Rancho de los Niños is the only home in Mazatlán, Mexico that specializes in caring for children with disabilities and special needs. The home was founded in 2004, Back2Back began serving alongside them in 2012, and in early 2016, Back2Back assumed sole responsibility and management of Rancho de los Niños. On average, 20 children between the ages of 2 and 24 years old live at Rancho. Depending on the level of need for specialized care, some children attend schools equipped to teach children with special needs, while those who do not have special needs attend a local public school.
In their free time, the children enjoy playing outside, riding their bikes and challenging neighborhood children to a game of soccer. The children eat a typical Mexican diet including beef, chicken, beans, vegetables and tortillas. There is strong volunteer involvement from local retired Americans and Canadians who live in Mazatlán for part of each year. Rancho is in need of local residents to serve on a consistent, year-around basis.
Due to the nature of working with children who have disabilities, sponsorship funds provide doctor appointments, specialists, special education materials, and daily physical therapy.
Children at Rancho de los Niños may have up to three sponsors.