Tamara Hillstrom is a champion of children. As the proud mother of three Guatemalan born daughters, she has dedicated her life to the care of vulnerable children in Guatemala. Her inspiration for helping people comes from her mother Patricia who taught Tamara to love all people and to help the less fortunate.
While Tamara Hillstrom lives in Minneapolis her heart is most often in Guatemala, the country that gave her the greatest gift of her life, her beloved daughters. She founded El Amor de Patricia (The Love of Patricia) in San Lucas, Sacatepequez, in honor of her mother. El Amor de Patricia is an orphanage for abandoned, abused and neglected children to provide a family environment in which they can flourish.
When international adoptions in Guatemala closed in 2008, Tamara was concerned for the children who would be left without families. Hillstrom, along with long time friend Lilly Letona, decided to open a home for children in need. A home of love, hope and a promising future.
Tamara was committed to making her dream a reality. Through hard work, endless determination and a clear vision, El Amor de Patricia was born. While the road to helping Guatemalan children holds many obstacles, she raised the funds and resources to make a home that would serve the children and provide them with the support and sustenance that would enrich their lives. Everything from healthy daily nutrition to warm and comfortable beds, to toys and an outdoor play area. El Amor de Patricia provides that and more. It gives the kids loving nannies who offer guidance and teach them responsibility. The children attend private school and receive regular medical and dental care.
Most of the kids who come to El Amor de Patricia arrive with broken spirits. It is heartwarming to see their transformation into happy children who thrive.
While many of her peers are traveling the world at this stage in life, Hillstrom’s destination is to visit her kids at El Amor de Patricia and the country she has grown to love and honor as much as home.
Tamara Hillstrom has created successful fund raising campaigns that help cover the expenses of the orphanage but it is need of ongoing support. In addition, her vision is to expand and serve the needs of the people of Guatemala.
