The International Day of Families kicked off with games designed to bring mothers, sons and daughters together. Families played cheerfully and friendly competition filled the air with laughter. People moved around—some chatting loudly, kids darting between tables—while joyful emotions mixed with the music, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
After the games, it was time for the Apthapi, a communal meal whose name means "to gather the harvest." Each family brought whatever food they could, sharing everything at one big table to strengthen bonds between them.
But amid the gathering, one person worked quietly yet intently: Hugo, our Therapeutic Area lead, stood by the grill flipping meats over fierce flames. Smoke curled into the air, carrying the savory scent to hungry noses. The women, teens and children watched him with curiosity—even surprise. In their culture, men rarely cooked; it is a male-dominated society where women handled such tasks. Yet there was Hugo, grilling with care, showing love and respect through this simple act.
The crowd’s amazement was so palpable that one teen approached him and said, “¡Casi no te reconocí! Pareces el papá de todas nosotras.” (“I almost didn’t recognize you! You look like the father of all of us.”) Hugo beamed with joy. Another woman added, “¡Wow! Los hombres no cocinan. ¡Todo está muy rico!” (“Wow! Men don’t cook. Everything’s so delicious!”) Others brought him chips and soda as he worked, their gestures full of gratitude. Hugo welcomed them warmly, seeing how deeply his actions resonated.
As everyone ate, shared stories and enjoyed the rare moment of relaxation, Hugo observed quietly. He noticed how the women naturally grouped together—mothers of teens in one cluster, mothers of young children in another. He also saw how eagerly they returned for extra servings, especially the meat, a luxury many couldn’t usually afford. Some even asked for leftovers, a sign of how scarce food is at home.
Beyond that, he picked up on their interactions—some conversations were harsh, even aggressive. But Hugo understood. These behaviors stemmed from their upbringing, the sexual exploitation they’d endured and the lack of tools to express love in healthier ways. That’s exactly why we’re here, he thought. To help them heal, to give them the tools to rehabilitate the relationship with their sons and daughters.
The afternoon is winding down, the sun is about to rest on the horizon, families left one by one with bright smiles and hearts full of joy. There's a spirit of jubilee in our hearts, seeing that this community is leaving with not only a full stomach—we give them hope, a renewed sense of a loving family and the quiet certainty that they aren't alone. In Hugo and the Project Suma team, they’d found people who truly saw them, fought for them and cared without conditions.
Hugo understands how much still needs to be done for these women and children; healing comes in layers—through shared therapy sessions that ease old wounds, through learned skills that can help them to build a new way of life and resilience and through the safe haven we create, families can finally breathe, reconnect and imagine a better future.
With our mission at heart, Project Suma is more than ready to keep moving forward alongside these brave families. But it's your financial support, your prayers and your willingness to volunteer that make events like this possible—moments where we can bring joy to our beloved community and remind them how deeply we care about their physical and emotional well-being.
Even when unseen, we stand as quiet guardians—eyes filled with compassion, hearts overflowing with love.
We’re grateful to be present among this at-risk population of sexual exploitation and abuse because we know our presence is an extension of yours. Together we are part of the journey toward change.
We consider it a privilege to walk alongside these survivors of sexual exploitation and abuse, knowing that when we show up, you’re right there with us in spirit. Together we become companions on their journey toward healing and transformation.
- Alejandro Vasquez, Project Suma Facilitator