Built in 2004 and situated at the Fe Viva base, in Chiquimulilla, Guatemala, Casa Esperanza rescues children who have been orphaned, abused, neglected, or simply not able to be supported by their parents. All the children have been handed over to Case Esperanza by the courts and many are now under Casa Esperanza's permanent guardianship. They will remain there until they become adults.
While they are there, the children live in a safe home; where they are loved and cared for. Casa Esperanza covers food, clothing, education, transportation to and from school, textbooks, uniforms, medical, dental and eye care, surgery when needed, counselling, and legal/court fees in custody battles. Additional special care; medical, dental and special educational needs; are provided by qualified Guatemalan and North American professionals and volunteers. Presently, in this 24/7 home, there are 37 children (3 babies and 34 children ages 1 to 17). In the future, Casa Esperanza will house 50 children and rescue up to 10 more children temporarily until authorities can find a safe alternate home for them. Primary care is provided by 12 full-time Guatemalan house parents and support staff; many who have come from poor homes and/or single parent families themselves, but provide qualified care for the children of the home. There are also a number of part-time & full-time volunteers who help.
Casa Esperanza is run entirely by donations from individuals, businesses, and church groups in Canada, the United States and Guatemala. They have a sponsorship program that covers the needs of the children and the running of the home. Casa Esperanza is overseen by Canadian directors Steve and Patricia Peters and their family. They have been directors since 2006 and have brought Casa Esperanza Children's Home to such a high quality of care that it is recognized by the Guatemalan government as one of the top two children's home in all of Guatemala.