Mission of Friends of Batahola
Inspired by the vision of the Center’s founders, Sr. Margie Navarro, CSJ and Fr. Angel Torrellas, OP to empower the Nicaraguan people and in unity with the people of the Cultural Center of Batahola Norte, the Friends of Batahola strive to answer the Gospel call by affirming and supporting their mission. We share who we are and what we have through friendship, prayer, solidarity and financial support.
History
In 1983, Sr. Margarita Navarro, CSJ, originally of Cincinnati, OH and Fr. Angel Torrellas, OP, a missionary from Spain, founded the Cultural Center of Batahola Norte. In 2000, Sr. Margie learned of her terminal illness. She asked Sr. Helen Prejean, CSJ to help keep the Center functioning. Sister Helen gathered together several mutual friends and in 2001, the group became the Board of the Friends of Batahola. They organized under the United Stated federal law as a not-for-profit education organization for the strict purpose of raising funds to support the Cultural Center. The Board has since expanded to include members from various cities and professions. The Friends of Batahola has no paid staff and Board members cover all their own travel and operating expenses.
Legal Status
The Friends of Batahola is a certified 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible. The Friends of Batahola work in conjunction with Jennifer Marshall, Batahola Center Coordinator, to coordinate all fundraising activities in the United States.
Friends of Batahola, Board Of Directors
- Sr. Helen Prejean, CSJ, New Orleans, LA (Honorary Chairperson)
- Terri Holman, Springfield, MN (President)
- Sr. Sandra Blanchard, CSJ, Baton Rouge, LA (Vice President)
- Jeanne McManus, Baton Rouge, LA (Secretary)
- Mary Ann Antrobus, Baton Rouge, LA (Treasurer)
- Melissa Auvil, Cincinnati, OH
- Patricia Berning, RN, Cincinnati, OH
- Mary Aileen Dame, MD, Medford, MA
- Gail Hebert, RN, Houma, LA
- Michael Keefe, Washington DC
- Susan Keefe, RN, Cincinnati, OH
- John McManus, Baton Rouge, LA
- James O’Beirne, Baton Rouge, LA
