Casa de Ángeles Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit dedicated to caring for orphaned and abandoned children in Guatemala. Our mission is simple but profound: to provide the funds to build and operate a loving, safe, and nurturing orphanage near Antigua, Guatemala.
About Casa de Ángeles
Our Story
In 1999, during a medical mission to Guatemala, a group of volunteers from the U.S. visited a small, newly established orphanage. There, they met 18 very young children, many with disabilities, living in cramped quarters with only the barest of necessities—other than love.
That day, as they drove down from the mountain, they made a promise: to build a place where these children, and many more like them, could thrive, learn and grow.
Returning home, they formed Casa de Ángeles Foundation and began raising funds. What started as a dream has grown into a thriving community, built piece by piece through the dedication of donors, volunteers, and the remarkable Sisters who continue their mission of care and love.
What We’ve Built
Since purchasing 7.5 acres of land in 2000, Casa de Ángeles has grown into a beautiful, fully equipped home and school, including:
- Dormitories & Living Spaces – Safe, comfortable housing for children of all ages, including special accommodations for the youngest and most developmentally delayed children.
- School – An accredited primary and middle school, with a growing number of students in high school, trade school, and university.
- Essential Infrastructure – A clean water well, a kitchen and dining hall, an infirmary, and other vital facilities.
- Recreation & Outdoor Areas – Two soccer fields, outdoor play spaces, and a garden.
- Animal Care & Sustainability – A facility housing a cow, goat, pig, turkeys, and chickens, helping provide food and education for the children in addition to equine therapy for those with developmental disabilities.
A Commitment to Education & Growth
When Casa de Ángeles began, the education budget was just a box of crayons. Today, education is our largest expense, exceeding $100,000 per year, as we support not only the children in our care but also students from the surrounding village. We are especially proud that many of our children have advanced to high school, trade school, and even university!
Financial Stewardship & Impact
Since its founding, Casa de Ángeles has received over $5.4 million in donations, all of which have been put to direct use in building, maintaining, and expanding the orphanage. Today:
- 93–96% of donations go directly to operations and programs.
- Only 4–7% is allocated to fundraising and administrative efforts.
- There are no paid employees—our foundation is entirely volunteer-run.
- The Board is now focused on building an endowment to ensure the long-term sustainability of Casa de Ángeles.
A Legacy of Love
What began with 18 children and a promise has grown into a thriving, loving home filled with opportunity, education, and hope. Today, Casa de Ángeles is more than an orphanage—it is a family, a school, and a foundation for a brighter future.
Casa de Ángeles Milestones
1998
Sisters Betsebé and Elvisa establish a small orphanage in a remote Guatemalan village.
1999
On a medical mission, volunteers from the U.S. visit the orphanage and make a promise to build a better home for the children.
2000
Casa de Ángeles Foundation is formed. The Foundation purchases 7.5 acres of land and begins installing essential infrastructure.
2001-2002
The first three wooden structures are built to house infants, toddlers, and children with developmental delays.
2003-2004
The first two cement-block dormitories are completed, providing safe sleeping quarters for 40-45 children. Church is built.
2005-2006
The main common building is constructed, including a dining hall, kitchen, reception area, infirmary, and multi-purpose room.
2007-2008
Dormitories for middle school-aged children are built, forming a central quadrangle. A primary school soccer field is added.
2009-2010
Two young adult dormitories (for high school and college-aged students) are completed. The primary school is built with five classrooms.
2011
A 300-foot deep well is dug, securing a clean water supply for the orphanage.
2012
An animal housing facility is built, home to a cow, goat, pig, turkeys, and chickens.
2013-2014
Four additional classrooms are added to accommodate preschool, kindergarten, and middle school students. A larger soccer field for middle school-aged children is built.
2017
The first Casa de Ángeles student enrolls in university.
2020
Education becomes the largest budget item, surpassing $100,000 per year, with over 80 children enrolled in school.
2022
The first Casa de Ángeles student graduates from university.
Today
Casa de Ángeles is a thriving home, school, and community dedicated to providing orphaned and abandoned children with love, education, and a future.
