Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Loya.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Casa de Paz was started by a group of volunteers almost 14 years ago. I started volunteering with Casa 13 years ago.
In order to gain some funding, a long time ago, Casa partnered with a volleyball league. That’s actually how I got involved. I wanted to play and instead one night we met Jose. He was released from the Aurora Geo Detention Facility. That was the first time I understood that there was a detention center, 15 minutes from where I grew up. Once I understood the work, I loved Casa ever since. The way it causes me to reflect on my own life and opportunities is humbling. I remained a volunteer, driving people through the airport, making meals, cleaning, whatever. Now I do the same but as an Executive Director.
Four years ago when Casa was growing and we needed a change in vision and leadership I was thrown in the chaos and we have managed to grow Casa purpose.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We work in the immigration space so the struggles are ever changing. Immigration detention is very dependent on the policies and events across our country. Casa de Paz welcomed 3,300 people for the first 9 years of its existence. Then between 2021 & late 2024 we welcomed another 18,000 people. Growing to that capacity in itself was a challenge. In 2025, we still welcomed over 600 people, just through our Welcome Team.
Additionally, when I came into leadership, I was the new girl on the block, so many people in the space didn’t always feel the confidence that I could lead an organization as important as Casa de Paz. It created a lot of drive to ensure that Casa de Paz would do well, and so far we continue to thrive and excel.
Organizationally, making sure things are running; Developing new workflows, all the time. Funding detention work can be very difficult, and so constantly proving that the work that we know is critical, and having to prove that endlessly.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Casa de Paz?
Casa de Paz is the only organization in Colorado who focuses on serving those harmed by the immigrant detention center in Aurora, CO. We are most known for welcoming those recently released from the detention center and providing them a safe and dignifying way back to their loved ones. People are released every single day from the Aurora Facility; folks get their shoes back but no shoe laces. We provide basic necessities and a welcoming space. We run a nationwide letter writing program that connects volunteers and people detained to ease the isolation that detention brings.
Casa de Paz also holds a visitation program for folks detained at Aurora.
We are extremely proud to offer educational presentations around what immigration detention centers are and their effects on our communities.
How do you define success?
Success is the ability to adjust and serve our community. Success is such an interesting term for us this time around. The success of bringing people back together.
Success is the hug people get to have upon detention release. Sometimes it’s making sure a person in detention has as much as they need to keep their spirits. The accomplishments look so different these days.
Pricing:
- Our services are free to our guests
Contact Info:
- Website: Casadepazcolorado.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casadepazco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Casadepazco/
- Linkedin: casa-de-paz-colorado
