At Casa Hogar, everything revolves around giving opportunities and changing lives. Discover the inspiring stories of young people who have built a bright future thanks to our support, and meet the people who selflessly dedicate themselves to making this possible. Together we prove that hope and perseverance can make a world of difference.
The story of Juan Adán
The Adán brothers were among the first street children taken in by Casa Hogar back then. Juan Adán, the elder of the two, was not yet 5 years old at the time. He grew up in a warm, safe environment and soon proved to be an exceptionally gifted and motivated student at school.
As he grew older, he took on the care of the younger children, as befits an older brother. After his secondary education, he went to the University of Toluca, where he earned a degree in IT engineering.
Not only academically, but also when it came to love, Juan proved to be a real go-getter. He had met a beautiful, sweet girl who went to Spain to study. Without hesitation, Juan decided to follow her.
During that holiday he decided to see some of the rest of Europe as well. Bruges was very high on his wish list. Completely unexpectedly and on the off chance, he rang our doorbell on Boxing Day, with a message that fit the spirit of Christmas wonderfully: Juan insisted on personally thanking us for the opportunities that the 'Casa Hogar' Foundation had given him and his peers. It became a very emotional afternoon at our home. How could it be otherwise? Shortly afterwards he travelled back to Mexico. When he had to be in Toluca for work, he insisted on staying with his 'little brothers' at Casa Hogar during those weeks.
The story of Maria Teresa
Maria Teresa Rodea is the Mexican "mother" of our Casa Hogar in Toluca, Mexico.
Born on 7 September 1955 in Delicias, Chihuahua, as the fourth child in a warm family of eight, she grew up with a deep sense of family and connection.
When the first steps were taken in 1986 to found Casa Hogar, Maria Teresa was involved from the start. Her then husband managed the Hotel Del Rey Inn, where the Belgian national team stayed during the World Cup in Mexico. What was a chance encounter for many became the beginning of a life's work for her.
From day one she opened her heart and hands to the most vulnerable: children who came to her, broken and marked by life. Despite her busy professional life, she deliberately chose to give these children a home, warmth and a future. What began as help soon became her life's purpose.
Today, Maria Teresa still watches over the daily running of the Casa. Together with the Belgian management she makes important decisions, always with one question in mind: what is best for the children?
To them she is more than a confidante. She is their anchor, their example, their mother figure. When one of the boys gets married, she personally accompanies him to the town hall and to the altar – the ultimate symbol of the motherly role she has taken on.
It is impossible to see Casa Hogar separately from Maria Teresa. Her love, dedication and courage form the heart of our work. Without her there would have been no Casa Hogar, and without her there would be no home for so many children.
Fortunately, her daughters Alejandra and Gabriela are also ready today to continue this wonderful work, together with the Belgian support. So the circle of love and care keeps growing – generation after generation.
Our young people
Juan Pablo Sánchez Villafuerte
He has been in the home for 8 months. It was a struggle for him to find his happiness and joy of life again. He was often sad. Now he is enrolled in a kindergarten and he is doing much better.
Alan Jaramillo Chávez
Alan came to Casa Hogar on 10 July 2010. When he left the state-run orphanage, he was in the process of being adopted. After many months of this procedure, and just before he was to join his new family, he decided to stay at Casa Hogar after all. He is currently in his fifth semester of an accounting study program.
Cristian Michel López González
Michel came to us on 6 December 2024. He spent 4 years in a state-run orphanage. He loves school and wants nothing more than to study.
Andrés Jerónimo Elizarrarás
Our youngest baby. When he arrived, he was underdeveloped and very vulnerable. We took good care of him, and he has made great progress in size and weight. He works hard to catch up to what is appropriate for his age. He is legally available for adoption.
Emilio Alberto Ruiz Romero
Alberto is a sweet boy and is legally available for adoption.
Jose Alejandro Ramirez Rodriguez
He was 2 years old when he arrived at Casa and has lived with us for 12 years. He is now in 9th grade and is an excellent student.
Alumni success stories
Rogelio Agustín Miguel
He is 35 years old and lived at Casa Hogar from the age of 3 to 27. He left the home to get married. Unfortunately, his wife left him when it turned out that their son was born with a disability. Rogelio is now an excellent single father and is fully devoted to his son. He is a cook.
Juan Adán and David Estrada Toledano
They lived at Casa Hogar from 1996 to 2009. David is now a financial auditor for the Ministry of Health of the State Government of San Luis Potosí. Juan Adán is a Data Engineer at Kudai, a Fintech consultancy firm.
Jesús González García
He lived at Casa Hogar from 2002 to 2011. He now works in sales and also runs a small business.
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