La Casa Guadalupana is a nonprofit committed to providing family literacy and education training opportunities in Southwest Detroit. We know education can help end poverty for the Detroit Hispanic population, 54% of whom lack a high school diploma. In 2019 La Casa Guadalupana served more than 179 people, mostly mothers who had not graduated from high school, and who did not work outside the home because of poor literacy skills. We also provide tutoring services for children of these families, who are less likely to read proficiently and graduate from high school on time.
In 2011, Sister Marie Benzing, an educator with over 45 years’ experience, was running a successful tutoring program in the rectory of Our Lady of Guadalupe parish in Southwest Detroit. In 2014, Rev. Marie-Elie Haby, pastor of the parish, was working to improve job training opportunities in the Hispanic community. Haby and Benzing realized the need for education opportunities for adults in the area, especially mothers and their children, and launched La Casa Guadalupana in 2015.
La Casa Guadalupana offers a holistic approach to family literacy, offering day and evening classes using a collaborative, dual language framework. We provide adult basic education, GED classes, and ESL instruction to adults and after-school tutoring to children grades 1-8. We offer workshops on technology and financial literacy and partner with SER Metro to prepare students to join the work force.
Our unique approach ensures economic security and future prospects, helping people build strong, enduring bridges to the American Dream. When they achieve the dream, we all benefit.
"Our Students developed a passion for education. Their eyes tell that! But all they are asking for is someone who can invest in their passion and their future."
