2nd Quarter 2026
The second quarter of 2026 was one of our busiest and most productive periods in recent years. As the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation prepared to enter its third decade of service, we focused on strengthening our programs, renovating key community centers, expanding health and education initiatives, and building new partnerships. These accomplishments were made possible through the dedication of our staff, volunteers, donors, and the communities we serve, all working together to create lasting opportunities for families across Costa Rica.
During the second quarter alone, more than 300 volunteers from Costa Rica and around the world shared their time, talents, and compassion with CRHF. Together, we provided more than 100,000 meals through our partnership with Automercado, and over 500 children and youth participated in our education, literacy, sports, and youth development programs.
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Food Security & Support
Through our long-standing partnership with AutoMercado, CRHF distributed more than 100,000 meals during the second quarter, ensuring that vulnerable children, older adults, and families had access to nutritious food. Food security continues to be one of the foundations of our poverty reduction model, helping families meet their most basic needs while allowing children to remain healthy and engaged in school.
Access to clean water also remains a priority. Thanks to the generous support of chiropractor Dr. Pat, we installed clean drinking water filtration systems in La Libertad and Río Torres, two of the most underserved sectors of La Carpio. These systems now provide safe drinking water for hundreds of children and families.
Our La Libertad Center also established a new community vegetable garden, creating opportunities for nutrition education while producing fresh vegetables for local families and program participants.
CRHF also received and distributed more than 1,000 pairs of shoes, providing children and families with footwear that improves health, mobility, school attendance, and dignity.
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Housing & Infrastructure
This quarter marked the successful completion of major renovations funded through the generous support of the Swiss Embassy. These improvements are part of CRHF’s long-term commitment to creating safe, welcoming, and modern learning environments where children, youth, and families can thrive.
Centro Modelo
- Replaced aging structural columns and beams with reinforced concrete.
- Completely renovated the computer laboratory.
- Reopened the center following several months of renovations with the assistance of volunteers from Rice University, who helped clean, organize, and prepare the facility for students and community programs.
Montessori Center
- Redesigned classroom spaces with new learning dividers.
- Created a new computer laboratory to expand digital learning opportunities.
La Libertad Center
- Painted and restored the facility’s roof.
- Established a new community vegetable garden to support nutrition and environmental education.
Casa Quetzal
At Casa Quetzal, volunteers from the JD Sheth Foundation partnered with CRHF to build a beautiful new community gathering space that will support educational workshops, peacebuilding activities, holistic health programs, and cultural exchange.
CRHF also completed the renovation of the women’s dormitory at the local police station, including the installation of a secure locking door to provide greater privacy, dignity, and safety.
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Health & Health Education
Working alongside the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), EBI, and other community partners, CRHF coordinated a Community Health Fair in La Carpio where residents received health screenings, preventative health education, and referrals to additional services.
With the support of Valparaíso, more than 300 patients received general medical care, dental treatment, eye examinations, and preventative health education through our multidisciplinary medical campaign.
CRHF also launched a First Aid Education Program, using donated first aid kits to teach youth basic emergency response skills, injury prevention, and personal safety.
Our dedicated volunteer Paul continued providing therapeutic bodywork and wellness support to staff, volunteers, and community members while assisting with health initiatives.
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Education & Sports
Despite several months of facility renovations, CRHF continued serving more than 500 children and youth through our education, literacy, youth development, and sports programs.
The Read a Book, Write a Book literacy initiative encouraged volunteers and children to read together before each child wrote and illustrated their own story, fostering creativity, literacy, and confidence.
Two outstanding volunteers, Meredith and Katie, joined CRHF through a Vanderbilt University summer program. They worked closely with our teaching staff to develop classroom materials, strengthen curriculum planning, and introduce innovative teaching strategies that will benefit our students for years to come.
Students in the Rescate Sports Program celebrated Día del Trabajador with a recreational day focused on teamwork, healthy lifestyles, and community building.
One of the greatest accomplishments of the quarter came when our Rescate U-17 soccer team won the National Under-17 Championship, an inspiring reminder of the transformative power of sports, mentorship, and opportunity.
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Small & Medium Enterprise (SME) Development & Capacity Building
CRHF continued providing seed funding and mentoring to small family businesses, particularly those led by single women heads of household. These microenterprises—including tortilla production, food preparation, sewing, and other home-based businesses—help families generate sustainable income, purchase food, pay rent, and move toward greater financial independence.
The talented women of our Abuelas Arts & Crafts Program, together with local and international artisans, continued improving their handmade products while exploring new opportunities to increase sales and preserve traditional craftsmanship.
CRHF also continued working alongside Huetar Indigenous leaders to preserve and share traditional knowledge related to sustainable living, medicinal plants, cultural heritage, and environmental stewardship.
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Volunteers & Right Action
More than 300 volunteers from Costa Rica and around the world shared their time, knowledge, and compassion with CRHF during the second quarter.
A week-long team from Troy University participated in community clinics, home visits, educational activities, and cultural exchange experiences while learning firsthand about community development and poverty reduction.
Representative from the Swiss Embassy, Vincent, visited La Carpio to observe the successful completion of the renovation projects funded through their generous support and to meet many of the beneficiaries whose lives have been positively impacted.
Local volunteers Carla and Paul continued their faithful service by organizing our educational centers during and after renovations while supporting both administrative and health initiatives.
The work of CRHF also received national recognition through a feature article in The Tico Times by Mitzi Stark, highlighting our holistic poverty reduction model and the collaborative efforts of our many partners and volunteers.
We were also honored to be invited to The Lincoln School as part of the fifth-grade class’s end-of-year community service project. Each year, students select a nonprofit organization to learn about and support through a fundraising initiative. Our Founder and Director, Gail Nystrom, had the privilege of speaking with the students about CRHF’s mission, our holistic poverty reduction model, and the lasting impact that compassion and community involvement can have in transforming lives.
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In Memory
This quarter we said goodbye to our beloved dog friend Princesa, whose sudden passing deeply affected the CRHF family. She brought joy, comfort, and companionship to countless staff members, volunteers, and visitors over the years. She will always remain a cherished part of our history and will be greatly missed.
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As we look toward the second half of 2026, we remain grateful for every volunteer, donor, partner, and community member who continues to share our dream. Together, we are building stronger communities by improving health, expanding educational opportunities, strengthening families, and creating pathways out of poverty through compassion, collaboration, and right action.
Furthermore, as we look ahead to 2027, we are excited to begin preparations for CRHF’s 30th Anniversary. This milestone will celebrate three decades of service, partnership, and community development, while honoring the thousands of volunteers, donors, and supporters who have shared our dream and helped transform lives throughout Costa Rica.
How You Can Help:
- Donate: Your contributions provide bunk beds, school materials, and food security.
- Partner: We welcome local and international companies to join our CSR initiatives.
- Volunteer: Come experience “Right Action” firsthand.
Thank you for sharing our dream!
