Introduction
In Mexico, over 5.2 million children and adolescents live in situations of homelessness or high vulnerability. In response to this reality, the Mexican banking sector has been collaborating for over three decades to address this issue through Fundación Quiera, the social arm of the Mexican Association of Banks (ABM).
New Leadership and Current Initiatives
Friné Salguero has recently taken the helm as the new General Director of Fundación Quiera. Under her leadership, the foundation supports 60 institutions offering three types of assistance: shelters, boarding schools, and community centers.
- In 2025, the supported organizations provided direct assistance to more than 31,300 children, adolescents, and young adults.
- Additionally, they accompanied 8,700 mothers, fathers, and guardians.
Salguero emphasized the importance of equipping these young individuals with formative skills, mental and physical health support, and opportunities for family reintegration when possible. The focus is on ensuring independent living, complete education, career entry, and supporting families, caregivers, and guardians.
Strengthening Collaborators
More than 2,000 collaborators from the centers have been fortified with mental health and professional development emphasis.
“We don’t just attend to the children, adolescents, and young adults; we also work with those who care for them. Their mental health is crucial to ensuring dignified and secure care,” explained Salguero.
30 Years of Impact and Future Challenges
Since its inception, Fundación Quiera has invested over 570 million pesos and benefited more than 400,000 people. However, the challenge remains significant as half of Mexico’s child population lives in poverty with limited human rights guarantees, which could lead to socioeconomic failure without decisive action, according to Salguero.
Over the past 30 years, Fundación Quiera has transitioned from an assistentialist model to a social development and human rights approach, focusing on risk prevention, family reintegration, independent living, and educational continuity.
Moderate Growth with Quality Focus
Currently, Fundación Quiera reports moderate growth in supported centers. Salguero and the organization prioritize deepening their commitment to existing partners, establishing replicable care models, and enhancing self-sustainability.
In a challenging environment for civil organizations, with budget cuts, reduced international funding availability, and growing global economic tensions, Fundación Quiera aims to strengthen alliances with the banking sector.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Fundación Quiera? Fundación Quiera is the social arm of the Mexican Association of Banks (ABM), working to support vulnerable children and young adults in Mexico.
- What types of assistance does Fundación Quiera provide? The foundation supports shelters, boarding schools, and community centers offering formative skills, mental and physical health support, and opportunities for family reintegration.
- How many people has Fundación Quiera helped? Since its inception, the foundation has benefited over 400,000 people.
- What challenges does Fundación Quiera face? Half of Mexico’s child population lives in poverty with limited human rights guarantees, requiring decisive action to avoid socioeconomic failure.
- What is Fundación Quiera’s current strategy? The organization focuses on deepening commitment to existing partners, establishing replicable care models, and enhancing self-sustainability.
