What is it?
Gracia’s Fund-Racer is a fundraiser challenging you to complete a virtual “marathon” of exercise, spread over 2 weeks, to support Gracia and its Mujeres Fuertes (“Strong Women”).
The marathon is NOT limited to running! Almost anyone can participate – everything from walking, to gardening, to weightlifting can all count toward your miles!
It’s really easy, you install the Racery App and load your activities as you go. Tracking your progress against other racers & seeing messages from our team in Guatemala is FUN!
The virtual course is set in Jalapa, Guatemala where Gracia works.
Race Details
Dates: Sunday, October 16 – Saturday October 29
Registration: $45/racer $25/student
All participants will receive a Medalla de Milagros. Our medal is Milagros signature and trademark: the pure silver fingerprint of one of our Mujeres Fuertes. The charm comes ready to attach to your own chain or bracelet.
Other Options:
1) Registration Fee + $20 donation ($65.00 Total):
Participants who donate the registration fee ($45) + $20 to total $65 will receive a Milagros sterling silver backpack or lapel pin.
2) Registration Fee + $50 Donation ($95.00 Total):
Participants who donate the registration fee ($45) + $50 to total $95 will receive a Milagros sterling silver 5mm stretch bracelet, a 20% discount off of the retail price.
Finisher Prizes!
To honor our partnership with Target, Gracia will be awarding a $100 Target gift card for the 1st finisher of the race and a $100 Target gift card for the youngest finisher of the race.
Race Details
Dates: Sunday, October 16 – Saturday October 29
Registration: $45/racer $25/student
All participants will receive a Medalla de Milagros. Our medal is Milagros signature and trademark: the pure silver fingerprint of one of our Mujeres Fuertes. The charm comes ready to attach to your own chain or bracelet.
Other Options:
1) Registration Fee + $20 donation ($65.00 Total):
Participants who donate the registration fee ($45) + $20 to total $65 will receive a Milagros sterling silver backpack or lapel pin.
2) Registration Fee + $50 Donation ($95.00 Total):
Participants who donate the registration fee ($45) + $50 to total $95 will receive a Milagros sterling silver 5mm stretch bracelet, a 20% discount off of the retail price.
Finisher Prizes!
To honor our partnership with Target, Gracia will be awarding a $100 Target gift card for the 1st finisher of the race and a $100 Target gift card for the youngest finisher of the race.
Medalla de Milagros
Milagros Backpack or Lapel Pin
Milagros Sterling Silver 5mm Stretch Bracelet
Medalla de Milagros
Milagros Backpack or Lapel Pin
Milagros Sterling Silver 5mm Stretch Bracelet
This Is Who You’re Supporting!
Mujer Fuerte Sucy
Sucy is the second young woman Gracia hired in the Milagros Workroom. Her quick smile and easy laugh serve Sucy well while she transitions new Apprentices into the Workroom. Under her guidance, a new cloud-based inventory system has been put into practice, and supply tracking has increased in its accuracy. Because of her facility with Excel and numbers, Sucy is our go-to when it comes to teaching these skills to her co-workers.
Mujer Fuerte Yasmin
In 2016, Yasmin began as a first year in the Gracia Entrepreneur Training (or GET) program and especially enjoyed learning the financial aspects of running a business. She currently acts as HR manager of the Milagros Workroom. Shy by nature, Yasmin has grown into her position; she now handles all HR matters with confidence and professionalism. Yasmin is a self-starter who strives to make herself the best she can be. For the past 3 years, she has taken cosmetology classes on the weekends and intends to open up her own salon in the near future. Gracia is excited to help Yasmin with her business plan and see her step out as an independent, young business woman.
Mujer Fuerte Erica
Erica’s parents brought her to the Casa Hogar to help her receive an education which wasn’t available to girls in her pueblo. She trained to be an elementary school teacher but teaching jobs were not available, so she was glad to get a job in the Milagros Workroom. For the past 4 years, Erica has overseen in-country sales in Guatemala. Under her watch, sales have risen consistently; their revenues have helped pay Workroom rent and salaries. The salary Erica earns in the Milagros Workroom allows her to help buy food for her family and assist with their medical costs.
Mujer Fuerte Ilma
Ilma’s parents brought her to the Casa Hogar to protect her from the increased violence threatening her community. She is the first employee Gracia hired and has remained fully employed in the Milagros Workroom for 8 years. Ilma has been an active participant in the Gracia Entrepreneur Training program (or GET) since its inception in 2016. GET introduced Ilma financial literacy concepts and inspired her to establish a savings account. In 2018, Ilma used a part of her savings and purchased three plots of land in her pueblo. Her family now uses the land to grow food for themselves, and Ilma has become the first landowner in her family’s history!
Mujer Fuerte Maria
Maria began as an Apprentice in the Milagros Workroom when she was 16 years old. She has remained fully employed in the Milagros Workroom for 5 years and has been an active participant in the Gracia Entrepreneur Training program (or GET) since its inception in 2016. She has an unerring eye for detail which serves her well manager of quality control in the Workoom. Maria has been disciplined with her money and has worked hard to establish a nest egg which she is using to build a small home for her son and his father.
