Casa Esperanza Empowerment Center

 
 
 

Phase one of our empowerment center is complete. The Casa Esperanza facility is the cornerstone of our programs that empower families of migrants to end poverty. The facility is located in the area where Misión de Caridad historically ran most programs, enabling us to invest further in the community and simply keep friends together. Our facility is named the Casa Esperanza Empowerment Center because the focus of our programs is to empower families through sustainable solutions and opportunities. Casa Esperanza translates to House of Hope. It is the center for all members, new or established, of the Casa Esperanza (CE) community.

 

The students at Instituto Esperanza gather together at the start of the school day.

Decorating Casa Esperanza for the Christmas Celebration 2022.

Fabiola helping a family fill up their water jugs.

Casa Esperanza is the foundation for our empowerment effort

We host all of our programs at Casa Esperanza Empowerment Center. Right now, we have six rooms including two classrooms, preschool and daycare rooms, a room for the Women’s Work Program, and staff offices. These rooms are configurable to meet the needs of each program: 

  • Instituto Esperanza (Full-day Preschool-Grade 9 School)

  • Women’s Work Program

  • Health Education Programs

  • Wellness Programs

  • Small Group Meetings

  • Two Daily Summer School Programs (Summer only)

The space also hosts numerous special programs that utilize our open courtyard or the combination of three classrooms (when dividers are pulled back). These programs include:

  • Super Saturday (Weekly on Saturday)

  • Medical Fair (Bi-Annual)

  • Dental Fair (Bi-Annual)

  • Celebrations and Community Events

To meet our goal of providing balanced and nutritional meals in the CE community, we have a temporary kitchen trailer on the property which will be moved into the building during phase two. 

MdC also provides clean water to the CE community. Families arrive with their empty 5L jugs and we fill them for only 10 cents per jug.  

 
 
 

How CE empowers our community

Casa Esperanza has become a lifeline for many in our community. It is a place where they can feel safe, learn, be nourished, and connect with others.

A place to grow friendships and forget your trouble for a moment: CE design supports a growing community. Chatter and laughter fill the rooms and courtyard most days of the week. Whether it’s a wellness class or outdoor activities, we aim to ensure that members are not excluded and are developing a sense of community.

A place to get a healthy meal: CE provides nutritious meals every day and has room to store perishable foods (which is vital in the Sonora climate). Before the temporary kitchen, MdC nutritionists had to work around the lack of reliable refrigeration and freezers when creating monthly menu plans. We hope to move the temporary kitchen into the building during the second construction phase.

A place to be educated: CE hosts education programs for all ages. Education is at the forefront of our efforts to end the cycle of poverty for the CE community. MdC rewards members who are dedicated and driven while helping others to succeed. For example, members who show consistent attendance get invited to Super Saturday.

A safe place for kids to play: As long as the sun is up, someone is around. Our staff works from 9 am to 5 pm and many of the children spend their free time playing with Casa Esperanza’s sports equipment. Also, security and trained staff ensure the safety of the community. The space is kept clean and well-maintained for the enjoyment of all.

Mothers on a Super Saturday playing a game with their kids.

Women learning about balanced diets in the Health Education Program.

The CE community having lunch together.

 

Our Dream

 

Remember when Misión de Caridad was renting crowded church space?

Phase one has been pivotal for Misión de Caridad’s growth and commitment. We opened Casa Esperanza during our 2022 Fall Medical Fair and quickly realized that we needed more space. Although our budget only allowed for the completion of phase one, that is only a quarter of what we have planned.

When Casa Esperanza is finally completed, the facility will include nine classrooms (flexible space), an exercise room, a kitchen and dining room, dormitories, conference rooms, MdC office space, a staff apartment, and designated work and learning rooms.

We look forward to continuing our next phase of building in 2024.

Scroll below to visualize the final Casa Esperanza concept. We are so excited.

 

Now: One level of classrooms and limited program space.

Future: Two levels of classrooms and expansive program space.

Now: Chain-linked fence and door offers minimal accessibility.

Future: An large and protective entrance.

It all started with a patch of land, hope, and prayer.