Spending Some Time at the Purple Palace

Danielle Olemacher and Lauren Colby / Staff Writers

Out of the 1,900,000 street children in Tijuiana, Mexico, less than one hundred are fortunate enough to live at Ninos de la Promesa, a children’s home founded by Connie Youngkin in 2001. Over winter break, Jenica Devilbiss (12), Eden Arviv (11) and Courtney Cambra (11) visited this “Purple Palace” to volunteer and donate the $560 they had raised for a project in their Social Justice class.

Previous victims of rape, poverty, domestic violence, and sex trafficking, the lucky children of Ninos de la Promesa have gained security and a new beginning. In the family-like setting that the “Purple Palace” provides, the children are given structure and support. Despite the children’s troubled pasts, the Social Justice students found them surprisingly friendly. While Devilbiss was interviewing Youngkin, a four year-old girl sat on Devilbiss’ lap the whole time.

“I was surprised that the conditions are so good. They make the children feel comfortable,” Devilbiss said. “The children love the company and there are always opportunities for volunteers.”

Many of the children have been abandoned and are rescued off the street, but others come from homes where the parents are involved in drug dealing and prostitution. Due to limited space in the facility, Youngkin must choose the ones in the very worst conditions to live at the shelter.

Due to their traumatizing past, the children have a family-like bond at the shelter. Just like a traditional family, the children follow the house rules and complete their chores. By forming a competitive soccer team, the boys have restored confidence in their capabilities and learned to work towards their goals. While they are free to leave the program at any time, they know their chances a successful future are greatest at the home.

Devilbiss, Arviv and Cambra educated our community about the abandoned children in Tijuana by giving presentations and posting flyers. Their efforts raised money that will be used to feed, clothe, and educate the children. For more information, visit:http://www.thepurplepalace.org/