The Mary Bloom Center serves children and families in Puno, Peru through education, tutoring, health support, and community care rooted in faith, dignity, and compassion.
The Center is named after Mary Bloom, the mother of Fr. Phil Bloom. Her life reflected deep faith, compassion, and a special love for children and families. Her example continues to inspire the mission of the Mary Bloom Center today.
Many children in the Puno region face serious economic hardship. Without support, some are at risk of losing a school year due to lack of basic resources such as clothing, transportation, or school supplies. The Mary Bloom Center works to remove these obstacles so children can continue their education and build a stronger future.
The Center sponsors the Major Robert D. Lindenau Tutoring Program, which identifies children most at risk academically and provides consistent support. Through this program, children receive after-school and weekend tutoring, school uniforms and educational supplies, nutritious meals, transportation assistance, and ongoing guidance from a social worker. For many students, the meal they receive at the Center is the most nourishing meal of the week.
In addition to educational support, the Center promotes the well-being of families through a medical clinic focused on women’s health and family care. By addressing both educational and health needs, the Center works to strengthen the entire family.