WHAT WE DO
Luminarias helps adolescent girls break the cycle of poverty by providing housing, education, youth development, faith formation and community outreach. The girls develop confidence, master life skills and ultimately gain a life filled with new choices.
Our girls are educated by professionals who spark their imagination and fuel their dreams. They learn piano, strum guitars, play soccer, take karate lessons, read books, make art, and watch movies with friends. They reflect on their journeys, make self discoveries, and grow in their faith as they understand their God-given identity and grow more confident in that each day.
Housing
Luminarias is a House of Formation. We established a community home in late 2013 to serve our first 15 girls, all experiencing severe poverty. From our residential home in San Lucas Sacatepéquez, we invite girls ages 12 to 18 to grow and flourish in a safe, communal environment. By limiting enrollment to up to 20 girls at the university level, we're able to provide the individualized care and attention they deserve. In the Luminarias home, we provide our girls opportunities that can get them to graduation, transform their futures and improve their lives and communities for generations to come.
Education
Our girls enroll in the best local secondary schools. Upon graduation, older girls return to their communities and begin University with our continued financial support. By reintegrating with their communities, older girls gain independence and make room for new girls to enter the program.
Youth Development
We develop strong women of character by nurturing their physical, intellectual, social, spiritual and emotional health. Through guided workshops and extracurricular activities, girls learn to value themselves and realize their dreams.
Luminarias girls are taught to believe…
WE ARE LUMINARIAS
That is…
WE ARE WOMEN OF DIGNITY
WHO WILL WALK THROUGH OUR LIVES
BRINGING LIGHT TO OUR WORLD
WITH OUR AUTHENTICITY,
INTEGRITY,
SYSTEM OF VALUES
AND FAITH IN GOD
WITHOUT COMPROMISING OURSELVES
FOR THE APPROVAL OF OTHERS.