Mujer Fuerte Emili
For the past 3 years, Emili has acted as COO of the Milagros Workroom, which she managed skillfully during the many logistical and financial challenges of the pandemic. Her quick smile and sense of humor make Emili a natural leader. Emili is a motivated learner who spent 2 months in an English immersion program. She practices her English whenever she can. On Saturdays and Sundays, you can find Emili on the fútbol pitch where, as striker, she has led her team to regional and departmental championships!
Support Staff, Josselin
Josselin Carolina has lived at the Casa Hogar for more than 20 years. She has developmental delays due to her history of severe trauma. Josselin had been labeled as unemployable. With hard work and Gracia’s help, Josselin has acquired basic life skills. Her tasks include making coffee for the Workroom and sweeping the floor at the end of the day. Now, Josselin has her own bank account to which she contributes monthly.
Apprentice Evelin
Evelin has lived at the Casa Hogar for 3 years and was inspired the work Las Mujeres Fuertes and the Milagros Workroom. Her interest led Evelin to join the Apprentice class formed in May of 2020. Evelin says she was “captivated” by how jewelry is made, and she loves the beauty of the delicate pieces. Evelin’s interest in art reaches beyond the Milagros Workroom, she spends her quiet time drawing. And she spends her not-so quiet time on the fútbol field.
Apprentice Natalia
When Natalia returned to the Casa Hogar after the pandemic, she asked to be an Apprentice in the Gracia Entrepreneur Training (GET) program. She says she likes learning all the new techniques involved in jewelry making. Natalia is a forward thinker: she believes her time as an Apprentice in the Milagros Workroom is an opportunity to learn and grow her skills for the future. When Natalia isn’t in school or the Workroom, she likes to play fútbol and spend time outside in the fresh air.
Apprentice Sandra
Sandra began as an Apprentice in the Milagros Workroom in May of 2020. She is a motivated young woman, who after watching the success and professionalism of Las Mujeres, asked to join the Apprentice program. Sandra picked up jewelry making techniques quickly, and now her favorite things to make in the Workroom are earring wires and leather knots. Sandra loves to learn and study, and when her work is done, she brings that same enthusiasm to the fútbol pitch where she loves to pick up a game.
This Is Who You’re Supporting!
Mujer Fuerte Sucy
Sucy is the second young woman Gracia hired in the Milagros Workroom. Her quick smile and easy laugh serve Sucy well while she transitions new Apprentices into the Workroom. Under her guidance, a new cloud-based inventory system has been put into practice, and supply tracking has increased in its accuracy. Because of her facility with Excel and numbers, Sucy is our go-to when it comes to teaching these skills to her co-workers.
Mujer Fuerte Yasmin
In 2016, Yasmin began as a first year in the Gracia Entrepreneur Training (or GET) program and especially enjoyed learning the financial aspects of running a business. She currently acts as HR manager of the Milagros Workroom. Shy by nature, Yasmin has grown into her position; she now handles all HR matters with confidence and professionalism. Yasmin is a self-starter who strives to make herself the best she can be. For the past 3 years, she has taken cosmetology classes on the weekends and intends to open up her own salon in the near future. Gracia is excited to help Yasmin with her business plan and see her step out as an independent, young business woman.
Mujer Fuerte Erica
Erica’s parents brought her to the Casa Hogar to help her receive an education which wasn’t available to girls in her pueblo. She trained to be an elementary school teacher but teaching jobs were not available, so she was glad to get a job in the Milagros Workroom. For the past 4 years, Erica has overseen in-country sales in Guatemala. Under her watch, sales have risen consistently; their revenues have helped pay Workroom rent and salaries. The salary Erica earns in the Milagros Workroom allows her to help buy food for her family and assist with their medical costs.
Mujer Fuerte Ilma
Ilma’s parents brought her to the Casa Hogar to protect her from the increased violence threatening her community. She is the first employee Gracia hired and has remained fully employed in the Milagros Workroom for 8 years. Ilma has been an active participant in the Gracia Entrepreneur Training program (or GET) since its inception in 2016. GET introduced Ilma financial literacy concepts and inspired her to establish a savings account. In 2018, Ilma used a part of her savings and purchased three plots of land in her pueblo. Her family now uses the land to grow food for themselves, and Ilma has become the first landowner in her family’s history!
Mujer Fuerte Maria
Maria began as an Apprentice in the Milagros Workroom when she was 16 years old. She has remained fully employed in the Milagros Workroom for 5 years and has been an active participant in the Gracia Entrepreneur Training program (or GET) since its inception in 2016. She has an unerring eye for detail which serves her well manager of quality control in the Workoom. Maria has been disciplined with her money and has worked hard to establish a nest egg which she is using to build a small home for her son and his father.
