Casa Alianza - Homeless Youth Opening Doors for Homeless Youth

Sometimes, in order to make sure that our kids are able to succeed, we need to help our parents succeed so that they can provide their kids with the means and the example to find their way in the world.  The story of  Doña Juana is just one such case.

Doña Juana first came to Casa Alianza Nicaragua in 2009 as a desperate mother not knowing what to do with her 17-year-old son, Marcos, who had problems with the law, was hanging around with gangs, and was drinking heavily.  She went to police stations looking for support, hoping that she might be able to find a rehabilitation center to help keep his problems from developing further. 

She was referred to us at Casa Alianza Nicaragua, and her decision to bring her son to the Hilton Home did not just change his life, but it also opened brand new doors and opportunities for her. In the six months her son stayed at Casa Alianza, Doña Juana took part in a number of workshops for parents, including self-help, overcoming and preventing domestic violence, and handling problems such as addictions in children.   

Doña Juana's real opportunities came through the bakery and the jewelry workshop. In her jewelry-making courses Doña Juana showed her talents as a wonderful designer, and she made some truly beautiful pieces. She now continues to make jewelry and provides regular courses in jewelry-making for the children and teens at the Hilton Home and Home for Teenage Mothers.   

Doña Juana and her students make their products with impeccable care and attention.  The jewelry is on display for sale at the Casa Alianza Nicaragua reception area and at public events and celebrations in which Casa Alianza takes part.  None of them stay on the shelves too long before they are snapped up by willing buyers. The profits go for more jewelry-making materials, and for training for the children and teens. Young people with such skills can help support themselves once they leave Casa Alianza.

In October 2011 Doña Juana announced her retirement from Casa Alianza Nicaragua. She is starting her own jewelry business with her sister and now needs to be focusing full-time on getting the business set up. It fills each of us with delight when someone comes to our home in crisis and leaves with the skills and talents to live happily and sustainably.  Both she and her son Marcos now have the chance to make a new start in life and we know they will be a success.