The Program.
Teenagers aging out of the child protection system in Guatemala are typically ill-prepared to navigate independent adulthood on their own.
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Casa de Gracia exists as more than a temporary shelter; we exist to provide a multi-faceted education program designed to provide young adults with the life skills, vocational training, and spiritual formation that they may not have received in institutional living. ​
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Our program combines structured curriculum, hands-on training, and consistent mentorship within a safe, family-style environment.
Participants engage in guided learning across key areas such as financial literacy, employment readiness, education support, healthy relationships, emotional well-being, and daily living skills.
Instruction is reinforced through real-world practice — including vocational training, supervised work experiences, household responsibilities, and community involvement — allowing young adults to apply what they learn in meaningful ways.
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Through individualized mentoring and professional support services, each participant develops a personalized transition plan focused on stability and long-term success. Our goal is that every young adult leaves Casa de Gracia with the confidence, skills, and support network needed to secure employment, manage their finances, maintain healthy relationships, and sustain independent living.​
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Program Pillars
Casa de Gracia equips young adults transitioning out of orphan care with the practical skills, personal support, and character formation needed to live independently and thrive in their communities.
DISCIPLE
We believe that the only one who can bring true transformation to a life is Jesus Christ through the gospel. With that understanding, discipleship is our main pillar for guiding young people to find their identity in Christ and a place where they can grow and thrive within society.
MENTOR
Personal development is grounded on healthy social circles and communities. We want our young people to build relationships with people who want to make a meaningful difference in their lives. We build connections within the local church to help model the Christian life and instill values that support living with integrity.
EQUIP
Within our program, we offer several opportunities to strengthen and develop the talents of both our resident young adults and those who participate in our workshops, which include trade and life skills.
In addition to this, we are an organization that promotes human development through academic education.
Residential and Day-Program Formats.
In order to serve both young women and young men, our program will take two different forms.
Our residential program houses young women in a home specifically designed to aid in the transition into independent adulthood. Each transition home (four planned in total) includes bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen, dining and living areas, and laundry.
In contrast to institutional living in the child protection system, the house is designed to operate family-style, with no more than two young women per room. Caregivers serve as mentors who encourage independence rather than directing every aspect of daily life.
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We support residents in advancing their educational goals—whether finishing high school or pursuing alternative academic or vocational paths—while also participating in discipleship, mentorship, and hands-on life skills development.
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A parallel day program will offer the same mentorship, discipleship, and teaching to young men who will live off-campus. Through our trade school, built in partnership with Reedemed Steel, we plan to provide training in blacksmithing, welding, leatherwork, and more to these young men. ​
This structure allows Casa de Gracia to serve both men and women while preserving a stable, safe, and focused residential environment.
Residential Program Duration.
The residential program is designed to last approximately two years.
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We chose this timeframe because we believe:
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​• Habits and character are formed over time
• A defined timeframe promotes purpose and steady forward progress
• Trust and healthy relationships take time to develop
• Independence is built gradually through intentional stages
• Discovering personal strengths and direction requires time for reflection
While each resident’s journey is unique, two years provides space for spiritual growth, life-skills development, vocational discernment, and increasing independence.
Investment in Curriculum Design.
Our team is investing significant time in developing a written curriculum that provides structure, consistency, and shared expectations.
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The curriculum is structured around two of our primary pillars:
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Discipleship & Spiritual Formation
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The person and deity of Jesus
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Biblical literacy
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Identity in Christ
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Healthy relationships
- Spiritual disciplines
Practical Life Skills
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Personal responsibility
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Good communication
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Health and hygiene
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Personal finance
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Preparation for independent living
Mentorship and Lifelong Community
Mentorship serves as the third pillar of our program, reinforcing the objectives of our curriculum and enriching the lives of our young adults.
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During their time at Casa de Gracia, residents and day-program participants are paired with mentors from our community who make a long-term commitment to walk alongside them. Mentors provide consistent encouragement, accountability, and practical guidance as participants navigate education, work, and relationships. Each mentor receives training and ongoing oversight to ensure that these relationships are safe, healthy, and effective.
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In partnership with local churches, these mentoring relationships foster lasting connection, guidance, and belonging that extend well beyond a participant’s time in the program.