About

Advocating for better, one transformation at a time.

“Bolivia has one of the highest rates of violence towards women in Latin America. Culturally, women also face systemic inequalities. And so when violence, justice and poverty are high, women and girls are the most vulnerable to exploitation.

But we believe a new and better reality is possible!

Project Suma fights against sexual exploitation, accompanying victims, creating opportunities and advocating for change to generate deep and lasting change.”

Innovative, cycle-breaking approach

With presence and deep identification, we show up where most people aren’t. We see the unseen in brothels, private clubs, jails, sex workers union meetings, health centers and anywhere there’s injustice and exploitation against women and their children.

When ready, we take a holistic approach to healing by addressing the whole person, including their families. Not only are we available in emotional, practical and spiritual ways, we also offer a trauma-informed, 7 component process that moves through a victim - survivor - thriver model.

With over two decades of experience, this holistic approach has brought wholeness and healing that redirects the cycle of trauma, poverty and exploitation in families.

Meaningful presence for over two decades

Andrea and Andy Baker came to La Paz in 2001 and began serving women in the red light district, becoming some of the first to do so. A community grew with Word Made Flesh for many years and in 2022 became an independent non-profit. The name Project Suma reflects their Latin American context and honors the Aymara women they serve among.

Project Suma now has a bustling drop-in center, Casa Esperanza, and is led by a diverse staff of Bolivians and Americans.

Values

“INTEGRITY
Through intimacy with Jesus, we seek to live in accordance with what we say and do, striving for transparency and excellence in all areas of our life.

JUSTICE
We seek to right wrongs against the most vulnerable and extend honor to all in accordance with the values of the Kingdom of God.

VULNERABILITY
We acknowledge our mutual brokenness which leads us to seek collective wholeness.

COMPASSION
Through our lives of service, we celebrate compassion as a sacrificial act of identification in the midst of suffering.

COMMUNITY
We create a safe space for the care and mutual growth of all.”