This past September, Casa La Serena celebrated its 10th anniversary! Channel extends its heartfelt thanks to Casa La Serena in partnership with Consorcio Oaxaca a legacy grantee and Im-Defensoras for a decade of groundbreaking work and for its leadership in the humanitarian sector.
Ten years ago, Casa La Serena introduced a new concept, the respite house in Oaxaca, Mexico. Unlike a safe house, a respite house does not need to remain hidden. It offers a place of rest and renewal for human rights defenders and activists whose work can bring exhaustion, burnout, grief, and other challenges. These spaces are just as vital as safe houses to the longevity of activist movements. Sustaining the work of human rights defenders requires not only protection, but also opportunities to rest, recover, heal, and reflect.
Casa La Serena began with this vision and has since grown into a broader operation supporting women so they can continue doing meaningful work in their communities and across the human rights sector. Its respite house provides a space for defenders experiencing the intense effects of their work to regain strength and reconnect with themselves and their purpose.
To mark this milestone, Casa La Serena has shared its report, “Alfareras del Cuidado: Defensoras de Barro y Fuego,” reflecting on the work of its respite house over the past decade. The report is currently available in Spanish, with hopes it will soon be translated so that its lessons can help inspire the creation of more respite houses around the world.
Casa La Serena has also created a video and dedicated episode 28 of their podcast La Enradiadera to explore its journey over the past ten years. Both offer more people the opportunity to learn about the organization’s work and the importance of respite and care for human rights defenders.
Channel is proud to celebrate Casa La Serena’s pioneering work and its contributions to the long-term sustainability of activist movements. We look forward to continuing to support its growth and accomplishments in the decade ahead.
Congratulations to Casa La Serena on ten years of care, leadership, and impact!
