In the Historic Center of Quito, a dream emerged
How we created Casa Victoria
Alicia, the daughter of Sixto Durán Ballén, former president of Ecuador (1992-1996) and former mayor of Quito, had the vision to restore a ruined house and turn it into a place of transformation.
Create a safe space for girls and boys to commit to living and learning the principles and values of Jesus of Nazareth.
Provide a safe and welcoming place where people of different backgrounds, ethnicities, and social classes can gather.
Accommodation for international friends who serve and participate in activities, expanding God's network and family.
2001-2006
Restoration process of our 120 year old villa
Casa Victoria began in 2001 as a dream that became a reality: to be a daytime home for many children. We founded the Casa Victoria Foundation, under Ministerial Agreement #2288 of the Ministry of Social Welfare (now MIES), in November 2001. Our first Director was Carolina Matheus.
We began the restoration process of the house in 2002, which was seriously deteriorating. It took five years because we relied solely on individual donations from friends and family. The project was skillfully directed by architect José Luis Viteri Elizondo.
In 2006, a pre-inauguration was held with special guests: former Ecuadorian President Sixto Durán-Ballén, former Honduran President Ricardo Maduro, deans of two universities, USFQ and UDLA, and other political, academic, and social figures who witnessed the start of this influential project. A year later, we opened the beautifully restored Casa Victoria.
Our House
Before
Our House
During
Our House
After
"It's an elegant, grand historic house with an interior courtyard, hardwood floors, fireplaces and several original decorative ceilings."
2006-2009
Early years and volunteering
Since its inception, Casa Victoria has relied on the support of volunteers from across the United States, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, and France, thanks to connections through friends, churches, and community groups.
In the house, we have room for six volunteers at a time. In the early years, volunteer's stays ranged from 2 moths -4 months; they helped care for 50 - 60 children.
Thanks to the initiative of a visiting friend, Danielle Miller, who had a foundation near Washington DC and did similar work as us, her system of "stations" was implemented (which we still use) where four groups of 5-7 children rotate.
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Homework Station
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Biblical Values Station
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Computer Station
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Library
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Games
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A hot meal at 5 p.m., prepared daily with fresh, nutritious ingredients. For many, it's the only nutritious meal of the day.
From 2010 onwards, changes in management and organizational structure
In 2010, after a successful tenure in administration and management of the Foundation, Carolina Matheus stepped down after nine years, and Carolina Bueno, was elected. Unfortunately, after a year and a half, she had to leave for health reasons. Thus, in 2012, a new director was elected: Alicia Durán-Ballén, known as Mamalicia. She and her husband, Dan Gheorghita, known as Dancito, have been leading and residing at Casa Victoria since 2013, bringing a more personal approach to the house's management and providing continuity.
Financial support and growth of our project
From the beginning, proposals were submitted to various organizations seeking financial support for various projects. Thanks to the professional, organized, and completely honest management, all proposals submitted during the 24 years we have been running this foundation have been accepted.
Here we have the following organizations that have supported FCV:
2005
Fonsal
Complete restoration and reconstruction of the roof.
2008–2010
DINADE
Construction and equipping of the library, plus installation of computers.
2011
Government of Pichincha Province
Children’s desks and chairs.
2013–Present
Supermaxi, Harina Santa Lucía, Banco de Alimentos, Ecopacific, VitAlimentos
Food donations: dairy, meats, vegetables, and fruits; grocery vouchers; school supplies, backpacks; cleaning products and materials.
2018
Victor Hugo Gimenez
Synthetic grass and metal hoops for the children’s soccer field.
2022
Alliance Française
Computers for the new computer lab.
2024–2025
ECUAplastic Solutions
Sustainable playground and hand-washing station for the children’s bathrooms.
2020–2024
IJL Foundation
Support through an annual fund.
Since 2019
ICBZ – International Baptist Church of Zurich
Annual financial support for the upkeep and repairs of the house. In addition, a monthly contribution. This support has been key for restoring the roof, walls, and paint of our 120+ year-old home, as well as for partially supporting the staff who lovingly work with the children.
2025
El Ordeño
Monthly donation of dairy products.
WUAWUAS PIZZA-CAFÉ!
In 2018, we crowdfunded to adapt, restore, and open a pizzeria-café in the basement of Casa Victoria. We accomplished this and have been serving the public with our high-quality products and affordable prices since 2019.
As a venture of the Casa Victoria Foundation, we have been able to train residents in San Roque, creating local employment, raising the bar on quality in both products and service and presentation, and providing an exceptionally attractive space within the vulnerable neighborhood of San Roque.
INTERESTING VISITS!
Casa Victoria has received visits from various notables. One of our favorite was approximately 10 years ago, when Franklin Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham, visited the house together with the famous Christian singer, Michael W. Smith. During their visit, they handed out Samaritan's Purse boxes to the children.
The house has also hosted political, business, and social figures from Ecuador and other countries who have been impressed with the project's impact.
SERVING THE COMMUNITY
In addition to being a space for children, Casa Victoria has served as a meeting point for the community.
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Bible studies for women have been held, along with craft workshops and family finance training workshops.
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Several candidates from various political parties have been introduced for the 2023 Mayoralty.
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Neighborhood meetings and talks for parents have been organized on self-esteem, domestic violence prevention, alcohol and drug abuse awareness, and other essential topics for families in the area.
In 2024, Casa Victoria participated in the Paraguayan Foundation's Poverty Stoplight program, which helped families identify their strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to work on key areas to improve their quality of life.
Over the years, Casa Victoria has grown and progressed, but its essence remains the same: providing support, love, and hope to those who need it the most.
