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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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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
THE HEARTS OF CASA CLU
our team
La Casa Clu’s Staff is the heart of this project. They are people who spent quality time with the children everyday, creating a positive change in their reality through their different talents, skills and professions.
They are group of 25 permanent and transitory people, organized in four main teams.
PERMANENT FACILITATORS : Organize and develop the daily activities at Casa Clu: Homeschooling, games, gardening, and cooking, among others.
CABINET OF HEALTH & PSYCHOPEDAGOGY : Offers medical, psychological and emotional support and guidance to the children and their families.
TEACHERS & WORKSHOP LEADERS : Provide different classes and workshops to the kids once a week
VOLUNTEERS : People that offer their time and work at Casa Clu, in exchange for food and accomodation
our staff
The supportive environment at La Casa Clu is fueled by the incredible individuals who form 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 has a degree in Psychology and Communication Sciences; Diplomas in Psychoanalysis, Child Psychology and Neuro Linguistic Programming, and is currently studying a master’s degree in coaching and NLP. She began her work with children in social services in both university degrees and realized that it is the children who really are the future of the world and that play is a wonderful tool for change. It is in the education and care, both physical and mental and emotional, of these little ones that the responsibility for what will come after rests. Organically and little by little, since 2011 Jessica has been creating this shared play and learning space together with the children of the community; she verified that it is through play and the positive expression of affection that it is possible to change worlds.
Paloma
DESIGNER AND COMMUNICATIONS
In 2020, Paloma began to get involved in permaculture issues in spiritual communities in India, later in 2021 she created the Tlalli brand where she developed her tea production project.
As an entrepreneur and through her experience in various social projects, in 2022 she resumed the project of the Women’s Cooperative in conjunction with the Community Garden as part of La Casa Clu, where she sees an opportunity to contribute to the economic independence of women. She also designs stationery and image and project logistics for the San Ignacio Women’s Cooperative.
Marjo
TEACHER & GUIDE
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.
In the garden or in the kitchen, playing or painting, he always tries to share an environmental, artistic and humanist vision of education.
Dalel
FACILITADOR
With a degree in Audiovisual Artistic Design from the National University of Río Negro, Dalel’s work has always been connected to the arts, although what she enjoys most is contributing to the growth of projects and people.
Originally from Argentina, she began traveling throughout Mexico and other countries in 2018, eventually finding a home in this region where she could build her life.
Dalel joined Casa Clu with the desire to contribute a little bit of happiness to one of the stages of life that shapes us forever: childhood. Her professional life has always been connected to caring for and supporting children, which she sees as a natural way of contributing to society.
She sees art and creativity as powerful tools for personal and collective growth, self-discovery, and the expansion of both individuals and communities.
Pedro
FACILITADOR
Originally from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Pedro moved to San Ignacio with his family when he was six years old. From the moment he joined the community, he became part of Casa Clu. For 14 years, he attended daily, Monday through Friday, participating in all of the workshops and activities offered—experiences that have played an important role in his personal development.
Now 20 years old, Pedro is a facilitator at Casa Clu, where he leads the “Collective Games” workshop for children throughout the community. More than just a friend to the children, Pedro has become a role model for them.
Today, Pedro feels that it is his time to give back and share everything he has received—and for which he is deeply grateful.
Alejandra
PSYCHOLOGIST & ART TEACHER
Alejandra is a psychologist, art teacher, and someone who loves connecting with others. She enjoys listening, supporting, and creating spaces where children and families can feel safe, understood, and at ease.
Over the past several years, she has worked with children in a variety of educational, community, and therapeutic settings, supporting their learning, development, and emotional well-being. She has also worked with neurodivergent children, learning differences, and special educational needs, always seeking to understand each person’s unique needs and build on their strengths.
Alejandra deeply believes that art, play, nature, and human connection are powerful tools for learning, growing, and discovering who we are.
She strives to create experiences where curiosity, creativity, and a sense of community can grow naturally.
Remi
Communications & Fundraising
Remi became involved with Casa Clu after moving to Nayarit and meeting volunteers connected to the organization. Inspired by the community and the work happening at Casa Clu, she soon found herself wanting to become part of it.
With a background in communications for international NGOs, her work at Casa Clu focuses on fundraising, building partnerships, and communications. She helps connect people with Casa Clu’s work while developing the support and relationships that allow its programs to grow.
What she loves most about Casa Clu is the comprehensive and safe space it provides for children and young people to grow, learn important life skills, discover their interests, and build confidence—while, most importantly, simply being children.
For Remi, being part of Casa Clu is about creating the connections and support that allow this special space to continue growing and making a difference in the lives of children and families in the community.
volunteers & external staff
PABLO
RICARDO
CARPENTRY & GARDEN
NATHAN
TRANSPORTATION
VICTOR
DRAWING WORKSHOP
ITA & LOS MAESTROS DE CIRCO
SOCIAL CIRCUS WORKSHOP
Antonio
PLANT NURSERY
SARAH
JIMENA
MATTI
CLAUDIA
CHUPETE
TONATIUH
Louis
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.
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