RESIDENTIAL PROTECTION HOME
A SAFE, FAITH-FILLED HOME WHERE TEEN GIRLS HEAL, GROW, AND FIND HOPE. MY SPECIAL TREASURE SUPPORTS GIRLS OVERCOMING DIFFICULT PASTS WITH LOVE, EDUCATION, AND MENTORING AS THEY REBUILD THEIR LIVES AND STEP INTO ADULTHOOD WITH DIGNITY AND CONFIDENCE.
RESIDENTIAL PROTECTION HOMES AND THEIR NEED IN GUATEMALA
Guatemala faces a critical need for residential protection homes due to the high prevalence of child abuse and neglect. Many teenage girls:
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Are born into abusive households and dangerous neighbourhoods
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Have been rescued from violent or exploitative situations
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Endure government court cases to determine their care and protection
In 2022, more than 4,000 children and adolescents were housed in over 120 residential care facilities across Guatemala (USAID), yet the demand continues to outweigh the resources available.
HOPE BEYOND TRAUMA
Every girl carries a story shaped by pain, but her future can be shaped by hope. Through loving relationships, personal mentoring, and faith-filled guidance, we walk with each girl as she heals, grows, and steps into adulthood with strength, purpose, and the knowledge that she is not alone.
ABOUT MY SPECIAL TREASURE
My Special Treasure is a unique residential home in Guatemala, founded in 2008 by a local Christian couple, to serve one of the most overlooked populations: teenage girls.
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Who We Serve
The home cares for girls who are homeless, malnourished, physically abused and those suffering from significant psychological trauma.
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What We Provide
The girls receive safe, family-style accommodation, nutritious meals and medical care, access to formal education, and individualised support from psychologists and special needs educators.
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Rooted in Faith
Spiritual healing is central to My Special Treasure's mission. Every day begins with worship songs, prayer and devotionals, and support from loving carers who live on-site. My Special Treasure also partner with Iglesia Sendero de Amor (Path of Love Church) to offer regular Bible teaching and ongoing discipleship for both girls and staff. The home's goal is to help each girl discover her worth and identity in Christ, which is key to deep emotional and spiritual healing.
MENTORING FOR LIFE
Empowering girls to thrive beyond the home through one-on-one mentoring, life skills, and relationships rooted in trust. Each girl is supported as she steps into adulthood—with guidance, encouragement, and the belief that her story matters. Mentoring helps transform trauma into hope, and struggle into strength.
PREPARING FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE
My Special Treasure intentionally limits their capacity to around 20 girls to maintain a close-knit, family environment. As they reach adulthood, the girls are supported in their transition to independence through their onsite transition program for young women aged 17 to 20. In this stage, the girls move into a nearby transition house where each has her own bedroom and shares common living spaces. During this time, they learn essential life skills such as managing finances, shopping for groceries, cooking, and planning budgets.
YOUTH MENTORING
Since 2011, Nicodemus has partnered with My Special Treasure to offer entry to our Youth Mentoring Program that supports girls during and after their transition from the home.
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Program Impact since 2011
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23 girls aged 18+ have joined our Youth Mentoring Program.
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18 received long-term, one-on-one mentoring.
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3 former residents have served as youth mentors.
Through mentoring and life-skills training, these young women are equipped to navigate adulthood with confidence and purpose.
Mentoring is about more than just practical skills—it’s about relationships. Our mission is to ensure that every young person has a safe and secure transition into young adulthood, and we believe this happens best when they are supported by someone who walks alongside them. A mentor provides consistent encouragement, wise guidance, and a listening ear—especially critical for girls emerging from trauma.
At My Special Treasure, mentoring is not just a program—it’s a pathway to hope, resilience, and transformation. Rooted in Christian love, it reflects our deep belief that no young person should walk alone as they step into their future.
MISSION
OUR MISSION IS TO EQUIP AND EMPOWER MARGINALISED YOUNG PEOPLE WITH THE NECESSARY SKILLS AND RESOURCES TO ACHIEVE A SAFE AND SECURE TRANSITION INTO YOUNG ADULTHOOD.
