About Us

It was clear that Sister Rosa, the founder of Sociedad Amigos de los Niños, could use some help. Over many decades she had become legendary for helping the children of Honduras with very limited resources. (Read more below.) Many compared her work to that of Mother Theresa in India. Groups from Gesu Parish in Cleveland, Ohio had visited and made financial contributions, but it became obvious that a better funding source could empower Honduran children to achieve better life outcomes.

In 2004, a group of previous visitors to Honduras was organized by David A. Smith to establish a larger, more reliable income stream for Sister Rosa’s organization. Honduran Children’s Rescue Fund (HCRF) was incorporated to raise funds for the children of Honduras through charitable benefits, solicitation of grants and donations, and social awareness projects. The organization eventually achieved status as a Tax-Exempt Charitable Corporation and through 2019, has sent over $3,500,000 to support Sister Rosa’s initiatives. And, over the years, the activities of HCRF have expanded from just fundraising to include gathering donations of medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, medicines, clothing, books, toys, and much more. HCRF has also learned how to leverage its impact by working with partner organization.  

Sor Rosa died peacefully on October 16, 2020, at the age of 94 years.  She prayed hours each day to Our Lady of Suyapa, the patroness of Honduras who appeared to a poor farmer in 1747, for help in her ministry.  Every person who came in contact with Sor Rosa was touched by her goodness and zeal for helping and protecting her children. Her motivation and her vision bring thousands of volunteers every year to help in this work.