Raising Hope for Healing Survivors

At Asociación Nuestros Ahijados (ANA), transformation begins when women are given the tools and support they need to rise. Thanks to the unwavering support of donors, our Protection and Empowerment Program continues to create real and lasting change in the lives of women, children, and families in Guatemala.

Between February and June of this year, more than 100 women participated in our comprehensive empowerment and mental health programs - building self-worth, developing new skills, and healing from the effects of violence and poverty. Your generosity made this possible.

Empowerment Through Education, Connection, and Income

At the heart of our program is the Club de Madres - a safe space where women, many of them survivors of domestic violence and long-term poverty, gather to learn, grow, and reclaim their strength.

In partnership with the nonprofit ASOGEN, we launched a four-module Diploma Program in Human Rights and Economic Empowerment. With 139 participants, the program offered more than just knowledge - it offered healing and opportunity. Women learned about self-esteem, gender roles, access to justice, and violence prevention. They began to envision brighter futures and gain the confidence to pursue them.

Additionally, a series of wellness workshops helped women explore personal goals, emotional well-being, and interpersonal relationships. Each session was designed to foster self-awareness and provide practical tools for setting boundaries, healing trauma, and nurturing healthy family environments.

“I never imagined I could talk about these things,” one mother shared. “But now I do it with strength. I know I deserve more.”

From Skills to Sustainability: Income-Generating Training

Education is only one part of the journey. Economic independence is critical for women to break the cycle of abuse and poverty. That’s why we provide technical training courses in basket weaving and natural stone jewelry-making.

Dozens of women completed seven-session workshops, learning skills they could use immediately to earn income. With support from the Ministry of Education, women will soon be certified in these skills - a major milestone for those who have never held a diploma.

Thanks to donors like you, we also opened a weekly marketplace at our facility. Every Friday, women proudly sell their handmade goods to visiting families, locals, and volunteers - meeting hundreds of potential customers each month. For many, it was the first time they had ever made and sold something of their own.

“This is not just a bracelet,” one participant said, holding up her handcrafted jewelry. “It’s my voice. It’s my story. And now, it’s my income.”

Mental Health: Healing That Lasts

The emotional impact of poverty and violence runs deep, and that’s why mental health care is a core component of our program. Between February and June, our in-house psychologists provided therapy session to children, adolescents, and mothers.

These sessions help families cope with trauma, reduce stress and depression, and strengthen mother-child bonds - especially for families with malnourished children at our Casa Jackson Hospital.

We also launched the AMABLE mental health training initiative in collaboration with the Antigua Guatemala Municipal Health Office. The program equips women with knowledge and strategies to care for their own mental health and support others in their communities. Childcare and meals were provided so participants could attend without added stress.

Beyond the Classroom: Building Community Support

With help from our ServiceTeams and generous volunteers, we created more than just educational moments - we created joy and connection.

In one special event, 33 elderly community members were treated to a day of music, games, and preventive health care, complete with a mini concert and personal care gifts from a family on a ServiceTeam. 

Another highlight was a stress-relief workshop for women, led by volunteers. Participants painted mandalas, practiced relaxation techniques, and reflected on their emotional well-being. Each woman left with a self-care kit and a sense of peace.

“I didn’t know how much I needed this,” one woman said softly, tears in her eyes. “Today, I feel calm. I feel whole.”