When I was 6 years old, I moved to an unknown place filled with many other boys and girls. The
building had only been open for one year in a remote sub-district of Lima and was led by a man
named Father Joe. Little did I know during that difficult transition time, that place and that man,
Father Joseph Walijewski, would change the course of the rest of my life. My name is Alex Perez
and I am a graduate of Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II.
Today I work in the circulation and editing department at Diario El Comercio, the oldest newspaper
in Peru and one of the oldest Spanish language papers in the world. Thanks to donors like you,
I gained the skills, development and family influence at Casa Hogar which therefore allows me
to take part in shaping the influence of media in Peru.
At Casa Hogar we were guided, motivated and held accountable for responsibilities that have
served me throughout my personal, professional and family life. Without you, the love and
environment of the Casa Hogar Community, I would not be where I am today. The work carried
out by the Maestros is true service to help children of extreme poverty overcome social problems
while developing ethical, moral and religious values that shape their future. Grateful for this
home and the testimony of Fr. Joe’s life—filled with a great deal of affection and admiration for
his vocation—I have tried to follow by example.
I often recall Father Joe with the Bible Passage ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of
the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’ (Matthew 25:40). This past
December my colleagues and I visited Casa Hogar for a Christmas Celebration. In the future we
hope to continue to find opportunities that generate support, share the mission and make the
important work of Casa sustainable for generations to come.
It is through our collective investment of time, love and financial resources that we can change
the course of life for the children who call Casa Hogar home—giving them hope for a strong future.
With the school year just beginning in Peru, I ask you to please join me in supporting Casa Hogar
and living out Father Joe’s Mission.
Blessings,
Alex Gustovo Huayta Perez
Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II ‘Egresado’ 1999