About

Advocating for better, one transformation at a time.

“Bolivia has one of the highest rates of violence towards women in Latin America. Culturally, women also face systemic inequalities. And so when violence, justice and poverty are high, women and girls are the most vulnerable to exploitation.

But we believe a new and better reality is possible!

Project Suma fights against sexual exploitation, accompanying victims, creating opportunities and advocating for change to generate deep and lasting change.”

Innovative, cycle-breaking approach

With presence and deep identification, we show up where most people aren’t. We see the unseen in brothels, private clubs, jails, sex workers union meetings, health centers and anywhere there’s injustice and exploitation against women and their children.

When ready, we take a holistic approach to healing by addressing the whole person, including their families. Not only are we available in emotional, practical and spiritual ways, we also offer a trauma-informed, 7 component process that moves through a victim - survivor - thriver model.

With over two decades of experience, this holistic approach has brought wholeness and healing that redirects the cycle of trauma, poverty and exploitation in families.

Meaningful presence for over two decades

Andrea and Andy Baker came to La Paz in 2001 and began serving women in the red light district, becoming some of the first to do so. A community grew with Word Made Flesh for many years and in 2022 became an independent non-profit. The name Project Suma reflects their Latin American context and honors the Aymara women they serve among.

Project Suma now has a bustling drop-in center, Casa Esperanza, and is led by a diverse staff of Bolivians and Americans.

Values

“INTEGRITY
Our actions align with our words and values. We strive for excellence in all we do and say, leading by example, with authenticity, accountability and transparency.

HUMILITY
We approach God and others in a posture of learning and service, recognizing our shared brokenness and journey towards wholeness.

COMPASSION
We know, love and serve the most vulnerable through an intentional act of identification in the midst of suffering.

JUSTICE
We confront societal structures and systems with hope and conviction for human flourishing and the common good, especially for the most vulnerable.
”

APPROACH

“HOLISTIC
We pursue systemic and sustainable change for healthy living— emotional, spiritual, physical, psychological, economic and social. Recognizing the complexity of poverty and the wealth of available resources, we build diverse networks and partnerships to facilitate collaboration, with unity and mutual submission.

MISSIONAL
Rooted in intimacy with Jesus and guided by Kingdom values, we express our lives through purposeful spirituality and service, honoring Christ—liberator, healer and savior—by engaging in mission that aligns with God’s work in the world.

INCARNATIONAL
We follow Jesus’ example by identifying with those we serve, understanding their needs and fostering transformation. By valuing local voices and resources, we ensure our efforts are relevant and responsive to the community.

IN COMMUNITY
We commit to practicing the way of Jesus together, loving God and others, accountable to Scripture and one another, as a living example of the Kingdom of God. ”

As a confessing community of Christ followers, Project Suma believes in and adheres to the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed and the Lausanne Covenant.