Our story

In 1988, a vision was born among a group of compassionate employees from Banco do Brasil. They sought to transform the profound grief of a colleague who had tragically lost their 3-year-old daughter into a beacon of hope and support for families in need.

​

With a deep commitment to uplifting families in social vulnerability in Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, Brazil, the group embarked on a mission to provide aid. Initially, they distributed food to families in the Santa Rita de Cássia neighborhood, an area where families lived in makeshift shacks on the mangroves, lacking basic infrastructure and public support. As their efforts grew, they began constructing and renovating homes, alongside making generous donations.

​

On August 20, 1990, the Creche Pequeno Lar was lovingly established. It started in the backyard of one of the team members at Rua Henrique Moscoso, nº 2035, in Jaburuna. The name “Creche Pequeno Lar,” meaning “Little Home Daycare,” was chosen in loving memory of the couple’s daughter, whose spirit continues to inspire a movement dedicated to enhancing the lives of children in vulnerable situations through quality education and holistic care.

​

In 1994, the daycare found a permanent home at Rua José Rezende Filho, nº 169, Divino Espírito Santo. This community faces significant socio-economic challenges, with many families grappling with violence and drug abuse. Yet, through over 34 years of unwavering dedication, the daycare has forged deep, meaningful connections with the families it serves. These families actively engage in meetings, cultural celebrations, and educational events, creating a vibrant and supportive community.

​

Today, Creche Pequeno Lar warmly welcomes approximately 100 children, aged 2 to 6 years old, from Monday to Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. We offer enriching early childhood education, joyful recreational activities, restful downtime, and five nutritious meals each day.

​

Our dedicated team includes nine salaried staff members: three early childhood teachers, two classroom assistants, one cook, two general service assistants, and one administrative assistant. We are also blessed with the support of permanent volunteers, including an educational coordinator, a nutritionist, a social worker, and an attorney. Many high school students generously donate their time, bringing learning and joy to the children’s lives.

​

As a non-profit association, we rely on the generosity of donors, fundraising events, our thrift store Carlota Loja Social, and support from programs like PNAE (National School Feeding Program) and Mesa Brasil – SESC, which help subsidize our food supply.

​

However, sustaining staff salaries and covering essential expenses such as meals, electricity, and water requires continuous effort and support. Your kindness and generosity can make a profound difference in the lives of these children and their families.

​​​​​​

​

Our Current Challenge

​

Our primary challenge today is to expand and renovate our facilities on our own land.

​

Creche Pequeno Lar currently operates from two separate spaces: a permanent site (owned by the organization), where some activities already take place, and an annex area granted through a loan agreement (comodato), which houses essential facilities for the institution’s operation.

With the imminent end of this loan agreement in 2027, we will be required to VACATE the annex area. For this reason, the expansion and adaptation of our own property is urgent and necessary. 

​​

The Project: Building the Future

The “Building the Future” Project: Expansion and Renovation of Creche Pequeno Lar aims to reform and expand our facilities at our permanent headquarters, ensuring proper infrastructure, safe environments, and better conditions for care and learning.

Our goal is to offer a space that is more accessible, comfortable, and stimulating for the holistic development of children and to support the important work of early childhood educators.  In December 2026, we will begin the first phase of construction with funds received through the Child and Adolescent Fund (FIA – Fundo da Infância e Adolescência).

​

And We Need You

​

We need your help to move forward with this construction, so that Creche Pequeno Lar can remain open and welcoming to those who need us most.  Together, we can build a better future—brick by brick, child by child.