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A PLACE FOR PLAY
ABOUT CASA CLU
La Casa Clu is a civil association, recreation and learning center where children can be and feel free to express their feelings. We change their present to improve their future.
OUR HISTORY
THE STORY OF US
This dream began a few years back by a small house next to the river, acting as a space where children from San Ignacio could come to play in the afternoons.
Day by day more children came and the need for a larger space became apparent. We were lucky enough to meet with Brian Hodges and Janet Belle who, in love with the project, helped us get the land where we are currently.
With the years and the effort and help of hundreds of people and volunteers from different parts of the world, today we are a civil society that supports 160 children and their families, of which between 30 and 80 kids attend Casa Clu activities daily.
YEARS IN OPERATION
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0
2013
FOUNDED AS A NON-PROFIT
After realizing this kind of community was needed in San Igancio, Jessica applied to make Casa Clu a non-profit
2020
ADDITION OF ORGANIC FARM
During the pandemic, the community realized how important food sovereignty is and started shaping a near-by field into a productive farm
Today
CONTINUING TO EXPAND RESOURCES
As Casa Clu gains traction, we continue to look for ways to provide more enriching resources for the kids and community of San Ignacio
CONNECTING OVER PLAY
How it all BEGAN
"In 2010 I visited San Ignacio for the first time. I met a great community of children and together, little by little and unknowingly, we began to create the concept of Casa Clu."
Driven by the needs of the children and the community, in 2013 the Casa Clu recreational project became a civil association.
“Playing is the best form of therapy, when we play we are who we really are, we release endorphines, adrenaline and noradrenaline, we get excited, we enjoy the process, we stop worrying about our routines, we give ourselves, we work as a team and we are happy… those who play will never get old."
Jessica ZepEda
FOUNDER
CHECK OUT
OUR SPACE
Learn about the various ways you can get involved as a volunteer. From working directly with the children to supporting our fundraising efforts, or working in the garden there's a role suited to your skills, interests, and availability.
160+
Kids supported
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30
Staff Members
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80
Families Impacted
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THE HEARTS OF CASA CLU
OUR TEAM
The staff at La Casa Clu are the heart of our work. A
dedicated team of 25 people, they support children each
day through four core groups:
Permanent Facilitators, who guide daily activities like homeschooling, games, and gardening; Teachers & Workshop Leaders, who offer weekly classes; the Cabinet of Health & Psychopedagogy, providing medical and emotional support; and our Volunteers, who contribute their time and skills in exchange for food and lodging.
Together, they create a safe and inspiring space for children to grow and thrive.
MEET our staff
The supportive environment at La Casa Clu is thanks to our dedicated staff. Each member of our team brings a unique set of skills, expertise, and unwavering commitment to our shared mission.
Learn more about the extraordinary people who are the heart and soul of Casa Clu.
Jessica
FOUNDER
Jessica is a psychologist by education with advanced studies in child development and NLP. She has been creating a shared space of play and learning with San Ignacio’s children since 2011. She believes play and affection are powerful tools to nurture children’s growth and shape a better future.
Marjo
TEACHER & GUARDIAN
Marjolaine is an educator, with a degree in law, sociology and international project management.
Nomadic and passionate about cultural diversity and the kingdom of plants, she chose to put down roots in Nayarit to sow seeds in the earth and in the hearts of the children of La Casa Clu.
Paloma
GARDEN & DESIGN
Paloma has been involved with permaculture and social projects since 2020. She leads the Women’s Cooperative and Community Garden at La Casa Clu, promoting the local women’s economic independence. She also designs stationery, labels and project logistics.
Estibaliz
DESIGN & COMMUNICATIONS
Estibaliz is originally from Mexico City, is a collaborative and committed educator. She leads communication and environmental education at La Casa Clu, guiding children and promoting a love of reading.
Taran
TEACHER & PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Taran is a psychologist, feminist, yogini, photographer and amateur cartoonist.
She has worked for years with issues of health, sexuality, human rights and interculturality, education for peace and culture of good treatment, mainly with rural and indigenous and migrant population.
Volunteers
AND EXTERNAL STAFF
- Pablo - construction & garden
- Ricardo - carpentry & garden
- Nathan - transportation
- Victor - Drawing workshop facilitator
- Ita & Los Meastros de Circo - Social Circus Workshop
- Antonio - Plant Nursery
- Jimena - Fundraising
- Matti - Football
- Chupete - Pizza
- Tonatiuh - Maintenance
- Claudia - Local Mother & Head Gardener
- Louis - Bird Watching
volunteer with us
Learn about the various ways you can get involved as a volunteer. From working directly with the children to supporting our fundraising efforts, or working in the garden there's a role suited to your skills, interests, and availability.
