By Tomas Montemerlo | Project Leader
During the first half of 2025, Luz de Esperanza continued to expand its mission of creating dignified employment opportunities for people in treatment for substance use disorders and living in vulnerable situations. From our workshop in Barrio 31, Buenos Aires, we combined artisanal craft with social reintegration, producing thousands of handcrafted candles that symbolize transformation and hope.
Over these months, 42 participants took part in our workshops — candle-making, glass-cutting, and sewing — developing new skills, strengthening self-confidence, and finding purpose through teamwork and creativity. For many, this space has become a bridge between recovery and meaningful work.
One of our greatest achievements this semester was the growth of our soy-wax candle production, which increased by 135% compared to last year. This shift toward sustainable materials reflects both our commitment to the environment and the professionalization of our production processes. Partnerships with local organizations such as Patagonia Candles, Construyendo, and Los Naranjos allowed us to innovate with new designs and expand our reach.
Beyond production, we deepened our social support system through monthly assemblies, emotional-wellness workshops, and individual follow-ups carried out by our social worker. Each person’s journey is unique, and we continue to walk alongside them, helping to rebuild routines, reconnect with their communities, and recover their sense of agency.
A key milestone was launching a commercial mentorship with consultant Jorge Bizama, which helped us strengthen sales strategies, optimize logistics, and develop new corporate gift lines that merge social impact with design. These improvements translate into greater sustainability for the organization and more stable jobs for our participants.
Finally, our Aroma Box subscription grew to 68 active members, bringing the stories of our artisans directly to homes across Argentina — each box a tangible expression of resilience and beauty born from second chances.
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