ese mothers live in the rural community of San Miguel Viejo, Mexico. They courageously learn creative arts and business skills to provide for their families. Working collectively, they foster valuable connections, encouragement, and skills-training, allowing them to become role-models in their families and communities.

Elpidio lives in a small mountain village in Puebla, Mexico with his wife Cristina and his two children. Elpidio and his family create the beautiful, hand-embroidered, Christmas stockings and ornaments for Casita No. 8. Each beautifully crafted piece reflects of the beauty and heritage of the indigenous Otomi people of central Mexico.

At age 10, Juan Daniel began classes at Ojala Ninos–an educational enrichment program in the underserved community of San Miguel Viejo, Mexico. Learning the art of glass mosaics, Juan Daniel, now 19, continues to develop his talent making these beautifully crafted hummingbirds. Understanding the value of opportunity through creating art, Juan continues to give back to his community by teaching other children mosaic glass art, allowing them to explore creativity, learn skills and develop a craft.

Ojala Niños offers an integrated learning program for children in rural Mexico to inspire creativity, critical thinking skills, and self-confidence, while opening doors to opportunities. The programs of Ojala Niños offer a place for learning, providing space, materials, ideas and guidance. Mothers and children learn sewing and creative arts skills allowing them to earn much-needed income and support for learning programs. 

This group of mother’s residing in a refugee community in Guarari, Heredia, Costa Rica are learning jewelry making skills that will provide for their families, build community, and bring opportunities that empower, heal and extend beyond the borders of their sheet-metal homes. Their clear glass-beaded bracelets with one azure bead represents the flag of their home, Nicaragua. Each bracelet sold supports these women through living wages and gives back to Sonrisas con Esperanza-a ministry that brings hope to the residents of this community.