Teachers allow the kids to wear caps in their apartment feel free to keep your cap on. If you are visiting a family where that is not allowed, please respect that rule. We will ask you to change should you be in violation of the dress code. Please understand this is so we can best role-model to our children. Should you leave Casa Hogar grounds (not in company of our kids) you can by all means dress as you wish. Do keep in mind though, that even when you are out and about, you may still be seen by our kids and the community. You are a reflection of your country, Casa Hogar and of all the volunteers that have come before and will come afterwards.

General:

No underage drinking.

No illegal drugs.

No smoking indoors or in front of kids.

No inappropriate language in front of kids.

Report any accidents, damage, or malfunction of the House as soon as they occur.

Keep office doors locked when no one is in room.

No PDA (Public Display of Affection).

Please inform Amber, Jenny, or the child's Family Teachers if you see inappropriate behavior; tell the child what you saw as well (give him a chance to self-report).

MASS:

All are welcome to attend and participate in Mass.

We ask that all volunteers come to Mass on Sunday.

Mass times are 6:45 AM on weekdays during the academic year; weekend Mass times are 8:00 AM; summer schedule is 8:00 AM everyday.

Please arrive on time to Mass (good role-modeling).

Please come appropriately dressed (see dress code).

Although all are welcome and invited to participated in Mass, please understand that in order to receive Holy Eucharist one has to be in full communion with the Catholic Church.

Upon your arrival, we will go over these and other guidelines or expectations with you, and you will be asked to sign a contract stating that you understand and are in agreement with them.

Though some of the guidelines may seem unnecessary, we have them for a reason and ask that you respect them. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to consult Father Sebastian, Amber or Mirtha.