INTRODUCTION:
huellas de pan is a non-governmental organization in cancún, méxico, that provides nutritional, educational, and social support to over 250 vulnerable children weekly. children facing food insecurity often experience chronic stress, which negatively impacts emotional regulation and development. evidence shows that emotionally safe environments combined with adequate nutrition foster resilience and self-worth.¹,² this project aimed to design and implement an emotional support space that promotes healthy emotional self-regulation among children attending huellas de pan.

METHODS:
a trauma-informed, sensory-based emotional containment space was designed and constructed within the huellas de pan facility. the design process involved staff collaboration, direct observation, and integration of research on child development and emotion regulation.³,⁴ the space included self-directive zones with calming sensory elements that encouraged non-verbal expression and emotional exploration. structured activities supported the development of emotional vocabulary and regulation strategies.

RESULTS:
children used the space to engage in activities promoting relaxation, reflection, and communication. staff and participant feedback indicated improved self-expression, reduced behavioral disruptions, and increased emotional awareness.⁵ the environment provided a sense of safety and belonging, contributing to positive emotional outcomes and enhanced engagement in educational and social programs.

CONCLUSIONS:
creating intentional emotional support environments offers an effective early intervention model for children facing chronic stress. such spaces promote emotional regulation, resilience, and overall mental well-being.⁶ future directions include evaluating long-term outcomes and expanding the model through community partnerships and sustainable funding initiatives to ensure continued impact.