Though they live in a small city in America’s smallest state, Warwick residents continuously find ways to make a difference around the world - and that certainly describes Sarah Sceery, a Warwick native who serves as the Director of Development at Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II, an orphanage located in Peru. 

Casa Hogar currently serves 64 children in Lurin, Lima, Peru, where the gap between the middle and lower class is steadily narrowing, according to Sceery. About 25 staff members, from teachers to directors to administrators, collaborate to run the orphanage and to ensure the success of the children in their care. Described as a “robust team,” their work includes providing guidance and education for the children, finding ways for the children to get involved in their communities, and looking for ways to expand the orphanage in terms of both partnerships and funding. 

Sarah Sceery grew up in Warwick, attending Toll Gate High School and becoming close to the community through her passion for volunteer work. She first got involved with Casa Hogar in 2016 during a mission trip, and found herself immediately impressed by the positive attitudes of the children she encountered. While admitting she was initially a bit nervous about how she would bond with the kids, she quickly “felt a connection” while participating in activities with them during her visit. By the time she left, Sceery knew she wanted to find a way to continue working with the orphanage to provide for the children she had encountered, and that it would be her ideal career.

Sceery says that Casa Hogar is much different than the stereotypical idea of an orphanage many people would first expect.

“We’re not like Orphan Annie,” she laughed.

Children at Casa Hogar are grouped into eight small “families,” where two staff members are assigned to each family to serve as a mother and father figure for the children. These metaphorical parents assist with everything from personal guidance to homework help, and become role models throughout the time the children spend there. 

“We’re not creating an environment for kids to just survive, but to thrive,” Sceery said.

Education at the house goes beyond books - music education is a big aspect, serving both as a creative outlet and as a way for students to connect to local Peruvian culture. By learning to sing and play guitar, children can participate in community events and festivals to celebrate holidays and grow their skills.

Casa Hogar has also focused its education efforts on health, fitness, and wellness, as many of the children it takes in come from backgrounds that place them at an increased risk for malnutrition. Exercise initiatives in the house, which even include obstacle courses for younger students, present an opportunity for both fitness and stress relief. 

Sceery assumed the position in February of 2018, and has been serving faithfully since. A large part of her work involves traveling, both in the US and in Peru, in order to form corporate partnerships and to secure grants to cover the costs of the orphanage and its many educational resources. Whether help comes from a one-time donation or an entire mission team, Sceery finds that any support will go towards helping such a worthy cause.

“I am so inspired by the gratitude, love, and hope these children have coming from such a challenging background,” she said.

One such child, Alexis, has made incredible progress at just 14 years old. After devoting himself to learning English, Alexis recently led a visiting mission group on an entire tour of a local town to practice his new language. He has also begun studying computer science through a free-of-charge certificate program, made possible through Casa Hogar’s ongoing partnership with a local institute. 

Another success story: Alex, a former member of the Casa Hogar house, was raised his entire life at the house, and was one of the first children raised at the orphanage when it was founded in 1986. After reaching adulthood, Alex entered a local technical school and is now a member of a local engineering company in Peru; Casa Hogar is currently working to establish a partnership to continue to fund the orphanage and its new generations.

Casa Hogar was founded in 1986 by a priest from Wisconsin as a part of his missionary work; the project was personally funded by Pope John Paul II. The orphanage is also part of a network of orphanages in Peru, who collaborate to support each other, such as covering supply shortages and navigating legal processes. 

Interested in learning more about Casa Hogar, volunteering, sponsoring a child, or making a donation? Check out their website or the group's Facebook page.