History of the Jardín

In 1991, with a group of 18 girls, Rev.  René van Hissenhoven, SJ, María Elena Brigard de Henao and Elvia de Mendoza established the Jardín de la Niña María on the present premises, continuing the tradition of a girls' home of the same name that had been previously located there in 1947.  Very quickly, this small group grew to 35 and it was necessary to increase the size of the Jardín. 

With the help of American and European friends and benefactors, the Jardín was able to purchase several pieces of adjoining property and over the years has expanded to encompass a complex of four interconnecting buildings.  Currently, in 2006, the Jardín finds itself filled to capacity with 90 girls ranging in ages from 2 to 22 years of age.