
OUR STORY - STORY
“God has not called me to be successful, He has called me to be faithful to Him.” Words of Mother Teresa of Calcutta that I make my own.
More than 20 years ago, Patricia Bozzano read a newspaper article that changed her life forever. It was the story of a little girl with a congenital deformity (clubfoot) who was being abused by her mother. The child urgently needed a foster family. Deeply moved by the girl's situation, this Paraguayan visual artist, who owned an art gallery, applied for guardianship of the child. And it was granted.
She never imagined that this decision would be the beginning of a path that dozens of homeless, parentless, and childless children would travel.
Later, she learned of other cases of mistreatment, abandonment, and abuse, and in her heart, she felt a powerful calling from God to continue helping more children and teenagers at risk. This was the beginning of a journey that dozens of homeless, parentless, and hopeless children and teenagers would take, arriving one by one at the home of Patricia Bozzano and her family. Thus, in March 2002, the "United by Christ" Home was born in their house in Asunción.
First there were 3, then 15, later 60, they reached 125 and came to 190 children and adolescents, living in the home run by this woman who has given up the economic well-being that her profession could give her, the quiet family life, hours of sleep and a thousand other things.
“I’m proud, but it’s not me who does this; it’s all thanks to God,” says Patricia, who shares her dedication to those most in need with her four biological children and three adopted children. “There’s no greater reward than seeing lives changed,” she affirms.
SOME MORE...
Donation of a country house to house more children at risk.
The home is located in the town of JA Saldívar, in the department of Capiatá, 23 kilometers from Asunción. Here, “the work starts from scratch” with each child and teenager who arrives. “They come with bad habits, lacking any education, with foul language, but after a certain time they become beings who love themselves and are willing to give themselves for others,” explains one of the leaders.
This is a large family ; children are everywhere on the property, and teenagers are studying and helping with tidying and cleaning. They all arrived by court order, not for adoption, as they have relatives (who are unable to provide the care they need). They all study, most of them at the school located within the home. There they live, play, learn, and, most importantly, feel God's love in their lives and are transformed by it.
In the beginning, Patricia took the children into her home and supported them through the sale of artwork in her gallery, along with the generous contributions of people who believed in the project. “I always wanted the Lord to guide my life. The choice was: either I sold paintings or I dedicated myself to these children. And the priority was to dedicate myself to them, to their spiritual well-being, to giving them the family they never had. It made no sense to go out to work leaving at home a group of children who longed for my presence, a mother's love, and to know God. So one day I said to the Lord: Lord, I will take care of your children as their mother, and you take care of providing for them.”
And the supplies started arriving , without her even asking for them. Members of churches and various ministries began knocking on her door to offer help, food, or clothing. Since 2006, the Home has had its own building, thanks to the generosity of a family who donated their weekend house and a 4-hectare plot of red soil. With the collaboration of many people, the shed was rebuilt and became the men's pavilion, and other churches and anonymous volunteers built another one for the women.
PROVISION AND MISSION
With the creation of the Unidos por Cristo Foundation and the obtaining of legal status, the Paraguayan State granted a subsidy, which covers approximately 6% of the Home's budget.
There is no shortage of support from caring families , churches, and socially responsible national companies. However, the deficit is a constant threat, and Patricia regularly launches campaigns to combat it, sharing specific needs on social media.
In addition to material donations , the home always welcomes missionaries from around the world who can help with the children's Christian education. There is also a need for the services of dentists, doctors, hairdressers, plumbers, electricians, painters, bricklayers, and other tradespeople.
Since 2010, a Christian school offering preschool and elementary education has operated on the property, open to the community. “We want to change education. Here, teaching is based on God's principles.” We are currently accredited by the Ministry of Education and Science (MEC) up to the third year of secondary school and continue to aspire to help more young people achieve professional success, ensuring that poverty is not an obstacle to their goals.
TESTIMONIALS
Donation of a country house to house more children at risk.
“There’s always an opportunity to change from a chaotic life to a dignified one,” says Laura, a young woman who arrived in Asunción, the country’s capital, from Curuguaty when she was only five years old. An orphan without a mother and an absent father, and eight siblings scattered across different places, she lacked the family support every child needs. At 17, she entered the Hogar Unidos por Cristo (United by Christ Home) after a raid on the brothel where she worked. Because she was a minor, she was sent by court order to this refuge of love, and there she began to change her life. “It wasn’t easy to leave prostitution. Here, I had to follow rules I wasn’t used to, and also become part of a family life I didn’t know. I never had anyone to talk to me or guide me about values,” she says.
ANOTHER NEW FAMILY
María Elena has been at the home for 10 years and used to work as the school's caretaker. Married and a mother of two, she left behind a life of drug addiction. " I hit rock bottom," she confesses. It was there that she met Patricia Bozzano and her family. "Over the years, my life changed completely. I was taught values like understanding, love, tolerance, patience—everything my life was missing."
“Drugs completely destroy a person.” Thank God I found the Hogar Unidos por Cristo (United by Christ Home) and another institution where they helped me quit drugs. When I needed it most, I cried out to God and He helped me. Now I am healthy and I have been able to help others overcome addiction,” she says.
REBELLIOUS TEENAGER
Silvia was taken to the Childrens's home by her parents because she was a very rebellious teenager. In four years, she has completely changed. “Parents always want the best for their children. It was hard for me to understand that, but now I am grateful to my family for letting me know the place where I lived and where there is so much love and respect among all the members of this big family,” she says.
The most striking aspect of "Hogar Unidos por Cristo" (United for Christ Home) is that it takes in drug-addicted and sick children and teenagers who have been abused and abandoned, or who have been involved in criminal groups. Many of them were rejected by other homes, considered hopeless cases. However, at this home, they all recover.
“Everyone asks how long they stay with us. I just ask them, how old are your own children? Many arrived as newborns. I have a group of kids who came when they were 9 or 10 years old, and now they work and pay for their university studies. Several of the girls are already married and still actively work with us. What good would it do to make them stay until a certain age and then send them away if they're my children? I want the best for all of them.”
Patricia states
KEY PEOPLE
Meet the amazing team behind the United for Christ Foundation
Our team of professionals comes from diverse backgrounds and experiences, making them the cornerstone of the United by Christ Foundation. Their insights help shape the direction and mission of our organization. Read on to learn more about some of the members of our amazing team.

Cáceres Salinas Family
Numa Daniel Cáceres Bozzano
President of the United for Christ Foundation
A. Alvarado joined Fundación Unidos por Cristo with the vision and drive to improve our social assistance organization and make our name synonymous with social change and human betterment. A. Alvarado has focused on the organization's development with great integrity.

Cintia Carolina Mereles
Treasurer of the Foundation and General Coordinator
Experienced, reliable, and enthusiastic. These are just some of the attributes that describe this valuable member of our team. M. Perez truly inspires us and makes going to work a pleasure.

Benítez Soto Family
Peter Benítez and his wife Laura Soto
As an invaluable member of the Unidos por Cristo Foundation staff and leader, A. Cifuentes has witnessed the continuous evolution of our programs since their inception. With extensive experience in both the private and nonprofit sectors, A. Cifuentes brings a unique skill set that ensures undeniable impact.
