On March 21st, 15 Local Childcare Consultants and Cultural Care staff visited Casa Alianza Mexico during a recent trip to Mexico City. We were welcomed by the Casa Alianza team and had the chance to connect with 30 of the teens they support—adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 who have experienced significant challenges, including abandonment, trafficking, and violence.

Casa Alianza provides shelter, meals, crisis care, and a supportive environment where teens can begin to heal. With a strong staff-to-teen ratio, it was clear how much care and attention each young person receives.

During our visit, we toured their facility, including the vibrant urban garden we helped fund. The teens now help grow everything from tomatoes to arugula—and even hot chili peppers, though they rarely last long, since the teens love snacking on them! It was meaningful to hear directly from them how the garden has become a source of calm, responsibility, and connection.

We also decorated spring-themed cakes together—a fun way to share time and laughter. One moment that stood out to all of us: learning that a teen who had only recently arrived smiled for the first time that day.

We’re grateful for the experience and inspired by the important work Casa Alianza continues to do to support and empower these young people.