As a member of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, Sister Tere ministered to the poor in El Progreso, Honduras. Her dream was to build a children’s shelter that could offer hope to the poorest of the poor. Together with members of the community, she began Copprome.
Fundraising was slow and difficult. Then in 1986, an American couple, Henry and Patricia King, arrived to adopt a child. In 1988 they adopted their second child and learned of Sister Tere’s dream. Determined to give back to a country that had given them so much, they took up the cause of fundraising to build a home. In December 1989, the first home opened its doors.
Hogar Amistad (House of Friendship) in Palermo, El Progreso had 12 little boys. When Henry asked Sister how she would care for these children, her answer was “God will provide.” Understanding that they had been brought to this place to help, the Kings formed the House of Friendship Foundation.
For 25 years, the foundation has been working with Copprome to make sure that every child who comes can be protected, loved and given an education and a chance to succeed.
Over the years, Copprome grew to include a second home in Laureles, El Progreso and then a third home in La Flecha, Santa Barbara. After the destruction of Hurricane Mitch, a new home was built on the outskirts of El Progreso and is now home to 44 children.
Our children receive an education through high school and many of our graduates have gone on to university – truly a miracle in a country such as Honduras. The work continues to ensure that the children in our care can look forward to a future filled with hope.
