Introducing Casa de Gracia.
Our Vision
To see young adults who have aged out of systems of protection integrated into Guatemalan society—grounded in Christ, supported in community, and equipped for independent adulthood.
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Our Mission
Through intentional mentorship, structured curriculum, vocational development, and partnerships with local organizations and businesses, we mentor, disciple, and equip young people for sustainable adult life, rooted in Christian faith and values.
About Us.
Casa de Gracia is a Christian transition home in Ciudad Vieja, Guatemala that walks alongside vulnerable young people as they move into adulthood—specifically teenagers aging out of Guatemala's child protection system.
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There are at least 5,000 children and teens growing up in institutional homes in Guatemala. After their 18th birthday they are mandated by law to leave the system regardless of whether or not they have a place to go or the ability to support themselves.
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Most of these teens are unprepared to launch out on their own and are in need of guidance to navigate independent adulthood. We exist to provide a safe transitional environment where growth can happen through:
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Consistent mentorship
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Spiritual discipleship
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Practical life skill preparation
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Accountability, dignity, and belonging
Our goal is not fast outcomes. We are not a shelter, an orphanage, or a short-term crisis response. We are a launching pad for our young adults to be equipped spiritually, relationally, and practically for independent life.
Two Names, One Purpose.
Casa de Gracia is the place. LDAVC is our program.
Casa de Gracia
The physical site—the land, buildings, and campus where life together happens. Literally, "House of Grace."
Los de Atrás Vienen Conmigo (LDAVC)
The Guatemalan nonprofit—the program that operates at the site and serves the young people. Roughly translated the name means, "Those Left Behind Are Coming with Me." In Spanish this evokes a similar sentiment to the English phrase, "No man left behind."
This distinction exists for practical and mission related reasons. LDAVC has its own Guatemalan leadership and board, providing cultural insight, accountability, and long-term sustainability. It also reflects a commitment to local ownership and, over time, strengthening in-country support.
Who the Program Serves.
The program serves both young women and men, but in different ways.
Residential Program (Women)
The residential side of Casa de Gracia's program is designed for young women transitioning into independent adulthood. They live on-site as part of a structured, roommate-style household and participate in the program's discipleship, mentorship, and life skills training courses as part of daily life.
Day Program (Men)
Young men participate through a day program, receiving mentorship, discipleship, vocational training, and life-skills formation without residing on the property.
This structure allows Casa de Gracia to serve both men and women while preserving a stable, safe, and focused residential environment.
The Campus: More Than a Residence.
Casa de Gracia is intentionally designed as a place for residents, day program participants, and the surrounding community.
Together, our spaces reflect a holistic vision: faith, work, service, and community engagement integrated into daily life.
History and Future.
Casa de Gracia began with simple mentoring relationships—walking alongside young people who were aging out of systems with little support and few options. Over time, that accompaniment revealed a deeper need: not just help, but home, formation, and long-term presence.
Today, Casa de Gracia is moving from vision to reality—laying foundations carefully, preparing people as much as buildings, and creating a model meant to endure. Looking ahead, our hope is not rapid growth, but faithful replication: seeing this approach lived out in other communities when the time is right.
Our Current Season.
Casa de Gracia is currently in a pre-opening build phase, with two parallel priorities:​
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Building the physical campus
Construction and infrastructure are underway to prepare the site to safely and sustainably receive residents. -
Building readiness for life together
This includes staff training in trauma-informed care, curriculum development, mentorship connections, documentation, safeguards, and partnerships.
The goal is to prepare a household ready to welcome young people with safety, stability, and excellent care from day one.
Future Opening.
Our projected opening date is in late October/early November 2026. When we begin operating, our first steps will include: ​
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Helping residents adapt to a family-style house after years of institutional living
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Supporting mental and physical health through counseling and medical care
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Establishing daily rhythms of discipleship and responsibility
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Providing space and support for building community
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Ensuring that foundational educational needs are met
We want Casa de Gracia to feel like a home—not another institution.
Get Involved.
How You Can Walk With Us
You can support Casa de Gracia by:
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Praying for residents, leadership, and staff
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Spreading the vision by sharing our story
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Supporting through in-kind or financial donations​​
Visits and Volunteering
During the construction phase, we are welcoming visitors who want to learn more about our mission and tour the campus. Once we begin operations, tours will be more limited to respect the privacy of our residents.
Because Casa de Gracia functions as a private household for young adults from sensitive backgrounds, volunteers will be required to complete formal training before serving. Volunteers are also expected to commit to long-term involvement, such as participation in our mentoring program.​
Donate
Invest with us in the lives of those who deserve love, grace and support.
Partners.
Casa de Gracia is built through partnership—both local and international. Churches, vocational partners, donors, mentors, and community members all play a role.
We value partners who understand our mission of slow, relational work over the long-term, and are committed to partnering with us in the Gospel-led work of spiritual and vocational formation for our young adults.​​
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A Closing Word.
Casa de Gracia exists because we believe enduring transformation happens through faithful presence, shared life, and love and grace practiced daily—through the enabling power of Jesus Christ.