For over 10 years , we have supported Pasitos de Luz in Puerto Vallarta. Located in the beautiful Banderas Bay region near Puerto Vallarta, Pasitos de Luz , which means “Little Steps of Light” , is far more than a charity. It’s a lifeline for families of children with disabilities who have limited economic resources, offering a place of care, love, education, and therapeutic support that changes lives.
Pasitos de Luz serves children and adolescents between ages 1–17 (with a few up to age 22) who face physical, intellectual, and developmental challenges such as cerebral palsy, autism spectrum conditions, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, and post-meningitis syndromes, among others. These are not a handful of children — this is real need, real hope in action.
Who They Serve — Numbers & Growth
Today, Pasitos de Luz is a vital resource for approximately 130 families across Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding Banderas Bay region. Each day, about 70 children participate in the center’s programs. Their dream is to serve up to 200 families as their capacity grows.
But even with this legacy of care, there is still significant need. Hundreds of children are currently on a waiting list for services, and expanding the reach of Pasitos de Luz depends on continued community support through donations, volunteers, and fundraising efforts.
A Place of Transformation: Services at Casa Connor
The heart of Pasitos de Luz is Casa Connor, the organization’s main facility located near San Vicente, Nayarit — about 30 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. This welcoming center is more than just a building; it’s a place where children receive comprehensive, free services that are often unavailable elsewhere in the region.
These services include:
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Physical therapy and hydrotherapy to build strength and mobility.
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Special education and developmental programs, designed to help kids grow intellectually and socially.
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Speech therapy and communications support, essential for children with delays or disorders.
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Psychological care and emotional support, helping both children and their families.
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Daily nutrition with breakfast and lunch, a critical support for families struggling economically.
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Creative and recreational therapy, from music and art workshops to movement and dance.
All of this comes 100% free of charge — a commitment Pasitos de Luz upholds because many families cannot afford even basic care for their children.
Looking Forward: Expansion & Volunteer Support
Pasitos de Luz continues to develop programs that expand its capacity and impact. One of the most exciting areas of growth is in volunteer engagement. Plans are underway to build on-site dormitory space for volunteers, enabling physical therapists, occupational therapists, pediatric specialists, and other professionals to stay longer and work more intensely with children at Casa Connor. This initiative promises to boost the quality and quantity of specialized care significantly.
The organization also collaborates with universities, medical professionals, and local and international volunteers — all bringing fresh energy and expertise to the kids’ developmental journeys. In recent years, Pasitos has welcomed occupational therapists from Europe and North America, speech therapy graduates from the U.S., and seasoned nurses and therapists from Canada.
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Community Support and Fundraising in 2025
Pasitos de Luz thrives because of its community — both local and international. In January 2026, the charity hosted its 12th Annual Fashion Show at River Café, offering guests a chance to enjoy food, fashion, and live music while supporting a crucial cause. Such events not only raise essential funds but also deepen community awareness about disability inclusion and social support.
Other popular gatherings, like the Illumination V Dinner & Show at Shangri-La Marina Vallarta, bring together chefs, performers, and patrons for evenings of entertainment while raising resources for care programs.
Why Pasitos de Luz Matters
What makes Pasitos de Luz unique isn’t just the breadth of services it offers — it’s the way it changes the trajectory of families’ lives. Parents who were once unable to work because of caregiving demands can go to work with peace of mind, knowing their children are safe, supported, and growing. Children who might have been excluded from education or therapy find not only care but joy, connection, and opportunities to thrive.
For visitors or residents in Puerto Vallarta, Pasitos de Luz offers opportunities to volunteer, donate, or participate in fundraising events that have a direct and measurable impact on local children’s lives. Whether you’re connecting through community events, supporting a monthly donation, or helping spread awareness, being part of Pasitos de Luz is a chance to make a lifelong difference
