Our Story
The seeds of Our Little Roses
The seeds of Our Little Roses were planted in 1986 when founder Diana Dillenberger Frade visited El Hogar, a boys’ home in Tegucigalpa. There she saw abused, abandoned, and orphaned boys living in a loving environment where they were fed, clothed, and educated. The goal was simple yet profound: to break the cycle of poverty in Honduras, one of the poorest countries in the Americas, where most people live without adequate housing, clean water, nutritious food, medicine, or medical care.
There are 5 conditions necessary to sustain life
Imagine surviving with only 2 or 3.
Potable Water
Nutritional Diet
Medical Care
Education
All of the girls supported by Our Little Roses come from abject poverty.
A Call to Care
Diana kept asking herself, “Who was caring for Honduras’ abused, abandoned, and neglected girls when no homes existed to protect them?” The answer: no one.
Girls were deemed “too complicated” — they had hormones, babies, or could work in factories for pennies. Many were even sent to the women’s penitentiary so inmates could care for them.
Walking the streets of Tegucigalpa, Diana realized it wasn’t just boys living on the streets. Girls were living under cardboard roofs, surviving on scraps or the kindness of strangers.
So Diana decided to do something about it. She reached out to friends, family, and churches in the United States. She confided in the Honduran bishop at the time, the Rt. Rev. Leo Frade, who shared her passion for these forgotten children and with whom she would eventually share her life as husband and wife.
Our Little Roses Timeline
On January 25, 1988, Diana’s dream came to life, and Ministerios Nuestras Pequeñas Rosas (Our Little Roses Ministries) was founded in San Pedro Sula in a small rented house.
Jan. 25, 1988
OLR Grand Opening
On January 25, 1988, Diana’s dream came to life, and Ministerios Nuestras Pequeñas Rosas (Our Little Roses Ministries) was founded in San Pedro Sula in a small rented house.
Apr. 1992
First Building Opens
The first building, which houses our residential girls, was completed.
Dec. 1996
Ginger Buice House
The first transition house opens in honor of Ginger Buice, who was hit and killed by a drunk driver just after her college graduation.
1996
Construction of Pre-School and Nursery
The first and second floors of the pre-school and nursery were completed.
Oct. 1998
Hurricane Mitch
The second-deadliest Atlantic hurricane in history, Hurricane Mitch, helped spread awareness of the urgent need to assist Honduran citizens.
1998
Holy Family Bilingual School
We were able to provide a quality bilingual education for children in the community without discrimination or marginalization.
2001
Additional Transition Space for Graduates
In 2001, we constructed a 10-bedroom efficiency apartment building for girls entering the transition process.
2002
Holy Family Medical Clinic
We built a clinic to satisfy the medical needs of the home, the community, and all those who don’t have access to quality healthcare.
2008
Dental Clinic
One of Our Little Roses alumni opened up her own dental clinic, where she is able to provide care to our girls and others in the local community.
2011
Retreat Center and Chapel
We opened our center that focuses on refreshing the soul through peace, relaxation, prayer and education.
2013
Renovations
We made significant construction renovations to our structures.
2016
REST Program
A program designed to assist the girls and provide them the best opportunity to excel in their academic and career pursuits.
2018
30th Anniversary
In 2018, Our Little Roses celebrated 30 years of service dedicated to helping the children of San Pedro Sula.
2019
COVID-19
In 2019, Our Little Roses was already facing the lasting impact of severe hurricane damage and significant infrastructure loss when COVID-19 arrived. As the year came to a close, the organization stood at the threshold of an even greater challenge, preparing to navigate a global pandemic that would test its resilience and deepen its commitment to the girls we serve.
2024
Renovations
In 2024, Our Little Roses enhanced its infrastructure by adding a new gym for everyone to enjoy, along with improved facilities for staff, helping create a healthier and more supportive environment.