Disability Rights Mexico Project #43995

Help Adults with Disabilities in Mexico Create Art

by El Arca en Queretaro IAP

Project Report | Mar 16, 2026
El Arca en Queretaro: Your Generosity at Work

By Mireille Kheirallah | Project Leader

Community members celebrate January's birthdays

Even though we are only two months into 2026, the year has already revealed itself to be intense and challenging in our region and around the world. And yet, the moment you step into the home and workshop of El Arca in Querétaro, any tension, fear, or anxiety from the outside world seems to fade away. You are welcomed with a friendly face, a cheerful greeting, and a radiant smile.

Our beneficiaries truly have the gift of hospitality and make everyone feel at home right away. Someone will gladly guide you through the different spaces of the workshop, while others proudly present their latest creations — intricate beaded earrings, colorful braided necklaces, or a painting in progress.

Just last week, while visiting the workshop with a friend from the Netherlands, Andrea — one of our star painters — held up a large square canvas where she had begun a new piece and asked with complete confidence: “Are you here to order a painting? I’m really good at it, you know?” Her joy, self-assurance, and entrepreneurial spirit are beautiful reminders of what is possible when people with disabilities are given the opportunity to shine.

This year, we have also been blessed with a new group of volunteers and university students who generously offer their time and talents in support of our staff and beneficiaries. In return, they encounter joy, lightness, and powerful lessons about living fully in the present moment as they engage with members of our community. Together, we ensure the continuation of our workshop activities and nurture the well-being and personal growth of every member of El Arca.

Thank you for supporting our mission and making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals like Andrea, Iván, Alex, and Alberto. In increasingly difficult economic conditions, your generosity is essential to sustaining our work.

On March 17th - 20th, GlobalGiving will match donations up to $50 USD with bonus funds. Can we count on your support to help us make the most of this opportunity?

We send each of you our heartfelt gratitude, blessings, and warmest regards.

Ivan selling our workshop's products at a Bazar

Fernando joyfully accompanying Alex and Alberto

Links:

Permalink

Nov 3, 2025
An Altar of Love and Memory at El Arca Queretaro

By Laura Lopez | Workshop Coordinator

Alberto is happy to honor the memory of his Mom

At El Arca in Querétaro, we celebrate the Day of the Dead (November 2^nd) as a way to honor and keep alive the memory of those who are no longer with us. Every year, our workshop fills with colors, smells and emotions, in an atmosphere where we express remembrance into art and community.

For many of our beneficiaries, this date holds a very special meaning. Such is the case of Alberto Arzate, who eagerly awaits the Day of the Dead to place his mother’s photograph on the altar. By doing so, Alberto remembers her with love—it is his way of showing affection and commemorating the one who was by his side for so many years.

This year, we also honor a very dear and key person to our community, Alberto Parás, who passed away few months ago. He, along with his wife and several close friends founded our community 26 years ago. He remained an active member of the board until two years ago and stayed connected until the very end.

Each and every one of the beneficiaries contributed something from the workshop in which they participate. In the arts workshop some created little skulls using recycled materials and others paper flowers. Meanwhile in the bakery, beneficiaries prepared food and special bread, “pan de muerto” to place on the altar.

Every flower, every skull, and every pan de muerto was chosen with purpose. Cinthya Ávila, the coordinator of the arts workshop, taught us the meaning of each element on the altar: the flower that guides, the light that accompanies, and the bread that unites. In this way, we understand that this tradition not only honors those who have departed but also brings us together as a community.

Creating this altar each year gives us a sense of belonging—it reminds us that we are part of something greater: a community that loves, remembers, and dreams of a more inclusive future. Because those who are no longer here believed in a world where everyone could shine, and so do you, dear friends who believe in our mission and contribute to the well being and growth of every single member of the community.

Our deep gratitude to each one of you,

Links:

Permalink

Jul 12, 2025
El Arca en Queretaro was at the UN COSP18!!!

By Araceli Bravo | Community Leader

L'Arche delegates at the UN headquarters

Summer greetings from members of El Arca en Querétaro, we have news that fills us with pride!

This past month, our community was invited by the International Federation of L’Arche to participate in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) within the 18th Conference of States Parties (COSP18) at the UN Headquarters in New York City.

This invitation is a recognition of the work our community has been doing for years in human rights, community living, and inclusion, framed within the Social Model of Disability and aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN 2030 Agenda — especially SDG 5 (Gender equality), 8 (Decent work and economic inclusion), and 10 (Reduction of inequalities).

A member of our board along with delegates from L'Arche in Spain, Argentina and the USA, met with representatives and partners from around the world. They shared experiences and learnings and discussed how we can all work together to transform our society - a world of dignity, rights, opportunities, and community - a world where everyone belongs.

Antonio Sánchez from Spain delivered a statement from L’Arche addressing one of the key themes of the Conference this year:

“Let us recognize the value and contributions of every person and our interconnectedness. Today, many people are excluded, isolated – our societies are distracted, disconnected, and polarized. Our world will only meet our sustainable development goals when everyone belongs. At L’Arche, we work to be authentically present – to listen, learn, and create progress together. We celebrate diversity and know that community is a powerful resource for change. Let us invest in human connection, community, and genuine participation. Human connection and community are vital human needs, and they are essential for true progress. Let us invest beyond services – let us invest in belonging.” (Taken from L’Arche Satetment)

Thanks to every friend, family, donor, and ally who makes our mission possible. With your support we continue to strengthen the network that leads us to a more inclusive, just, and humane society — especially for people with intellectual disabilities.

If you are called to help out again, GlobalGiving will be matching funds received on July 16th during the July Bonus Day Campaign.

Gratitude and blessings!

Joanna, Nicole, Esther and Antonio at the UN CRPD

TENNECO volunteers with members of our workshop

Links:

Permalink

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ›

About Project Reports

Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.

If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.