Creamos

Creamos exists to create opportunities for women living in the communities surrounding the Guatemala City garbage dump (GCGD) through an inclusive approach to lifelong financial, emotional and physical stability. Founded in 2008, Creamos addresses the various micro and macro structural  factors that place women in this extremely marginalized community at an increased risk of absolute poverty, intra-familial violence, low sense of self-worth, and lack of financial independence. By increasing protective factors proven to combat the aforementioned risk factors, Creamos increases economic independence, decreases the risk of violence, improves self-efficacy and esteem and contributes to safer and healthier futures. Creamos mission is to create opportunities for women living in the communities surrounding the Guatemala City garbage dump through an inclusive approach to lifelong financial, emotional and physical stability. Creamos focuses in three main areas:

1. Income-generating : Our income generating programs are designed to provide an alternative income, through safe working conditions and a sustainable income. Through the following three programs, Creamos provides an income for 60 women: recycled jewelry program, sewing and screen printing company and production initiatives.
2. Emotional Support: Creamos Voces, Creamos' emotional support program, aims to create a safe space and foster leadership through a variety of wellness programs to promote a safer, healthier and more sustainable community. We offer a variety of non-threatening services that address both the most immediate needs, and longer-term goals of participants. There are currently 160 women in this program.
3. Adult Education: This program aims to support parents in achieving higher education so they can support their own children's learning while fulling preparing participants for the working sector through formal education, behavioral preparation and skills training. Creamos offers elementary, middle school, and high school education. Further, Creamos supports students in pursing a technical degree or university.