Amanecer history

In 1984, the agency was awarded a contract with the County Department of Mental Health, and began providing co-located services at La Clinica Oscar Romero, a public health clinic serving the Central American refugee population in the Pico-Union District.

1989 In the neighboring village, La Venta, Edi Fellmann buys an abandoned house with the idea of setting up an orphanage of his own.

1990 After eight months, the construction work is finished, and on March 3 the orphanage opens.

1991 The project grows: the fields are planted with corn and beans for self-sufficiency; as a precaution for the dry season, a water reservoir is built; the first cow is bought and it provides the orphanage with its own dairy products.

1993 After several years of construction, the electrical power project initiated by ANA comes to completion together with the village community.

1994 The orphanage continues to grow, and three new houses are built.

New funding became available in 1995 that allowed Amanecer to serve not only adults, but also the children of the area.

1997 Armin Spichiger moves with his family from El Salvador to La Venta.

2000 On March 27, the 10-year ANA anniversary, the wedding of Edi Fellmann and Martha Castro, as well as the inauguration of the new workshops are celebrated.

2007 The Bilingual Elementary School is introduced in steps.

2010 On March 3, ANA celebrates its 20th birthday.

2013 The Colegio (formal scholastic education) introduces bilingual classes.