Growing Stronger Together: Reflections, Progress, and What’s Ahead for FSF

FRIENDS SUPPORTING FAMILIES

May, 2026

It’s About Community

At the heart of everything we do at FSF is community—and lately, we’ve had many reasons to pause and appreciate just how much we’ve built together. From the relationships we’ve nurtured to the families we continue to support, there is a shared sense of pride in what this organization has become. Friends Supporting Families is not just a group of volunteers; it is a committed, compassionate network of people who show up, give generously, and believe deeply in our mission. That foundation is something worth celebrating.

What Families Do We Support and How Does Food Get Distributed?

Through a combination of sales and generous donations, Friends Supporting Families provides monthly food support to approximately 25 local families in need through Food Boxes. Each box, distributed by the DIF, includes staples and basic toiletries—enough to support a family for about one month. The cost is approximately 625 pesos (about $35 USD), making every contribution both accessible and impactful. To ensure fairness and dignity, distribution is managed by the DIF, a trusted local organization with established processes for identifying and supporting those in need. Each month, our food order is placed through Joe’s Deli, a small, locally owned store. A supporter of our mission from the beginning,

Joe’s Deli continues to play a vital role through its partnership and generosity. FSF volunteers

transport the food directly to the local DIF office, where it is stored until distribution.

What Happens in the Summer?

Beyond events, we have plans for a productive summer. Several projects will position us for continued growth. These include developing a tracking system to better manage resources and creating standard procedures for fundraising, markets, and events. This work will support operations during our busiest fundraising season. As FSF evolves, we are committed to building strong systems, supporting our people, and staying aligned with our mission. The work ahead is exciting and necessary, made possible by the dedication of our volunteers, donors, and supporters. As we move forward, we remain intentional about preserving what makes FSF special—our purpose, generosity, and commitment to serving families with dignity and care.

Obdulia Mendoza Cota - Los Barriles DIF office

Spotlight of the Month: Obdulia Mendoza Cota

Obdulia Mendoza Cota leads the Los Barriles DIF office, but to many in the community, she is far more than a person in this office—she is a constant, compassionate presence in people’s lives. The DIF is Mexico’s government social assistance agency, focused on child protection and family welfare, providing support for those who need it most. Through this work, Obdulia has become someone families trust deeply.

She grew up as the twelfth of thirteen children on a rural ranch about 45 minutes from Los Barriles. Life was simple and required hard work. She helped her mother make milk and cheese to sell to support the family, at a time when there were no grocery stores in town. Those early experiences shaped not only her work ethic, but also her deep understanding of what it means to go without and to step in and help.

At just six years old, Obdulia left home to attend boarding school in San Antonio, later continuing her education in La Paz. That independence at such a young age speaks to both her strength and her family’s deep belief in education. Today, that same sense of purpose and determination is evident in the way she leads and serves.

She began her career at the Los Barriles Library, where she led children’s programs, helped young children learn to read, and created joyful summer experiences. After five years, the town mayor invited her to join the DIF. Since then, she has worn countless hats, always guided by one simple belief. When asked what the DIF does, she says, “We help everyone.”

And she truly does. Whether it’s providing food, diapers, and clothing to families, supporting children, or caring for local seniors, Obdulia approaches every situation with empathy and quiet determination. She has a rare ability to find solutions, often in difficult circumstances, and she does it without seeking recognition. Her humility, warmth, and quick smile make people feel seen, respected, and cared for.

For Obdulia, this is not just a job—it is a vocation and a calling. She shows up, day after day, doing whatever it takes to support her community.

She is also deeply appreciative of the partnership with Friends Supporting Families, recognizing the meaningful impact it has on the families she serves each month. That partnership—built on trust, shared purpose, and care is what makes this work possible. Together, it ensures that families in Los Barriles have access not just to food, but to dignity, support, and hope.

~ Thank you Obdulia!

¡Te damos las gracias, Obdulia, por tu incansable labor en favor de las familias de Los Barriles!