Mujer Fuerte Emili
For the past 3 years, Emili has acted as COO of the Milagros Workroom, which she managed skillfully during the many logistical and financial challenges of the pandemic. Her quick smile and sense of humor make Emili a natural leader. Emili is a motivated learner who spent 2 months in an English immersion program. She practices her English whenever she can. On Saturdays and Sundays, you can find Emili on the fútbol pitch where, as striker, she has led her team to regional and departmental championships!
Support Staff, Josselin
Josselin Carolina has lived at the Casa Hogar for more than 20 years. She has developmental delays due to her history of severe trauma. Josselin had been labeled as unemployable. With hard work and Gracia’s help, Josselin has acquired basic life skills. Her tasks include making coffee for the Workroom and sweeping the floor at the end of the day. Now, Josselin has her own bank account to which she contributes monthly.
Apprentice Evelin
Evelin has lived at the Casa Hogar for 3 years and was inspired the work Las Mujeres Fuertes and the Milagros Workroom. Her interest led Evelin to join the Apprentice class formed in May of 2020. Evelin says she was “captivated” by how jewelry is made, and she loves the beauty of the delicate pieces. Evelin’s interest in art reaches beyond the Milagros Workroom, she spends her quiet time drawing. And she spends her not-so quiet time on the fútbol field.
Apprentice Natalia
When Natalia returned to the Casa Hogar after the pandemic, she asked to be an Apprentice in the Gracia Entrepreneur Training (GET) program. She says she likes learning all the new techniques involved in jewelry making. Natalia is a forward thinker: she believes her time as an Apprentice in the Milagros Workroom is an opportunity to learn and grow her skills for the future. When Natalia isn’t in school or the Workroom, she likes to play fútbol and spend time outside in the fresh air.
Apprentice Sandra
Sandra began as an Apprentice in the Milagros Workroom in May of 2020. She is a motivated young woman, who after watching the success and professionalism of Las Mujeres, asked to join the Apprentice program. Sandra picked up jewelry making techniques quickly, and now her favorite things to make in the Workroom are earring wires and leather knots. Sandra loves to learn and study, and when her work is done, she brings that same enthusiasm to the fútbol pitch where she loves to pick up a game.
Mujer Fuerte Sucy
Mujer Fuerte Yasmin
Mujer Fuerte Erica
Mujer Fuerte Ilma
Mujer Fuerte Maria
Mujer Fuerte Emili
Support Staff, Josselin
Apprentice Evelin
Apprentice Natalia
Apprentice Sandra
Mujer Fuerte Sucy
Mujer Fuerte Yasmin
Mujer Fuerte Erica
Mujer Fuerte Ilma
Mujer Fuerte Maria
Mujer Fuerte Emili
Support Staff, Josselin
Apprentice Evelin
Apprentice Natalia
Apprentice Sandra
Why Is Gracia’s Work Important?
Gracia helping to create new lives for young women in rural Guatemala by giving them the tools they need to break the cycle of multi-generational poverty. To do this, Gracia offers a viable alternative: dignified employment in the Milagros Workroom and the Gracia Entrepreneur Training Program. With business education, skills, experience, and confidence, girls in rural Guatemala can have a voice and craft better futures for themselves.
The Gracia Entrepreneur Training program, or GET, gives the girls and young women of Casa Hogar the cognitive, technical, and essential skills needed to change their course. Cognitive skills build the bank of knowledge needed for the business processes and skills required in the Milagros Workroom. Technical skills are the abilities and knowledge needed to perform specific tasks of jewelry making. Essential skills are needed to develop critical thinking and problem-solving capability; they build a sense of personal worth and agency, guiding young women to interact with others constructively and effectively.
Milagros is the name of Gracia’s upscale jewelry line. All pieces are produced in the Milagros Workroom. Milagros is a social enterprise, and its Workroom provides salaried jobs and hands-on training for the young women in the GET program.
Who Are the Girls and Young Women in Gracia’s Program?
Las Mujeres Fuertes (“The Strong Women,” 21-29y): Las Mujeres are entirely responsible for Workroom operations. They are salaried employees who receive PTO, health care benefits, and have retirement savings accounts. Las Mujeres grew up at the Casa Hogar and now live independently.
Las Aprendices (The Apprentices, 16-21y): Las Aprendices are learning Milagros jewelry production as well as managing smaller business tasks, e.g., packing/shipping boxes, restocking supplies, etc. They are residents of Casa Hogar. and work daily in the Milagros Workroom.
Las Chicas Valientes (“Brave Girls”): 15 girls, ages 10y-15y. Las Chicas Valientes are permanent residents of Casa Hogar. Most do not have homes; all are facing lives apart from their families of origin. While too young to be in the Workroom, they can participate in ¡Adelante! Their ages are perfect for assimilating essential skills, resilience, and self-efficacy which will prepare them for futures in the Workroom and benefit personal lives.
For the third year running, we’re using Racery’s virtual race platform to power our race. Racery makes it easy to host a virtual 5k fundraiser and they recently launched a guess the secret word game for virtual teams.