Improving Lives

Operación San Andrés improves the lives of people experiencing the demoralizing effects of poverty. Twice-yearly mission trips have provided medical, dental, and eye care to thousands of adults and children. Ongoing educational enrichment programs provide supplemental learning and healthy lunches for school-age children. We also support Collique's women with programs teaching responses to, and awareness and prevention of domestic violence. We also provide job skills training that enhances women’s lives, mental health, and self-esteem.

Medical Care

When Operación San Andrés came to Collique in 2003, it was evident that residents had inadequate health care. To address this, our mission trips have included medical clinics staffed by physicians, nurses, and lay volunteers. Since 2004, we have provided more than 40,000 consultations, with an emphasis on compassionate medical care. Large quantities of medications have been dispensed free of charge through a well‑stocked pharmacy directed by a Doctor of Pharmacy. Between trips, patients with chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension have access to telemedicine consultations with a physician in the USA. Our goal is not to replace local health care, but to supplement it for the neediest residents.

These periodic initiatives have led to positive changes in the health of Collique's residents. However, we recognize the need for continuous, holistic health care for the community. To address this, we have implemented programs in wellness, nutrition, and hygiene. We are also pursuing cooperative programs with Sergio Bernales Hospital in Collique and other health care providers. As funding becomes available, we plan to hire a physician or nurse for weekly clinics at the mission site.

Dental Care

Dentist examining patient in Collique, Peru

Malnutrition, lack of preventive measures, and limited access to dental care have led to severe tooth and gum disease for many residents of Collique. Dental care has been an important part of the Operación San Andrés ministry since its start. Our dental team typically includes two or three dentists and/or hygienists, plus volunteers. We are able to treat about 100 patients during each week-long dental campaign. Dental chairs, sterilizing equipment, and most of the instruments used by the dental team are stored in Collique. Before visiting with the dental team, many families had one toothbrush for the whole family. Mission teams bring new toothbrushes and provide each patient with enough for their whole family. With each campaign, we see improvements in people’s health resulting from dental treatments and improved dental hygiene.

Eye Care

Eye exams and glasses are a luxury that few in Collique can afford. We address this by providing eye care clinics during our mission trips. An optometrist or ophthalmologist participates in most mission trips each October, along with several trained volunteers. Eye clinic doctors diagnose vision problems such as cataracts and glaucoma. Operación San Andrés has also acquired a used autorefractor and a used phoropter, which the team uses to determine prescriptions for corrective lenses. We use a computerized system developed by the Kendall Optometry Ministry to manage an inventory of more than 3,200 pairs of used glasses. Each year, we provide around 100 pairs of prescription glasses to children and adults. We also provide approximately 300 pairs of reading glasses, since improved close‑up vision can be life changing for middle-aged and older adults.

I first thank God for all the support we received and for all the people that made it possible. I now have my reading glasses that help me so much in my daily activities. It would have not been possible without your help.

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Jacinta, age 60

God used the brothers and sisters of OSA of Houston and OSA of Collique as His instrument to have compassion on me and help me see again. I thank those who took care of me in the optometry clinic and explained to me what was wrong with my eyes.

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Alicia

The girls wait for me to arrive at home in the evening to tell me about the activities and lunch that they’ve had at OSA such as potato cakes and brochettes that they had never eaten before. I should mention that during this time they have become accustomed to eating diverse menus with fruits and salads.

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Roxana, mother of two girls in our Educational Enrichment Program

Because in OSA my daughter eats healthy, balanced, and delicious meals she is happy and active and wants to study. Every day she tells me about her new experiences and the variety of foods she eats like beef, milk, fruits, and salads that are very different from what we can eat at home.

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Socorro, mother of Luz Mary, a student in our Educational Enrichment and Nutrition Program

As a health promoter I can help other women who suffer the same as I suffered. I let them know that their lives should no longer be lived in silence or darkness but know that through Jesus they will discover that they are loved, accepted, valued, and that with decisiveness and determination they will begin a new phase of life.

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Lila, a health promoter in our Talita Cumi program

Through the workshops for mothers, I have learned how to prepare meals at home that are healthier. My son Pietro often tells me that the meals at OSA are delicious, especially when they are made with meat or chicken. At home, it is difficult for us to cook with meat since our income is insufficient, but thanks to OSA, my son is able to eat these healthy items every day.

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Johanna, mother of Pietro, a student in our Educational Enrichment and Nutrition Program

Jacky Luna was born with her right leg severely deformed and about 2 inches shorter than her left leg. Over the past few years, Operación San Andrés has provided logistical and financial support for several medical interventions aimed at allowing her to walk and enjoy a more normal life.

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OSA Volunteer

I thank all the people who worked so hard so that I could have a complete dental prosthesis and make all my children happy. Now I can laugh with Sheila, Katy, Anthony, and Jacky, my children whom I love so much.

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Yovanna, after receiving dentures financed by one of our supporters

After my granddaughter was abandoned by her mother, she didn’t even want to eat, and I always saw her crying. But now she smiles and has better concentration in her schoolwork. She eagerly anticipates arriving at OSA knowing that she will eat something delicious and that the OSA staff will care for her with love.

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Claudia, grandmother of Dafne, a student in our Educational Enrichment Program

Piero eagerly awaits the time to arrive at OSA and enjoys the diverse meals that are served, such as broiled meat, salads, and a variety of fruits. In addition, he receives academic enrichment and psychological counseling that he requires to support his development.

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Jacinta, grandmother who cares for Piero, student in our Educational Enrichment and Nutrition Program

Nutrition

When Operación San Andrés began its ministry in 2003, demographic data showed that a large percentage of children in Collique had experienced growth retardation due to malnutrition, parasitic infections, and/or iron deficiency anemia. In response, we started a nutrition program as part of our Educational Enrichment Program. Enrollment has steadily increased among children ages 6 to 11. Menus are prepared by a nutritionist, and every child receives a well-balanced lunch with meat, fruit, vegetables, bread, and milk. For most of the children, it is the only nutritious meal they receive during the day. Besides having healthier bodies, the children are better able to concentrate on schoolwork when they are well fed. Operación San Andrés also sponsors nutrition and cooking classes for mothers. We plan to expand these programs to other neighborhoods as funding permits.

Women’s Health & Safety

Talita Cumi women's domestic safety program

Domestic violence is rampant in Peruvian communities like Collique. It includes not only physical and mental abuse but also sexual abuse of women and children. To address this, Operación San Andrés forged partnerships with other groups to found Talita Cumi (“Woman Arise”). This program joins resources from Operación San Andrés, Peru's Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations, municipal law enforcement, and charitable organizations. Local women are trained to be "health promoters," teaching responses to and awareness and prevention of domestic violence. The women of Talita Cumi take their message to the neighborhoods in Collique. They also conduct information fairs and training sessions in community centers and schools.

Operación San Andrés also works to improve women's lives, mental health, and self-esteem. We focus positive attention on women in special celebrations for International Women's Day and Mother's Day. We also sponsor classes on entrepreneurship and marketable skills. In the future, as funding becomes available, we aim to create programs that will address women’s health, responsible sexual behavior, and the high levels of teen pregnancy in Collique.

Operación San Andrés is a registered 501(c)(3) organization.