Meet the Casa Hogar team
The family behind Casa Hogar
The administrative management of Casa Hogar has been in the hands of the Martinez family since 1986. Maria Teresa Rodea, the driving force behind the project, is seen by everyone as the mother of Casa Hogar. She is present almost daily and is greatly appreciated. At the weddings of young people from Casa Hogar, she often even accompanies the groom to the altar.
The day-to-day operations are led by Margarita Garcia Peña. As the widow of a local doctor, she has made caring for underprivileged children her life's mission. Together with a number of dedicated 'tíos' (uncles), who help with childcare, cooking and logistics, she ensures that Casa Hogar keeps running.
Maria Teresa Rodea
With your support, Casa Hogar gives Mexican street children access to education and a warm home. This way they build an independent life, away from crime, with prospects of work and a stable family.
Our team in Toluca
Mrs Margarita García Peña, director and "tía", has been working in the house for 15 years.
Mrs Regina González Gutiérrez, "tía", has been working in the house for 5 years.
Mrs Isabel Aguirre Gutiérrez, "tía", has been working in the house for 10 months.
Mr Marcos Hernández Reyes, "tío" and certified nurse, has been working in the house for 1 year.
Mrs Janine Colorado Arévalo, teacher, has been working in the house for 1 year.
Mr Juan Romero Garduño, "tío", driver, gardener and general maintenance worker.
Mrs Ignacia Aguilar Ramírez, cook, has been working in the house for 2 years.
The Board of Directors
Michel D'Hooghe, the founder of the Casa Hogar project, remains a valued and dedicated chairman today. Under his leadership, a fresh wind is blowing through the board of directors. One of the changes is the appointment of Bart Coeman, active as a director for many years, as the new vice-chairman.
Behind Casa Hogar stands a committed Board of Directors, made up of experienced entrepreneurs, directors and professionals from various sectors. Each of them selflessly makes their expertise, network and experience available to our organisation.
Under the leadership of our chairman, Dr. Michel D'Hooghe, the Board of Directors safeguards the sustainable policy, the transparent operation and the future of Casa Hogar. Together they share one common conviction: every child deserves a safe home, quality education and opportunities for a better future.
With a strong focus on good governance, financial responsibility and social engagement, our directors work daily to further develop the mission of Casa Hogar and to create lasting impact for street and orphaned children in Mexico.
Thanks to their voluntary commitment, engagement and shared values, Casa Hogar can keep growing and building a future full of hope for the children entrusted to our care.
Board of Directors
Bart Coeman, Philippe De Merrisse, Johan Creytens, Karl Dhont, Toon Logier, Sybiel Devisch, Bram De Vos, Geert De Prêtre, Siska De Deyne, Jonas Dejager, Gilles Deplancke, Filips Dhondt, Francis Hendrickx, Servaas Van Mullem en Ilse Vanackere.
General Assembly
Nico Daenens, Jeroen Depraetere, Bart De Smet, Valérie Loose, Margaux D'Hooghe, Rudi Cousaert
Dr Michel D'Hooghe
With your support, Casa Hogar gives Mexican street children access to education and a warm home. This way they build an independent life, away from crime, with prospects of work and a stable family.
Casa Hogar helps orphaned and street children to a better future through education, from reading and writing to university studies. Counsellors support them daily with their schoolwork.
In addition, young people aged 5 to 21 learn practical skills for an independent life, such as cooking and cleaning. At the car wash they earn pocket money and learn to work together. Casa Hogar also opened six centres in disadvantaged neighbourhoods around Toluca to promote literacy for young and old.
Transparency is very important to us. We want to keep our operating costs to a minimum and do as much as possible ourselves – together with our structural partners who then work at cost price. Our goal is to let all proceeds flow entirely to Casa Hogar and the children. Our finance officer strictly ensures that only minimal administrative and overhead costs are charged.
From our home we receive a bimonthly overview of the costs incurred for food, medication, school supplies, clothing and more. After a strict audit, we reimburse these expenses. The current annual needs require a budget of approximately €60,000.
Young Entrepreneurs
for Casa Hogar
Young Hogars is a dynamic group of dedicated young entrepreneurs and professionals committed to Casa Hogar’s mission: providing a better future for street children in Mexico. With their fresh energy, entrepreneurial spirit, and social commitment, they aim not only to generate financial support but, above all, to raise awareness among young people in Belgium about the challenges faced by their peers on the other side of the world.
Through creative initiatives, networking events, school projects and social media campaigns, the Young Hogars bring the story of Casa Hogar closer to young people. They inspire, mobilise and build bridges between worlds that seem far apart but are connected by solidarity.
Young Hogars believes that social engagement starts with raising awareness. That is why they are committed to engaging and motivating young people and showing them that they, too, can make a difference in their own way.
Together we make the difference
Become a compañero and support the Casa Hogar team in their daily dedication to the children.
Will you become a compañero too?