Project Guatemala
In addition to funding our intercity programs. One of Casa Bella’s first mission and goals is to open up a sanctuary in Guatemala. Casa Bella has selected Guatemala as a place of sanctuary amongst other locations as poverty in Guatemala is more prevalent as resources are not as widely available or relative for a worker that makes less than minimum wage in the United States.
49% of children in Guatemala are malnourished and in indigenous areas that percentage skyrockets to 70% — 1 of every 4 infants born won’t make it to their first birthday due to malnutrition.
The minimum wage in Guatemala is anywhere between 74 quetzales a day to 81 quetzales a day. Thats between 7-10$ a day. With heavy factors like this it is no wonder that education becomes a luxury. The lack of education leads to failure to create a stable lifestyle for individuals who come from poverty.
Child & Human Trafficking becomes a factor as most victims are often uneducated, unemployed and are lured based on false promises of potential job opportunities. Domestic violence can also be a main driver, given the engrained patriarchal mentality that exists in this society. Often, human trafficking situations arise from domestic violence from male relatives, in turn causing young children to flee home where they are then submitted to the harsh realities of human trafficking conditions.
The cycle continues and these children have to fight for their survival in order to be given a fair shot at life and never having a family turn to sex trafficking of any sort. Our mission with Project Guatemala is to break the cycle. We want to educate women on possible income opportunities, fertility, their health, sustainability, and the important of education in a child’s life.
The sanctuary will give us just the place to begin to carry out our mission. We believe that Sister Isabel Reynosa and The Sagrada Familia leaders is just the place to open up a sanctuary. They have the knowledge, experience, and heart to run our sanctuary with cultural wisdom and passionate devotion. Casa Bella has established lines of communication and are in regular discussions on how we can make a difference and break the cycle. From educational donations, rescue bundles, be sure that it is through your donations and funding that we are able to maintain a full program with events helping adult and children thrive through nutrition, clothing, and education. We fulfill basic needs for families and children that need it, as well as put on a safe, fun and educational events for kids across the city. It is with your help and your donations that you are able to save lives.
"History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children"
Through your support - which we're grateful for each and every day - we are able to - Fund basic necessities for babies and children who need it most. - Provide fun & safe events for children and adults that encourage a pursuit in education. - Advocate for children who do not have a voice. - Offer free services that improve the quality of life for low income children and their families. - Make a difference and give a whole new outcome to someone who might of never gotten a fair chance at life. We thank you in advance!