Comunidad FAST
- Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico
Organizational Overview
Comunidad FAST (Faith, Social Action, and Transformation) was established in 2016 in the Unidad Obrera neighborhood of León, Guanajuato, eventually gaining support from Serve Globally and Covenant World Relief & Development. The organization's mission is centered on fostering community transformation through faith-based initiatives. FAST aims to create a restorative, inclusive, and spiritually enriching environment where individuals can encounter a living God while addressing the community’s most pressing challenges. The organization focuses on violence prevention and promoting the well-being of children, youth, and families. FAST prioritizes collaboration with local residents and leaders, ensuring that all programs reflect the needs and aspirations of the community. The organization is committed to developing dedicated followers of Christ and equipping community leaders who can contribute to the holistic development of the neighborhood. Moreover, Comunidad FAST plays a key role in addressing critical issues such as youth involvement in drug trafficking, educational needs, and the high rates of poverty and unemployment in the area. Through partnerships with religious, business, and government leaders, FAST empowers residents to take active roles in transforming their community, with a focus on both spiritual and socio-economic growth.
Beneficiary Population
- Urban Poor
- Children & Youth
- Women
- Families
- Leaders
Focus Areas
- Spiritual Transformation & Faith Communities
- Leadership Development & Training
- Community Development
- People & Family-Centered Development
Organizational Track Record
Comunidad FAST was founded in 2016 in the Unidad Obrera neighborhood of León, Guanajuato, an area plagued by serious social issues such as gang activity, drug trafficking, and domestic violence. The organization initially began by offering workshops in the streets and a local community center, where childcare was also provided. It quickly identified the need to support children and their families. By 2018, FAST had expanded its activities to the neighborhood park, offering workshops for women and children, and by 2020, it secured its own physical space, where activities are now held throughout the week. In 2019, Comunidad FAST became an authorized nonprofit, which allowed it to form key partnerships with institutions like the State DIF, the Secretariat of Social and Human Development of Guanajuato, and international organizations like Arigatou International. These collaborations have strengthened the organization’s work, enabling it to provide positive parenting workshops for parents in public schools and recreational and educational activities for children and adolescents. FAST now has a team of 11 volunteers who offer classes in physical activity, English, painting, Zumba, and inner healing workshops for women.
In terms of impact, Comunidad FAST has benefited more than 300 people annually in the Unidad Obrera neighborhood. In 2023, it began expanding its reach to the city of Salamanca with an ambitious project aimed at reaching 10,000 adolescents across more than 60 secondary schools, in collaboration with the Guanajuato Department of Education. The organization is also part of the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC), which grants it access to international resources and training, furthering its mission of transforming vulnerable communities into spaces of peace and well-being.
Key Leader Biosketch
Sandra Lorena Cázares Gómez, born in Torreón, Coahuila, and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, is a dynamic leader with dual Mexican and Colombian citizenship. Married for over 20 years and mother of two, Sandra has devoted much of her life to social transformation and ministry. She holds a degree in Business Administration from Universidad Sergio Arboleda in Bogotá and a degree in Theology from the Seminario Todas las Naciones in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua. Additionally, she earned a master's degree in Critical Gender Studies and Theology from the Comunidad Teológica de México in Mexico City. In 2000, Sandra became the director of FUNDEFAM in Monterrey, a civil organization she led for five years. After moving to León, Guanajuato, in 2014, she felt a strong calling from God to serve a neighborhood she frequented. This calling was confirmed in 2015 through personal experiences and biblical passages, leading her to establish Comunidad FAST in 2016. As the founder and driving force behind Comunidad FAST, Sandra has been instrumental in creating a space where faith, social action, and community transformation intersect. Under her leadership, the organization has become a vital resource for addressing social challenges such as violence, poverty, and lack of opportunities. It offers workshops, spiritual guidance, a faith community, and comprehensive support to vulnerable families in León. Sandra continues to lead with passion and a clear vision of empowering others through faith and action.
Funding History with Camino Alliance
In 2022, Comunidad FAST received funding of $10,000 USD through Camino Alliance, enabling the organization to expand its impact. With this support, FAST was able to engage over 9,000 individuals, offering a wide range of community-driven activities. These included creating a safe space to celebrate the Gospel, conducting cooking, art, and craft classes, and facilitating violence prevention workshops. FAST also provided after-school programs, homework assistance, tutoring, and food distribution to vulnerable families. This funding allowed the organization to deepen its outreach, addressing both immediate needs and fostering long-term resilience in the community, continuing its mission of holistic community transformation, combining spiritual, educational, and social support in impactful ways.