Discover CASA
Empowering Communities
Centro para los Adolescentes de San Miguel de Allende A.C. (CASA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations in Mexico through programs in health, education, and culture. Founded in 1981, CASA uses a peer-to-peer model to positively impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. Their mission is to support communities through comprehensive care and the promotion of human rights with a gender perspective. CASA also advocates for policy changes that enhance the well-being of these communities.
RANCHERO PANDILLERO
CASA primarily serves the 6.27 million people of the Mexican state of Guanajuato. The two largest populations are 15–19 years and 10–14 years and 43% of adolescents between the ages of 10 and 14 begin using drugs. Ranchero Pandillero fosters healing, self-discovery, and stress reduction through the arts. Additionally, young people receive free individual or group therapy with our 4-member psychologist team and have access to our physicians and midwives and laboratory services. In 2024 to date a total of 745 kids participated in Ranchero Pandillero workshops and at our recording studio 119 youth created original songs that are on our FM radio station - 92.1 Radio Cascabel. You can listen to your radio station via the internet - https://zeno.fm/radio/cascabel-radio-social-92-1 fm/
A total of another 1,200 young people participated in Ranchero Pandillero activities in their schools during the first half of 2024.
C E NTRO ELEGIR
At ELEGIR, our primary mission is to promote equitable relationships, prevent violence, and offer low-cost or free psychological and legal support to individuals of all ages and genders. Luis Sosa is a new male psychologist working at CASA and it is very important to be able to offer psychologists of different genders to the public.
In the first six months of 2024, psychological services were delivered to 114 persons; a total of 456 individual or couples sessions were provided. You can schedule an appointment by calling 415 15 4 60 90 from 8am to 5pm or through Facebook or walk-in clients are also welcomed
PROGRAMA EN SALUD COMUNITARIA
Over more than 40 years CASA’s Community Health Program (PSC) has provided youth, women, and LGBTIQ+ individuals in urban and rural settings high quality, comprehensive and free services including: midwifery care, family planning, and abortion, as well as reproductive cancer screenings and more.
OUR MIDWIVES ARE TEMPORARILY WORKING OUT OF OUR COMMUNITY CENTER AND IN 2024 TO DATE GAVE 183 PRENATAL AND FAMILY PLANNING CONSULTATIONS. THEY ALSO HAVE A WEEKLY RADIO PROGRAM AND ARE SUPPORTED BY A NETWORK OF 72 SMALL BUSINESSES THAT DISTRIBUTE FREE CONDOMS AND EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS ABOUT SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS. THIS YEAR ALONE 55,580 CONDOMS HAVE BEEN GIFTED TO MEET THE DEMAND, PRIMARILY TO INDIVIDUALS AGES 16 TO 35
C E NTRO DE DESARROLLO INFANTIL C.D.I
OUR EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM HAS BEEN CARING FOR INFANTS AND PRESCHOOLERS SINCE 1985. CLOSE TO 10,000 CHILDREN HAVE PARTICIPATED OVER THE DECADES AND WE CURRENTLY HAVE 162 INFANTS AND PRESCHOOLERS AT THE FACILITY THAT IS OPENED FROM 7AM TO 6PM. WE ARE FAMOUS OF OUR EMPHASIS ON CULTIVATING A LOVE FOR BOOKS STARTING AT BIRTH AND NOT ONLY DO WE HAVE LIBRARIES IN EVERY CLASSROOM BUT ALL THE KIDS BORROW BOOKS FOR THEIR PARENTS TO READ TO THEM AT HOME.
B I B I LIOTECA ROSARIO CASTELLANOS
A recent assessment conducted by the State Institute of Culture (IEC) has revealed that high illiteracy rates are at once lowering but still persistent due to insufficient educational resources and the necessity for children to work from an early age.
CASA has multiple community libraries that are a public resource aimed at enhancing literacy and providing access to information tailored to the specific needs of its local population. Operated by volunteers, these libraries offer free access to books and educational materials. Currently, we manage a network of 10 community libraries, divided into two categories: school based and home-based. These libraries primarily serve community members, especially children and adolescents. Our goal is to strengthen this initiative by offering training and essential materials to our volunteers. Furthermore, we are establishing reading committees composed of these volunteers, who will lead activities such as monthly home book delivery, storytelling sessions, and literacy programs
CASA`s mobile library has been functioning for 6 straight years. During the first half of 2024 a total of 4,086 books were lent to rural community members either through their community libraries or the CASA mobile library.