Milestones

October 2001
Thirty-one acres (18 manzanas) were purchased near León on which a child protection center, medical clinic and housing for mission teams would be constructed.

November 1, 2001
Groundbreaking ceremony was held for mission team housing.

July 9, 2002
Construction began on the child protection center, Hogar Cristiano Nicaragüense.

July 17, 2002
El Ayudante, Inc. registered as a corporation in Nicaragua.

September 23, 2002
Mission team house became operational as the first mission team from Tennessee came to León to build the child protection center and serve Northwest Nicaragua.

June 2004
El Ayudante, Inc. obtained NGO Status in Nicaragua.

July 5, 2004
Construction began on medical clinic.

October 2004
El Ayudante, Inc. elevated its legal standing in Nicaragua allowing for tax-exemptions.

January 14, 2005
Ribbon cutting ceremony held for the child protection center, Hogar Cristiano Nicaragüense.

March 2, 2005
Nicaragua’s Ministry of the Family placed the first children into the child protection center.

November 7, 2005
Construction of El Ayudante’s Medical Clinic is completed. Mission team saw 400 patients from the facility.

June 5, 2007
El Ayudante received the Key to the City of León from Mayor Tránsito Téllez.

August 22, 2007
Apartment for long-term housing completed.

February 22, 2008
El Ayudante celebrated the 5,000th short-term missionary hosted.

May 12, 2008
Dedication of the El Ayudante Clinic as a women’s clinic in partnership with the Ministry of Health in memory of Dr. Ocampos, who dedicated her life to serving her community.

August 21, 2008
Second phase of construction for child protection center, home for the older girls, began.

January 16, 2009
HCN recognized by the Ministry of the Family for “leadership and assistance” to other child protection centers in Nicaragua at a ceremony in León attended by local and national leaders.

June 12, 2009
Older girls’ home completed. Nine oldest girls from HCN moved into their new on-campus home.

January 9, 2010
Recognition of 7000th short-term missionary hosted by El Ayudante to Nicaragua.

November 22, 2010
Transition of HCN Child Protection Center to El Ayudante Family Enrichment Center serving not only our children, but their families.