HELP FOR AMERICANS IN NEED SINCE 1868
ABS HISTORY
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1868 - The American Benevolent Society (ABS) is founded on Washington's Birthday, preceding the U.S. Embassy Consular Services and the U.S. Social Security System in providing services to those in need, especially for Americans living in Mexico. Early donors included President U. S. Grant, General Robert E. Lee, and Mexican President Porfirio Diaz. In a tradition that continues to this day, the United States Ambassador has accepted the position as Honorary President of The ABS. At the first meeting, twenty-five members paid $2 each to carried out the ABS mission. We continue to depend upon membership dues. Become a Member.
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1886 - The American Hospital is founded by the ABS in order to provide health care services to the community and complement the private health care system in Mexico.
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1898 - The American Cemetery (Panteon Americano) is founded.
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World War II - Caza Libros, a used book store, is initially founded to assist with the war effort.
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1941 - The American and British Cowdray Hospitals merge to form the American British Cowdry Hospital, which today is Centro Medico ABC, one of the finest health care institutions in Mexico.
1960s-70s - Volunteerism was at its peak and the ABS had its own women’s auxiliary. The Society also extended services to the greater Mexican community with the preparation of food baskets for the needy, and a used clothing store.
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1985 - The ABS was one of the first community organizations to respond to the disaster resulting from the devastating earthquake. A special program was developed for Mexican amputee victims providing them with comprehensive rehabilitation, counseling, medical attention, economic assistance and prostheses. This successful program was finally terminated in 1991.
1993 - The ABS Senior Center opened its doors at Union Church in Lomas. This center was renamed in 2003 The Connie Laurent Lifelong Learning Center.
1995 - The ABS started a successful Corporate Membership Program in which 20 companies to contribute to the ABS through cash and/or in-kind donations every year.
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2018 - The ABS celebrated its 150th anniversary serving the American and Mexican community. US Ambassador Roberta S. Jacobson hosted the celebration at the ambassador's residence.
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2020 - For the first time in our history, The ABS closed its doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, with our staff working from home we continued to provide needed services to our beneficiaries. We were instrumental in helping the ABC hospital raise thousands of dollars to treat people stricken with Covid-19.
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2021 - The ABS delivered nearly 3,000 services to our beneficiaries. We honored the workers of Centro Medico ABC for their dedication during the Covid crisis.
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2022 - The ABS reopened our doors at a new address inside Christ Church. We're open 10-5 Monday through Friday. Drop by to say hello. We provide the most recent editions of The Economist and The Sunday New York Times for you to enjoy. M-Th 10-4, F 10-3.