Our Mission:
It is of utmost importance to us at Casa de Las Mercedes that children grow up with a life free of violence, quality health services, decent education, and a safe environment..
Where does our work begin?
Casa de Las Mercedes founder Claudia Colimoro gave substance to a dream that started on March 14, 1994, well over 20 years ago with just three people on her team at a property that was just dry wall and metal sheets. The project started out with 20 at-risk girls living on the street in a situation of vulnerability. They were first provided with food, a safe place to sleep, and medical attention for the pregnant teenagers.
In the beginning, Casa de Las Mercedes only aimed to work for girls and teens who had been victims of sexual exploitation or living on the street, from a shelter located on Berriozábal Street, in the heart of Mexico City in the Merced neighborhood on Circunvalación Avenue and neighboring the Tepito neighborhood.
Our Directors
Julia Elena Abdala Lemus
Businesswoman and current Chair of the Board. Together with Claudia Colimoro, Ms Abdala has been promoting the activities of Casa de las Mercedes by driving its ongoing transformation into a foundation.
Angela González Colimoro
Director of Operations, Casa de las Mercedes I.A.P. Shultz. Ms González holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Psychology, is an ontological coach, and humanist therapist. She has worked on behalf of young girls and teenagers for over 20 years.
María Marcela Itzel González Colimoro
Director of Operations, Casa de las Mercedes I.A.P. Historical Center. Born in Tamaulipas, Ms González holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and a double master’s degree in Systemic Family Therapy and Multidimensional Educational Strategies.
Claudia Colimoro
Founder and CEO. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Humanist Psychology, she has been an activist and feminist for over 40 years, and a social advocate for people living with HIV.