Claudia Castaño

Claudia was raised in Colombia and America, countries of different but equal disparities and needs. What Colombia lacked in opportunity, it made up in wealth of spirit, inspiring her to bring Colombian kindness to American institutions of hope.

Claudia has taught in low-income schools, coached children with autism and felons with schizophrenia for community integration, coordinated services for at risk populations, served in homeless shelters, retirement homes, migrant farms, streets, and done grassroots organizing and fundraising.

After thirteen years as a community helper, a traumatic experience shook Claudia’s mental health and living conditions. The role reversal made her realize that helped and helpers were different but alike in dignity. In fact, it was individuals living IN the struggle, not serving it, that carried her past darkness. For many, it was not lack of will or charity, but lack of opportunity, that kept them in the struggle. Their light showed Claudia how social service institutions could better support client’s self-efficacy!

In gratitude, Claudia began Buenos Barrios as a personal network for struggling individuals to help themselves and others by easily granting small grants, food, friendship, a voice, and income through the arts. Whatever she could give she gave, if it empowered someone in darkness to find their first embers of light.