We are proud co-founders of:
Centro Comunitario La Villita
Founded in 2023, in partnership with Corazón de Valor y Fortaleza and Instituto Gaspar Yanga, the center is a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and intergenerational hub that brings together grassroots organizations and women-led cooperatives. United by a
shared vision, we work collaboratively to foster a strong culture of community interdependence, collective healing, and mutual aid.
HOLISTIC HEALING
In a setting designed to restore safety, power, and self-worth, we offer Latina immigrants, especially survivors of gender-based violence, a Trauma-Informed Holistic Healing Program that combines evidence-based therapies with holistic practices:
Photo: Embroidering to Heal Program
In a setting designed to restore safety, power, and self-worth, we offer Latina immigrants, especially survivors of gender-based violence, a Trauma-Informed Holistic Healing Program that combines evidence-based therapies with holistic practices:
Photo: Embroidering to Heal Program
- Expressive therapies: Art, embroidery, writing and storytelling.
- Physical therapies: Yoga, dance, sound and ancestral medicine.
- Mindfulness practices: Breathwork, grounding and meditation.
- Spiritual support: Ancestral healing circles, meditation and nature connection.
INCOME-GENERATING PROGRAMS
Building on their existing skills, participants receive support to lead on-site community initiatives that generate income through nominal service fees or to develop home-based businesses. In addition, we offer cooperative development training. To date, we have established three women's co-ops.
Building on their existing skills, participants receive support to lead on-site community initiatives that generate income through nominal service fees or to develop home-based businesses. In addition, we offer cooperative development training. To date, we have established three women's co-ops.
Photo: Sewing & Dressmaking Studio Photo: Sorority Shop Co-op Photo: Sendero Holistico Co-op
CO-FOUNDERS
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Corazón de Valor y Fortaleza Corazón de Valor y Fortaleza (Heart of Courage and Strength) is a grassroots initiative launched in 2015 from the basement of a parish in Chicago Lawn. At a time when Spanish-speaking survivors in the area lacked access to services, CVYF brought together survivors of domestic violence to establish the project. Staying true to its roots, CVYF remains committed to supporting survivors’ healing, empowerment, and self-determination. Instituto Gaspar Yanga IGY supports community healing by addressing the root causes of interpersonal and generalized violence. It serves the Black and Brown communities in Chicago’s South & West Sides by providing programming, workshops, and services to immigrant women and their families with a focus on those impacted by gender-based violence and structural oppression. |
