Good Works Gazette – January 2026

Casa de Tesoros A.C. ~ Treasure House

Every month in this column, I’m reminded of how many quiet, steady acts of goodness are happening around our Lakeside community, work that doesn’t always make headlines, but profoundly changes lives. Treasure House, a registered Asociación Civil in Jalisco, is one of these places. Since opening its doors in 2017, this home has been dedicated to caring for some of the most vulnerable girls in our region: girls placed in protective care by authorities after being trafficked by their own families.

These girls, ages 13 and under when they arrive, come to Treasure House with very few material possessions, and often with large gaps in their schooling and social development. But they also come with something just as important: the chance to begin again in an environment built on safety, consistency, and compassion.

Treasure House can welcome up to 15 girls at a time, providing long-term care until adulthood if needed. Today, seven girls live at the home, enjoying a routine that most of us would consider ordinary: school, chores, playtime, and learning new skills. For them, these small routines are transformative.

Each girl is assigned a psychologist, social worker, and lawyer through the state-run D.I.F. system, and Treasure House supplements this by offering additional weekly counseling with a longtime volunteer. This commitment to emotional support is essential, especially because frequent changes in D.I.F. personnel each political cycle can lead to disruptions in services. In the midst of this shifting landscape, Treasure House remains a steady, protective presence, one that the girls can rely on year after year.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Treasure House is its commitment to education. All of the girls attend private schools, and many are thriving far beyond expectations. Considering that most arrived with little or no prior schooling, their academic progress is nothing short of inspiring.

Beyond the classroom, the girls participate in enrichment programs such as art, dance, music, crafts, and physical education. These activities aren’t just hobbies, they are pathways to confidence, joy, and self-discovery. One former resident, who came to Treasure House as a young girl, is now studying to become a nurse. Her journey reflects the long-term vision of the organization: to give each girl the tools to become an independent, empowered young woman.

Treasure House is also expanding its support with the construction of a small apartment designed for up to four young women who have grown up in the home and want to continue their education beyond high school. This transitional space will allow them to pursue university or technical studies while still having a safety net of guidance and community.

Treasure House is a Christian missionary project, and the girls attend church each Sunday in Guadalajara. Faith is presented as a source of comfort, community, and moral grounding but always within the broader mission of providing a loving, stable home. Regardless of one’s personal beliefs, the outcome is clear: the girls experience encouragement, structure, and a sense of belonging.

In a world where children’s futures can be shaped by the care they receive, Treasure House stands as a reminder that healing is possible and that hope, when nurtured, grows stronger than fear. By supporting organizations like this, we help ensure that every child has the chance to grow, learn, and imagine a future filled with possibility.

Treasure House operates quietly, without fanfare, but its impact is deep and lasting. Readers who feel moved to support this work can help in many ways: through donations, sponsorships, or by spreading awareness within the community.

To learn more, visit www.treasurehousemx.com or email treasurehousemx@gmail.com.

Good Works Gazette features a different local group doing good work in our community each month. If you would like to nominate a group to be featured, please email Daria Hilton at daria_hilton@hotmail.com.