How it all started

Richard Flamer served as a professional news service photographer in Chiapas, Mexico, and Central America. With a perspective derived from his Vietnam War experiences, he visually documented the profound affects of war and poverty on the Maya Indians and other local people.

In 2001, he and his wife, Araceli Flamer, established The Chiapas Project, a Catholic Worker center and farm serving the poor in San Cristobal las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico. Sponsorship is provided by the Des Moines (Iowa) Catholic Worker Home.

Richard Flamer and Araceli

Richard and Araceli with children who had recently lost their parents. They were able to find a loving and supportive home.

The Chiapas Project on Google Maps

About this website

In 2009 Jeff Donovan traveled to Mexico with Richard Flamer to see the work that The Chiapas Project is doing firsthand. Now, Jeff is a web developer who built and maintains The Chiapas Project website. You can contact Jeff on Twitter @_Jeff_D_ or on Facebook. He also occasionally blogs on his website.

Richard Flamer and Jeff Donovan