Preparing for the Day They Leave Casa Bernabé: Updates on our Vocational Program
When children arrive at Casa Bernabé, many have experienced circumstances they never should have had to face. As they begin to heal, we don't just think about their immediate needs, we also begin preparing them for the futures God has planned for them.
One of the ways we do that is through our Vocational Program, which helps our teenagers discover their gifts, develop practical job skills, and begin dreaming about life beyond Casa Bernabé.
The program is led by Mario Par, house dad of Nueva Esperanza, and Flori Castillo, house helper in Casa Hosana. Both Mario and Flori are trained psychologists, and they bring that experience into every conversation they have with our young people.
When each child turns 13, Mario and Flori sit down with them to create a personalized "life plan." Together they talk about each student's strengths, interests, passions, and long-term goals. They ask questions like, "Where do you see yourself in 10 or 15 years?" and help each teen think realistically about the opportunities available to them.
For many of our younger teens, that journey begins by choosing one of three vocational training programs offered at Casa Bernabé through our partnership with InteCap (Instituto Técnico de Capacitación y Productividad), a respected Guatemalan organization that provides technical and vocational education. InteCap sends professional instructors to our campus, and students who complete the programs receive an official certificate that prepares them to pursue employment in their chosen field.
Our current vocational programs include:
• Bakery: Students learn far more than how to bake bread and cakes. They study food safety, sanitation, business management, and the skills needed to work in a professional bakery.
• Beauty Salon: Our students are currently learning gel nail techniques while also developing strong customer service skills and proper sanitation practices. Soon they'll begin training in women's hair cutting as well, and a few of the older boys have been studying hair cutting and offering cuts to all the men and boys on campus.
• Event Setup & Decorating: These creative students learn to make balloon arches and gift baskets and study event decorating and planning. They also put their skills into practice by decorating for celebrations at Casa Bernabé, including Mother's Day, Father's Day, quinceañeras, and Thanksgiving festivities.
As our young people get older, the conversations become even more significant. Mario and Flori help them navigate decisions about university, trade schools, employment, and where they will live after leaving Casa Bernabé. They discuss options like our transition houses, living with biological or mentor families, or remaining at Casa Bernabé in a staff role while continuing their education.
Two young men are already putting those lessons into practice.
Juan José and Isaac turned 18 a few years ago, and they both live and work at Casa Bernabé while pursuing higher education. Together they manage the tienda (campus store) located just outside our front gate, with Mario serving as a mentor and business advisor.
The boys open the tienda every weekday from 6:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., serving staff members, school families, and people waiting at the nearby bus stop. Each week they accompany Mario to purchase inventory, from drinks and snacks to fresh fruit for smoothies and baking ingredients.
Monday afternoons are dedicated to baking. They prepare cinnamon rolls, sweet breads, tres leches cake, mocha cake, and other treats to sell throughout the week. They determine their own pricing because they are responsible for covering the cost of ingredients and supplies, learning firsthand what it takes to operate a successful small business.
JuanJo is currently studying business at the university level and dreams of owning his own bakery one day. Isaac is studying baking professionally and hopes to build a career working in a bakery after graduation.
Watching these young men grow into responsible, capable adults is a beautiful reminder of why this ministry matters. Through loving guidance, practical training, and faithful mentors, they are gaining confidence, developing strong work habits, and preparing to become independent adults who can provide for themselves and serve others.
Thank you for investing in children whose futures are being transformed. Because of your prayers and generosity, our young people are not only finding hope for today, they are building skills, character, and confidence for tomorrow.
Please continue praying for Mario, Flori, our vocational instructors, and each of our teenagers as they seek God's direction for the next chapter of their lives.