About Our Cause
Manos Que Ayudan / Helping Hands is wholeheartedly committed to providing vital services to disabled individuals in need in Moron, Ciego de Avila, Cuba. Our organization focuses on several important areas, including personal care, adequate nutrition, the provision of medical supplies, and the distribution medical supplies and other medical equipment. Through our various initiatives, we strive to raise awareness about the challenges faced by those we serve, gather much-needed donations, and actively engage with volunteers who are eager to make a positive change in their community. Together, we can create meaningful change in the lives of the people we serve.
Meet our dedicated volunteers who contribute their time to create positive impact. Each volunteer possesses a unique story and passion.
Meet the Team
Janice & Jeff Thomas - Canadian Project Coordinator & Canadian Project Manager
Meet Jeff and Janice, they have dedicated over twenty remarkable years to exploring the vibrant culture of, forging deep connections with Cuba and its people. They ventured beyond the confines of hotels, immersing themselves in the local life and discovering that Cuba offers so much more than just stunning beaches. Through their travels, they've embraced the language, traditions, and customs that define the island. Jeff, a quadriplegic, embodies resilience and positivity, finding ways to navigate challenges when travelling. He has generously supported disabled Cubans with donations of supplies and equipment since 2002. Together, Jeff and Janice have created a project that improves the quality of the lives of many disabled Cubans, by offering support with personal care, medical supplies and equipment, medication, wound care, nutrition, physiotherapy, massage, housekeeping/laundry and more. They strive to truly make a difference by providing support and resources to those who are vulnerable and in need.
Anyaska Alvarez Villanova - Cuban Project Coordinator
Allow us to introduce Anyaska, who embodies a heart of gold! Her genuine care for our members shows in her daily work. Anyaska has provided invaluable insights and has a unique talent for transforming our dreams into tangible realities. Currently, she is dedicated to her role as a caregiver, where her compassion shines through in every interaction. She has identified a great need for assistance with wound care with many of our members and works daily changing dressings and managing wounds. As our organization continues to grow, we anticipate that her responsibilities will shift towards more administrative tasks. However, for the time being, our clients are incredibly fortunate to receive the exceptional care that she provides. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Anyaska for her unwavering hard work and dedication!
Febri Correa Batista - Cuban Logistics Coordinator
Introducing Febri Correa Batista, a dedicated individual who truly embodies the spirit of our program. His main responsibility is to manage the logistics of our project. He collects the bags of donations and equipment from "voluntourists" at their hotels and ensures that these items reach our project and its members. He also assists with personal care, housekeeping, lunch preparation and delivery when needed. His commitment and hard work have a significant impact in his community. We are extremely luck to have him on our team.
Justo -Massage therapy and Physiotherapy
Meet Justo, our massage therapy and physiotherapy student. He is a valuable asset to our team. Despite his busy work/school schedule, Justo volunteers his spare time to assist our members with massage therapy and range of motion exercises. We’re thrilled to have him on board!
Ana Lidia Villanova - Cuban Quality Control Inspector
This is Ana Lidia, our Quality Control Inspector. She maintains the quality and control of our project. She manages all donations received, inspects equipment and supplies records member data and promptly addresses any quality issues that arise. She goes above and beyond by also helping with cooking and delivering lunches and/or delivering supplies to those in need when her time permits. Her attention to detail ensures that everything runs smoothly. We are incredibly grateful for her dedication and all the contributions she makes to the team.
Lyn Christiansen - Canadian Donations Coordinator
Meet Lyn, our amazing Donations Coordinator with a heart of gold. Lyn previously worked with individuals with disabilities in Canada and, is now retired.
She dedicates her free time to supporting our project. Her experience and deep understanding of disabled people and their needs are an invaluable asset. Lyn has a remarkable ability to source essential supplies and equipment within her community. When we ask for something specific, she always finds away to find what we need. We are incredibly grateful to have her as both a friend and a teammate.
Dr. Clara Ruiz Espinosa
We are grateful to have Dr. Clara Ruiz Espinosa as a consultant on our team of volunteers in Cuba. Clara has a background in Internal Medicine and, on a personal level, is the mother of an adult daughter with cerebral palsy, who she is a primary caregiver for at home. Her unique combination of professional expertise and personal experience makes her an invaluable resource to our team. Clara provides guidance and direction regarding all medications received through donations and has generously made herself available to offer support to our team whenever needed.
Mane - Personal Care Assistant
Meet Mane, a valuable member of our team. He assists with transfers, personal care, cleaning, and any other duties that arise. We truly appreciate his hard work and unwavering commitment to the program.
Betty Perez
This is Betty, she is a crucial member of our team, and she has seamlessly integrated into the program. She provides care, assists with cooking, and helps deliver lunches made by our Creative Cuban Kitchen. Betty is a valued member of our team who has made true connections with our members. In addition to support, she offers companionship. We are grateful for her contributions.
Services
Medical Supplies
Ensuring access to medical supplies when available.
Wheelchairs and other Equipment
Available on a case by case basis when appropriate resources are available.
Nourishment
Meals provided every other day when supplies are available to those in need.
Physiotherapy and Massage
Personal Support
Care, housekeeping and laundry.
Community Support
Sharing our resources with hospitals, polyclinics, homes and individuals as our resources permit.
Wound Care Support
Support with a treatment plan, appropriate supplies and dressing changes as directed by physician.
Caregivers
Supporting Care Providers
Referrals and home visits available.