BY: yvonne agriam
Caminemos Juntos con Amor, Luz y Esperanza (CJAE) is a non-profit civil association in Colima, Mexico. Since its foundation on Jan. 23, 2009, it has served as a beacon of hope for the local community. The organization's name translates to “Let’s Walk Together with Love, Light and Hope,” which illustrates its mission: Improving the quality of life of children, adolescents, and low-income adults with disabilities, cancer, and terminal and chronic diseases in the Colima area. Beyond medical care, the organization supports its patients’ emotional, social, and familial development through counseling and support groups. Through the work of Dr. Rivera and Susana Gutierrez, CJAE is not only able to operate within Colima, but has the ability to extend to other communities.
Led by Dr. Maria Angeles Rivera, M.D., CJAE operates a clinic that provides a comprehensive range of services. Rivera collaborates with other volunteers, nurses, nutritionists, speech therapists, counselors, and fellow orthopedic professionals, all working towards a common goal. The services the team provides include nutrition programs, various rehabilitation therapies, psychology sessions and health education classes. In addition to medical services, CJAE’s pantry campaigns distribute essential items such as non-perishable foods, clothes, diapers, toiletries, and school supplies to their beneficiaries.
Susana Garcia Gutierrez has been aiding CJAE by advocating for its services and bringing awareness to the clinic. Gutierrez is a La Sierra University master's degree student with a focus on behavioral science. As a social worker, Gutierrez has a drive to serve the Riverside community, with a primary focus on young adults who suffer from neglected behavioral treatment during childhood. She previously worked with children in foster care, specifically in minority communities. She is also the head of “Movimento Influential Women of Work” also known as “Movimento IWOW,” which is a program that empowers immigrant families and women to speak up about their mental health. “I provide training to our members on mental, spiritual, physical health and basic financial information to empower self-determination and education in our community,” said Gutierrez.
With her occupational experience and involvement with the Riverside community, Gutierrez was drawn to the work of CJAE. Hailing from Colima, Mexico herself, Gutierrez had been aware of Rivera's organization since its creation. Although they had been friends since the start of the organization in 2009, Gutierrez mainly observed Rivera’s work as she kept in contact with her. Inspired by her mission, Gutierrez eventually decided to use her experience and join forces with Rivera in 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of Gutierrez’s biggest events in raising funds for CJAE was through her birthday gala. On Dec. 22, 2023, Gutierrez hosted a birthday gala dinner and requested that all of her birthday gifts be made donations to CJAE. Guiterrez continues to support CJAE through out-of-pocket donations, advocacy on social media and community events.
Gutierrez’s goal is the eventual expansion of CJAE to serve the Inland Empire area by holding a similar comprehensive clinic. She has already begun these efforts by teaming up with the community of Riverside, such as conducting outreach programs in the Latino community in hopes of bringing awareness to mental health, fostering healthy family support systems, and challenging the cultural stigmas of seeking medical and psychological help. “I want to break the stigma of immigrant children being afraid to ask for help. I know that they have to deal with two cultures: where their parents are from and their American identity. With that, it’s hard to navigate through their struggles without help,” she said. Gutierrez has also worked alongside the La Sierra University Church by conducting divorce care programs and support groups to help survivors of divorced families. Her frequent visits to Spanish churches from different denominations have also helped her receive referrals for families in need of emotional guidance, behavioral coaching and mental health assistance.
Although CJAE has not been fully established in the Riverside area, there are many ways in which the community can support the organization’s efforts. For the CJAE clinic stationed in Colima, donations can be made to the organization through their website at https://caminemosjuntosconamor.org/. Donations can be sent through the mail via their address, with their work hours being provided below:
Reforma # 81, Centro, CP 28000 Colima, Col., Mexico
Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:03 p.m.
More information on how to contact CJAE can also be found below.
Instagram: @fundacion_caminemosjuntos
Facebook: Caminemos Juntos Con Amor, Luz Y Esperanza A.C.
Email: contacto@caminemosjuntosconamor.org
Phone Number: +52 312 688-4063
La Sierra University and the Riverside community as a whole can also support CJAE by helping bring the mission of the clinic to the Inland Empire. At this moment, Gutierrez requests access to a physical space so a legal process can be made to expand CJAE to California. For more information, Susana Garcia Gutierrez can be reached via her phone number: (626) 399-1780.