At the heart of Latin America’s coffee-growing regions, harvest season brings both promise and challenge. For thousands of families, this time of year means long days in the fields and the difficult decision of how to care for young children when schools are closed. Thanks to the Casas de la Alegría (“Houses of Joy”) program, those choices are no longer impossible ones.
Thanks to the generous support of Barrington Coffee Roasting Company and other supporters, this past year shown significant results.
A Record-Breaking Year of Impact
According to the program’s 2024 Final Report, Casas de la Alegría has achieved unprecedented reach and effectiveness in its mission to provide safe, dignified childcare for the children of coffee workers during harvest season:
- 2,283 children received care — a 68% increase over the previous year’s total of 1,360.
- 18 Casas operated consistently over 4.5 months, ensuring stable care across key coffee-producing regions.
- 61 women were employed — up from 55 last year — directly boosting rural female employment and economic empowerment.
- 545 families benefited from the program’s services — a major leap from 356 the year prior.
- 201 coffee producers participated — up from 142 — reflecting growing trust and engagement from the coffee-growing community.
These milestones represent more than numbers: they’re real lives changed, futures protected, and communities strengthened.
How Barrington Coffee Roasting Company Makes a Difference
As a specialty roaster committed to sustainability and social responsibility, Barrington Coffee Roasting Company has been a key financial supporter of the Casas de la Alegría program — demonstrating that a commitment to ethical sourcing goes beyond beans and extends to the people behind every cup.
Their contributions have helped the program:
- Expand its reach into new regions and communities
- Offer educational workshops on child rights, safety, and well-being
- Maintain inclusive menus and specialized milk support to meet children’s diverse nutritional needs
- Deliver personalized care to the 47% of children aged 3–7, the group most in need of close attention and learning support
- Reinforce efforts to prevent child labor by giving children meaningful, engaging alternatives
Barrington Coffee’s role exemplifies how roasters can become not just buyers but true partners in transformation, building a coffee supply chain that supports farmers, families, and future generations.
Laying the Groundwork for the Future
Beyond the impressive growth in participation and services, the 2024–2025 cycle of Casas de la Alegría reflects deeper, qualitative improvements:
- Increased community trust
- Stronger partnerships with local governments and social service agencies
- A growing movement toward regional collaboration and long-term planning
Together, these changes point to a bright future for the program — one in which even more families can count on safe, educational spaces for their children during harvest season.
From Bean to Community
The impact of a single cup of coffee can ripple far beyond the café counter. Through programs like Casas de la Alegría and the support of companies like Barrington Coffee, the coffee industry is proving that sustainability means caring for people as much as the planet.
We celebrate the children, families, and producers who make this work possible — and the partners who help joy take root in every harvest.
Read the full report below or download it (32MB PDF) Download the report