Our Social Project
The owners of the Hotel and Restaurante Grano de Oro are the founders and the primary financial supporters of their own Social Project – Casa Luz, a home for adolescent mothers and their children.
Helping Young Single Mother Families Build Their Independence and Live a Bright Future
Humble Beginnings
Many tourists visit Costa Rica to experience it´s natural beauty and flavorful culture – from San Jose to its many rainforests and beaches. Eldon and Lori Cooke were no different. However, they took it one step further when moving from Canada to Costa Rica over 20 years ago.
In 2002, the Cooke’s were awakened to the country-wide, ongoing epidemic of young adolescent women who are sexually abused and often forced into prostitution. Eldon and Lori soon established the non-profit organization, Asociacion Reaccion en Cadena por Nuestra Ninez to address the existing and growing needs of this issue. Through this association, Casa Luz (“House of Light”) provides a safe environment and the necessary monetary, emotional, and psychological support victims need in order to help stop the pervasive cycle of abuse.
The mission of Casa Luz is to break the intergenerational cycle of abuse and sexual exploitation of children in Costa Rica. This is accomplished by providing a safe, loving, Christian environment for at risk young mothers (age 15+) and their children. This environment provides the resources necessary to allow these families healthy and successful reintegration into society.
One Step at a Time
During Phase I, Casa Luz acts as a secure Christian home for up to 15 young mothers as well as their children. This fully assisted living facility provides a loving family environment with a staff of support professionals to nurture and aid in the physical, mental and educational development of both the women and their children.
In Phase II, Casa Luz provides 10 single family independent living units for mothers who are 18 and have completed Phase I and demonstrated recognizable growth and maturity. Continued support is offered through day care, counseling and other services that allow the young women to finish school or enter the workforce – further developing the skills needed for full independence.
Casa Luz is the only program in Costa Rica that offers continued individual support to young mothers after they have turned 18.
Support Casa Luz
If you would like to help Casa Luz with its mission to change the lives of young victims of abuse and sexual exploitation in Costa Rica please visit our website www.casaluz.org for information on how to make a tax deductible donation.
