Our History

One day Anabel counted over one hundred people in her house and yard and realized that a more permanent solution must be found.

Anabel Frutos, the founder of the Love in Action Center, is a native of Mexico, born in Guadalajara and raised in impoverished circumstances. As mother living in Chapala, Mexico, Anabel was aware of the great needs and poverty around her and was moved to respond.

In 2000, a feeding program was established from her car port for children from the neighborhood. The original group soon began bringing their siblings and friends and then their mothers as well and a parenting class was added to this weekly event.

Love-in-action-Anabel

One day, Anabel counted over one hundred people in her house and yard, and realized that a more permanent solution had to be found.

Armed with her determination and faith in God, she found an old pottery manufacturing shop that consisted of a number of small buildings. A step of faith was taken to secure a piece of property where people from the area could come to be fed and encouraged.

Eventually classes were implemented to teach a skill that could help those with a limited income to generate finances. Some of the courses offered were: English, guitar, tin sculpting, crafts, sewing and salon training.

When Anabel saw a need to establish a day care for the neighborhood, she went to get certified as an A.C., (civil association or nonprofit). Local government, however, asked if she would be willing to become a full-service shelter for children, instead. Anabel wholeheartedly agreed.

As one of the first holistic orphanages in an area with massive need, Love in Action quickly grew to over 60 children at a time, hosting both boys and girls.

As time went on, though, Anabel was able to assist others with a passion for alternative child care. New directors and new homes for children began to grow alongside Love in Action as a result.

Today, Love in Action is a home exclusively for abandoned and abused girls, housing 24 children. Therapeutic models of care have been implemented and our girls are better prepared for life than ever before.

Anabel Frutos still lives in Chapala, Mexico with her husband, Raul. Her work and story stand as a testament to the faithfulness of God to those who rely on Him and care for his children.