Frequently Asked Questions about Casa Hogar

What opportunities do the children and teens have for Christian education and spiritual discipleship?

Our younger children are fortunate to receive a Christian education throughout the week at New Horizon School.  In addition, we have staff members who hold several weekly Bible studies and provide spiritual mentorship for our young people.  All the staff members at Casa Hogar are examples of and are dedicated to demonstrating the love of Christ through their lives, actions, and love for the children in the Home.

What sort of schools do the children attend?

Each child and teen has the opportunity to attend various schools, based on their abilities and interests.  We have students attending several different universities and vocational schools.  Our teens attend a public high school.  Our elementary-aged children recieve a tuition discount to attend a Christian school located at our church, Jesus of Nazareth.  New Horizon elementary school is a ministry started by Maranatha, another Presbyterian church in Acapulco.

What does Casa Hogar require of the children and teens who live there?

Each child and teen is required to be attending school or university.  They are required to follow the Home rules, and each child and teen has daily chores.

At what age do older children leave the Home for good?

After a few years, some of our children return to live with their families or relatives.  As they grow older, some of our teens choose to leave the Home and start new lives for themselves.  Like young people around the world, our teens enjoy and flourish with independence.  Still others choose to remain at Casa Hogar and continue with their education.  Each child or teen at the Home is sponsored by people who donate money through our sponsorship program, Promise Project.  As long as an older child or teen continues with his schooling or education, he continues to be sponsored.  Therefore, we are able to give students the opportunity to attend university. 

Are the children required to stay at Casa Hogar?

Our children and teens are not legally required to remain at the Home.  They may leave at anytime.  Some refuse to follow the Home rules or choose not to give up their former ways of life.  At times, we have had to ask teens to leave.  Others, however, remain at Casa Hogar because they find love and security.  For them, the Home may be the only safe and caring environment they have ever known.  They learn to live with and respect others, as well as adapt to discipline and routine.  They find a chance to rebuild their lives, develop character and self-esteem, and they come to know a loving God and Father. 

How do the children and teens arrive at Casa Hogar?

Some of our children are referred to us by social services.  Others were approached on the streets by staff members, and with the testimonies of recent "recruits," were encouraged to see what the Home is all about.  Other children are brought by relatives or caring neighbors.

Why are the children at the Home?

Few of our children and teens are true orphans.  Most still have at least one living, and the majority have extended family members and relatives.  While the circumstances surrounding their arrival at Casa Hogar differ with each child, a common theme is that they were unloved or unwanted.  Many of our children and teens were abused or neglected.  Some were runaways and lived on the streets for a while.  Due to poverty, poor economic conditions, and sickness, some families or relatives often simply cannot provide for their children and hope to give them a better life by sending them to Casa Hogar.

How many children live at Casa Hogar?

There are typically 50-65 children and teens living at the Home, with a larger number of boys than girls.