Have questions about Casa de Ángeles? Whether you’re curious about our history, how we support the children, how donations are used, or how you can get involved, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions.
Browse to learn more about the heart of our work and how you can be part of it.
Casa de Ángeles began in 1998, founded by two sisters who are Catholic nuns from Barcelona. Their Order is Missionaries to Disenfranchised Children (Fraternidad de Misionares Del Ninos Desamparados), and their mission is to care for disenfranchised children in Guatemala.
In 1999, a U.S. medical mission team visited a small orphanage in a remote Guatemalan village. There, they met 18 young children, the oldest just three years old, living in cramped conditions with minimal resources—but surrounded by love.
Inspired by the children they met, members of that medical team formed a 501(c)(3) foundation in 2000, dedicated to building a home where these children—and many more—could grow, learn, and thrive.
Our board is made up of individuals whose hearts were captured by the children of Casa de Ángeles. Many first visited the orphanage on medical missions and have since dedicated themselves to fundraising and supporting its ongoing operations.
Casa de Ángeles grew to be home to more than 100 children. Due to government policy changes in 2020, the number of children in our care is now around 85.
For legal and cultural reasons, the children of Casa de Ángeles are not available for adoption. Instead, the orphanage provides a stable, loving home until they complete their education and are ready to start independent lives.
Children attend school on-site at Casa de Ángeles, which is accredited by the Guatemalan Ministry of Education. We offer:
We also welcome 10–15 children from the local village to our school each year. After middle school, students continue at academic or trade schools, with some even attending university—an incredible milestone!
Yes! Various religious organizations (Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish), as well as family foundations, have been key supporters of our mission. One of our longtime partners is the Isle of Hope United Methodist Church in Savannah, which has provided vital support for years.
Operating costs have remained steady at approximately $1,000 per child per year (excluding capital projects and education expenses). Our education budget, once just “a box of crayons” in 2000, has grown to over $100,000 annually.
Since its inception, Casa de Ángeles has invested approximately $2.5 million into building and maintaining the orphanage. Recent projects include expanding the soccer field and reroofing the quadrangle building.
Casa de Ángeles reports financial details annually to the IRS and the State of California. With no paid staff, 93–96% of funds go directly to the orphanage’s operations, education, and capital projects, with only 4–7% allocated to fundraising and donor communications.
There are many ways to support Casa de Ángeles! From making a donation to organizing a local fundraiser, every bit helps. We’re always happy to talk about what might be the best fit for you—just contact us and we’ll take it from there.
