C. U. P. S. 

C.U.P.S. Spring 2008 Newsletter is now available.

Update #2 on 2008 Workgroup Projects

     Update #1 on 2008 Workgroup Projects

     Original summary on 2008 Workgroup Projects

If you have a reasonably fast internet connection, view the video clip below of the First Presbyterian Kingwood (FPCK) Youth in action...

Living our Mission

CUPS is an ecumenical Christian organization founded in 1989 to improve the quality of life in rural communities along the Mexico-U.S. border. Maximizing the use of capital and human resources, CUPS unites Mexican and U.S. communities in projects that touch the lives of thousands of people. Health projects are a primary focus, but community defined needs for projects and programs are equally important in our work. Past projects have included community centers in urban Matamoros and rural areas, new school classrooms in urban and rural communities, and health clinics in various cities.

Click on a photo for larger view.

Comunidades Unidas Pro Salud (CUPS) is making its name -- Communities United for Health -- come to life by the hands of countless volunteers who make projects and programs possible as they bring the message of God's love to our neighbors on the U.S.-Mexican border with their enthusiasm, energy, hammers, and paint brushes. There are ways to help and volunteer to improve border life along the U.S.-Mexico border. CUPS has developed lasting relations with many Mexican communities. CUPS is governed by a Board of Directors and is a 501 c (3) organization. Our financial support comes from individual supporters, churches, and other organizations.. Additional CUPS communications can be found in the latest Newsletter.

   SAFETY OF MEXICAN BORDER AREA - AN UPDATE FROM LOUISE

    The Mexican government, encouraged and supported by the U.S. government, actively continues to battle with drug cartels in Mexico.  The US Department of Homeland Security is holding public hearings in this area on the Wall to be built from Brownsville to West of McAllen to prevent illegal immigrants, drugs, or terrorists from entering the U.S. from Mexico   The U.S. State Department has just issued another warning about travel in Mexico, including the border areas.

Problems of border violence are real but not new.  Most people in both countries live normal lives studying in school, attending church, visiting family and friends, and shopping.

CUPS pays attention to the communities where we work, and we believe these areas are safe for our volunteers.  If this conclusion changes, we will advise our volunteers and supporters of our assessment.

   PASSPORTS REQUIRED TO ENTER MEXICO IN 2008

   

JANUARY 2008 – If you have not received your passport and are a U.S. citizen then you will need to present a government issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate to enter the United States.

 SUMMER 2008 - At a later date to be determined by DHS, the departments will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase.  The proposed rules require that all U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a valid U.S. passport.

The implementation date will be determined based on a number of factors, including the progress of actions undertaken by the Department of Homeland Security.  DHS expect the date of full implementation to be in the summer of 2008.  The precise implementation date will be formally announced with at least 60 days notice.

 *this information has been obtained from the Department of Homeland Security’s website on this date of October 17, 2007.

 It is your responsibility to check the Department of Homeland Security’s website for any changes or updates before you travel.

C.U.P.S.  INDIVIDUALS & WORKGROUPS
 Online Registration

Learn more about how to organize a new WorkGroup

  For more info, see our Detailed Registration Instructions

GREAT NEWS for CUPS Supporters !!!
We accept online credit card donations through NetworkforGood.com.  Click on the link below to get started, or visit our Ways to Help page for more information

You can also explore ways to do volunteer service to benefit CUPS at VolunteerMatc

  THE 2008 VERSION OF THE C.U.P.S. HANDBOOK FOR WORKGROUPS IS AVAILABLE ONLINE.

A WORKGROUP SAFETY GUIDELINES DOCUMENT HAS BEEN PREPARED TO HELP WORKGROUPS PLAN FOR A SAFE WORK EXPERIENCE

NOW YOU CAN ORDER C.U.P.S. T-SHIRTS FOR YOUR WORKGROUP!!

T-Shirts are available in sizes S, M, L, and XL for only $10/shirt, and in sizes XXL and XXXL for $12/shirt.  The C.U.P.S. logo is printed on the back, and name of your church or workgroup will be printed on the upper left side of the front.  These T-shirts are an attractive gray color with dark blue ink.

If you want the CUPS logo on your T-shirt, you can right-click the image below and save it to your computer.  (NOTE:  CUPS asks that you limit use of this logo to T-shirts)