(1) When was your home founded?

Brief History of the Toluca Community, State of Mexico
The Order of Our Lady of Charity of the Refuge was first founded in Caen, France, by Saint John Eudes on November 25, 1641. It is a Pontifical Right Religious Order that has spread throughout the world. The Order arrived in Monterrey, Mexico, on April 17, 1905. From the Monterrey community, the Sisters established the Toluca Community on July 2, 1972. They were invited by Bishop Arturo Vélez, the first Bishop of Toluca. The founding Sisters were Sister Isabel Pérez Pichardo, who led the foundation, Sister Consuelo Velasco, Sister Esperanza Gutiérrez Hurtado, Sister Catalina González López, and Mercedes Ramírez.


The Sisters initially ministered to single mothers, receiving valuable assistance from St. Joseph Hospital, which was staffed by the Josephine Sisters. In particular, Sister Adelita became one of their greatest benefactors, ensuring that mothers were not charged when giving birth. Later, when that support ended, the Sisters redirected their apostolate and began caring for girls referred from the juvenile protection system.


The community received its canonical erection on August 19, 1975. That same year, the first election of a Superior was held, and Mother Cecilia González Gómez was elected.
Today the Sisters continue their apostolic mission by caring for girls who have experienced abandonment, abuse, and orphanhood, including children who have been mistreated by adoptive parents.


The girls receive comprehensive care, including housing, clothing, food, psychological care, moral guidance, spiritual formation, and education.

Educational opportunities include preschool, elementary school, middle school, high school, and, for some young women, university studies or technical careers.


(2) How many Sisters and lay personnel are responsible for the daily operation of the two Homes?


We currently have four professed Sisters and one Sister in formation.

We are also assisted by six lay staff members who provide literacy instruction, elementary and middle school education, reading workshops, computer classes, food service, handicrafts, academic support, and suicide prevention programs.


(3) What are the ages of the girls currently living in the Home?

Current Residents by Age:

Age 4 –   1 girl
Age 6 –   2 girls
Age 8 –   5 girls
Age 11 – 5 girls
Age 12 – 4 girls
Age 13 – 5 girls
Age 14 – 8 girls
Age 15 – 10 girls
Age 16 – 11 girls
Age 17 – 8 girls
Age 18 – 10 girls
Age 19 – 3 young women
Age 20 – 3 young women
Age 31 – 2 residents with disabilities
Age 35 – 1 resident with a disability
Age 42 – 1 resident with a disability
Age 43 – 1 resident with a disability
Age 45 – 1 resident with a disability
Age 73 – 1 resident with a disability

Some residents are now adults but continue living at the Home because they are still pursuing their education or have disabilities that require ongoing care and support.


(4) Approximately how many girls have lived in the Home since it was founded?

Although complete records are unavailable for the earliest years, from 1972 through July 16, 2026, approximately 1,145 girls and young women have lived in the Home. Currently, 80 residents are being cared for.


(5) What are your most urgent material needs?

Replace the tables and furniture in the television rooms and study rooms on the first and second floors.


(6) What other needs are important but less urgent?

Waterproofing part of the roof and addressing other non-urgent building maintenance expenses.