Based in the rural community of Santa Ana, Costa Rica ( www.ict.com ), the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation (CRHF) works to improve the quality of life of the most vulnerable populations in Costa Rica. The CRHF now manages more than fifty projects throughout the country, focusing on education, community development, primary and preventive health care, and extensive support services for women, at-risk youth and indigenous groups. All needs that the CHRF addresses are defined by the local populations, thus ensuring a high level of commitment to each of our programs.

The work of the CRHF is carried out by a diverse group of volunteers from all over the world. Through the friendship and support of our volunteer network, the people in the communities that we serve learn to believe in themselves as they search for lasting solutions to their daily problems. CRHF volunteers are involved in projects ranging from counseling abused women and children in the greater San Jose area to helping indigenous groups protect their cultural heritage in remote mountain villages. Individual volunteers and volunteer groups from Canada, Europe, and the United States are placed in homestay families and provided with cultural orientation, work support, training and background, and logistical support for their individual needs as they complete projects of their own design.

Executive Director Gail Nystrom founded the CRHF in 1997 (Cédula Jurídica Número 3-006-204046) and has guided the organization since its establishment. Although the CRHF continues to evolve and adapt, our original Core Values remain unchanged:

Innovation: We develop creative and unique solutions to real social problems.

Integrity:    We adhere to unyielding standards of transparency, honesty, and accountability.

Cooperation:    We team with individuals, groups, and organizations from all over the world to realize our vision.

Cost Efficiency:    We provide cost-effective and economical solutions by minimizing administrative costs and maximizing the productivity of our volunteers.