Project Milk 2012 From Wisconsin to Peru

How it all began …  Fr. Joe saw first-hand the poverty of Peru  His stories helped spark interest and from that Project Milk was born “It’s not my turn to eat.”

Goals of Project Milk  Support local dairy farmers  Provide nutrition to the children in Peru  Outreach to others in need throughout the community  Helps keep Wisconsin connected to the Diocesan orphanage, Casa Hogar  Milk is delivered when Diocesan groups are at the orphanage

From WI to Peru  Milk is purchased from local dairy farms  Processed into powdered milk by Grassland Dairy  Shipped to Peru  Arrives to the orphanage for all 64 kids and others in the community

How much milk? 450 tons!  Since the start of Project Milk nearly 450 tons of milk has been shipped to Peru  In the last two years since Grassland became a partner over 60,000 pounds of milk has been shipped to Casa  Provides nine essential nutrients for the children

What is it used for?  Arroz con leche: rice milk with cinnamon  Aji de gallina: shredded chicken in a spicy cheese sauce  A variety of creamy soups  Hot mug of milk on chilly mornings and cold winter evenings

Changing milk into Pigs?  Casa Hogar works with other local orphanages to trade the powdered milk for other things that the children need  Some orphanages have pigs or vegetables from their farm that they can trade with us.  The orphanage also donates milk to local soup kitchens and families in the community

Who does the milk go to?  Casa Hogar orphanage is home to 64 children  Enough milk is stored to cover the needs of all children at Casa for the entire year  All extra milk is donated to other orphanages, soup kitchens and individuals in need  Trade with other organizations for meat, eggs and vegetables

Life Before Casa These were the living conditions for the children before they came to live at Casa Hogar.

Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II

Fr. Joe’s Vision  Preparing our children to thrive, not just to survive  Teaching our kids the virtues and faith they need to succeed in the future  Following God’s model

Family Model  8 families each with 8 children  Family apartments on the grounds of Casa Hogar  Meals together as a family  Daily chores, homework, free time  First time in their lives that they see responsible, loving parents

Family Teachers  Who are the Family Teachers?  Married couples who live and work full-time at Casa Hogar  Move to the orphanage with their own biological children and care for 8 of the kids from Casa

Photo-tour of Casa Hogar Chapel and Guest Housing Soccer and Volleyball Family Apartments Offices New Organic Farm

Family Apartments Each of the eight families have their own apartment on the grounds of Casa.

Hopes for a Better Future  Focus on importance of education for successful future  Long-term investment vs. short-term outcome  Work with families and community to enforce the importance of education  Senior Planner Program

Our Graduates  Where do the kids go once they graduate?  Where would they have been?  Senior Planner Program  Reunions  Breaking the cycle of poverty for our children and future generations

Staying Connected  We are constantly expanding our efforts to keep those within the Diocese of La Crosse connected to our work  Visit our website:  Pick up a Casa Hogar brochure