Hogar Maria Luisa

Hogar María Luisa (HML) is a foster home which has been a beacon of hope for vulnerable children in Argentina for over 144 years. Founded in 1877 by María Luisa Schulz to support children from immigrant German-speaking families, its mission has evolved to address today's most urgent needs.

Currently, the organization provides shelter, care, and education for over 65 children and youth annually, aged 4 to 21, who have suffered from violence, abuse, or rights violations. These children are referred to Hogar María Luisa by the State for special protection measures.

Located in the San Martín Municipality, Buenos Aires Province, the home ensures these children’s rights to food, education, health, inclusion, and recreation. Their ultimate goal is to help the children reintegrate into a suitable family environment or, in some cases, find adoptive families.

Supported by a dedicated team of professionals and over 100 volunteers, Hogar María Luisa creates a safe and nurturing environment for every child. The community plays an active role by contributing donations and volunteering, making it a collective effort to build a better future for these children.

HML has 4 simultaneous programs:

• Child Protection Program in which they develop different strategies to sensitize and raise awareness in the community of the consequences of a violent upbringing. Work is done with schools, civil society organizations, company collaborators and through social networks and the press.

• Children's Home Program with capacity for 20 children from 4 to 13 years of age

• Adolescent Women's Home Program with capacity for 12 girls aged 13 and 17

• Pre-Exit Home Program with capacity for 10 young women of 17 and 21 years of age

These programs are defined, implemented and supervised by a team composed of psychologists, educational psychologists and social workers. They are joined by a team of educators who accompany and attend to the children 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Home receives a subsidy from the State but since it does not reach 15% of the necessary budget, the rest is contributed by private donors such as individuals, companies and institutions.

Attentive to its values of quality and transparency, HML is certified according to the ISO9001 standard and its financial statements are audited annually by KPMG.

As of October 2024, it has been part of the global Keeping Children Safe network to continue training and improving the care offered to children and adolescents.