Maestro Cares Foundation: 10 years of impact for 12,500+ children and 4,500+ families

Since 2016, this dedicated partnership has reached more than 12,500 children and youth and 4,500 families across Latin America—while indirectly impacting more than 28,000 community members—creating safe homes, strengthening families and breaking cycles of instability and poverty.

Delivering safe, loving homes to children without parents 

Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, loving family, surrounded by the care, loving relationships and opportunities they need to thrive.  

And yet, 5,000 children in Bolivia live in institutional care—where child-to-caregiver ratios can be as high as 31:1, siblings are often separated and children’s emotional, cognitive and physical development is severely damaged.  

But, thanks to MCF’s dedication to providing children with everything they need to thrive, children in Bolivia are growing up in safe, loving homes! 

In 2016, MCF began their generational impact by building two family houses in Bolivia—creating homes where 21 children and young people are growing up with a nurturing caregiver, nutritious food, professional healthcare, a quality education and everything else they need to build bright, successful futures. 

“We are not just talking about a roof or a house—we are talking about a home,” said Gladys Villazón, the program manager at SOS Children’s Villages Bolivia. “A home where children can fully develop and have opportunities for their future.” 

In 2019, MCF expanded their life-changing impact and built another home in Ecuador—a country where more than 2,000 children are growing up in institutional care. 

But thanks to MCF’s home, 15 children and young people are now growing up with the loving care, opportunities and education they need to reach their full potential and thrive! 

“A safe and protective environment, [this is a place] where children can dream again, where those dreams can come true, and where they can feel protected,” said Eva Peñafiel, the national director at SOS Children’s Villages Ecuador. 

Building stronger families and communities for children 

But MCF’s impact doesn’t stop at safe, loving homes for children.  

For a decade, they have invested in programming that prevents the trauma of a child being separated from their family before it occurs.  

In Guatemala: In 2017, MCF constructed an SOS Community Center that has served more than 10,800 community members with nutrition assistance, health and educational support, parenting trainings and other resources that help children, young people and families overcome challenges and strengthen communities.  

“My parents have always wanted to give me and my siblings the best,” said Ana*, a participant at the Community Center. “However, many times financial limitations kept us from meeting our needs or pursuing our dreams. That’s why Maestro Cares has been like having another pillar in our family. They have become that helping hand that has supported us in important moments and allowed us to move forward with hope.” 

In Colombia: Also in 2017, MCF built an SOS Family Development Center that has served more than 585 individuals directly and 5,000 children and families indirectly, with workshops and trainings—promoting children’s rights, positive parenting, conflict-resolution skills, leadership trainings for young people and more. With a safe space to gather, learn and grow, MCF is equipping parents to provide the best care for their children and propel them into a bright, successful future.  

In Ecuador: In 2022, MCF built an SOS Family and Community Center that has served more than 12,000 children, young people and families with critical services and trainings that strengthen family bonds, protects children from the trauma of losing parental care, and breaks cycles of poverty and violence. 

In Honduras: In 2023, MCF constructed an SOS Child, Youth, Family and Community Development Center in Honduras in 2023 that has served more than 300 children, young people and families with crucial classes, workshops and trainings that protect children, strengthen families and build more resilient communities. 

“In the digital classroom, children are strengthening their skills—gaining abilities in programming, design and how to safely search for information online,” said an SOS team member in Honduras. “Trainings we regularly provide to families create a space where they are learning how to raise their children, their children’s rights and what they can achieve throughout their lives. Thank you, Maestro Cares Foundation, for believing in the dreams of children and families!” 

Looking forward: Building brighter futures for children  

Now, in 2026, a new milestone chapter begins. In Tijuana, Mexico, the construction of a new SOS Community Center is underway. Designed to serve children, young people and families who are migrating, this center will meet their needs with care, dignity and hope. 

Families affected by migration face significant barriers: exploitation, discrimination, difficulties accessing employment, language differences, loss of legal documents essential to accessing health care and education services, trauma recovery and more.  

But SOS Children’s Villages is deeply invested in delivering the comprehensive support needed by children and families affected by migration. These evidence-based, humanitarian programs provide protection, education, basic needs and mental health care, so vulnerable children and families have everything they need to heal from migration-related trauma, rebuild their lives and thrive. The new community center is expected to impact 1,500 people and 3,000 families annually.   

Over the last 10 years, Maestro Cares Foundation has given so much more than walls and roofs, kitchen and bedrooms—they have created a foundation for lasting generational impact for children who need us most. They’ve provided the spaces where children and parents find joy and grow their bonds. They’ve helped young people build confidence, find their voice and transition into healthy adults. With ten years of Maestro Cares Foundation’s vision and generosity, thousands of children across Latin America are growing up with the priceless gift of a loving family. 

Together, we can continue ensuring every child grows up safe, loved and with the opportunities they need to realize their dreams.   ​  

Support this work