Category Archives: Charitable Contribution

A Day in the Life: Gail’s Shared Joy and Grief

Saturday, June 9

Today, like every day, I see what are called my cases. I have an office, and people lined up to see me.

Jony:

A Nicaraguan refugee from 2018. Both his brothers were murdered. He lives in a house with his wife, 17-year-old son, and autistic son, whom he loves with all his heart. He has a chronic ailment. We provide him with monthly rent relief and a weekly food basket. His autistic son has been having constant, uncontrollable seizures. I provide Jony a safe place to cry.

Maria:

A Nicaraguan refugee with cancer. She has one child and has been diagnosed with cancer. Her chemotherapy and radiotherapy were suspended because she can’t pay for insurance since she can’t work. She lives with her mother in a house where the owner is an angel on earth. This kind landlady helps Maria get to our place and carries her food basket for her. I provide both her and her neighbor with food and talk with her gently. On Monday, she shows up beautifully dressed, smiling, her wispy hair combed, and thankful to us for our help.

Hugo:

An ex-Contra fighter with an extensive family. He always shows up with something to give so we can provide him with free food. I always banter good-naturedly with him because I am Gringa, he is Nica, and I was Sandinista.

Carla:

A young mother of three, including a very fragile newborn. We give her clothes, diapers, food, and love for her kids. She can’t work. I provide her with some rent relief. I see she is scared, and I see her.

Maria and her 13-year-old son:

He is trying desperately to stay in school and graduate sixth grade. He comes every day to help carry up the food. They just got evicted. I gave her rent relief, and our team decided to make him a formal member and provide him with weekly financial help and a food basket.

And So The Days o By

If I did not have the support of the donors, none of these fragile and gentle people could get their needs met. A listening heart is good, but a listening heart with some financial power is better.

TBT ThrowBackThursday – La Promesa

The year was 1997, the CRHF had just been legally founded in Santa Ana. Our volunteer work was centered in this area of Costa Rica. Down the street from the Foundation/Educational Resource Center was a squatter community of around eighty families. (more on the ERC in future posts)

The Beginnings

We mainly focused our volunteer work in La Promesa with single women heads of household, some of who were Nicaraguan refugees. The houses were all made of tin and some wood with dirt floors.

This is when our bunkbed program started with the Boy Scouts of CR. We also had our first theatre presentation called “Your Home Is Where Your Heart Is”

Reallocation

After more than 4 years of squatting the land, the government institutions were able to come to a peaceful resolution and reallocate the community to a low-income housing development. The CRHF served as a mediator and was able to help with the transition.

The houses the government agencies built are a simple but durable design made of prefabricated concrete. The CRHF, with the help of numerous volunteers helped paint and beautify the community, including gardening and cleaning-ups.

Right Action

In 2003 we began the construction of a two-story community center (seen in the picture) which culminated in 2005. This in part thanks to the efforts of national and international donors and volunteers. This center served as one of our first Family Well-Being Centers (FWBC). This is a model we have replicated throughout some of the most impoverished and marginalized communities in Costa Rica.

The community as a whole then reached what our Poverty Reduction Model of Development (PREMDEV) would call a level of Right Action. This means we were no longer needed as they were able to become self-sufficient in a sustainable way. By that time we had already began working in La Carpio and with children living on the street.

Transparency

You can read more in the 2005 year end report, the FWBC’s and the PREMDEV on the CRHF.org website. By clicking on the magnifying glass, you can search for this information using keywords such as “Family well being” or “La Promesa”.

As part of our transparency pillar, we try to make all our projects and financial reports as available as possible. Financial reports are available upon request. Please consider volunteering with the CRHF and for your donations to nonprofits in Costa Rica. Click here to donate or below for paypal. Thank You For Sharing Our Dream!

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Spreading Holiday Cheer: Donate to the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation

The holiday season is a time for giving, and what better way to spread joy than by supporting the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation? As we gather with loved ones to celebrate the spirit of generosity, let’s take a moment to reflect on the impact we can make through charitable contributions on this Giving Tuesday.

Making a Difference Locally:
The Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation works tirelessly to address local challenges and uplift communities in need. By donating this holiday season, you’re directly contributing to positive change in Costa Rica, supporting initiatives that touch the lives of those who need it most.

Empowering Communities:
Your donation empowers the foundation to implement sustainable projects that focus on education, healthcare, and community development. By investing in these areas, the foundation helps create a brighter future for individuals and families, breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering self-sufficiency.

Spreading Hope and Joy:
Imagine the impact your contribution can have on a child’s face when they receive the gift of education, or a family finding hope through improved healthcare services. Your donation becomes a beacon of hope, bringing joy to those who may be facing challenging circumstances during the holiday season.

Supporting Humanitarian Values:
The holiday season is a time to embrace values such as compassion, empathy, and kindness. Donating to the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation aligns with these principles, allowing you to actively participate in creating a more compassionate and equitable world.

Creating Lasting Memories:
The act of giving creates lasting memories not only for those who receive but also for the giver. Your contribution to the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation becomes a part of your own holiday tradition, reminding you of the positive impact you’ve made in the lives of others.

This holiday season, let’s come together to make a meaningful difference in Costa Rica. Donate to the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation on this Giving Tuesday and be a part of the change that transforms lives and communities. Your generosity has the power to create a ripple effect, inspiring others to join in the spirit of giving.

Remember, the true magic of the holidays lies in the love and compassion we share. Together, let’s make this season brighter for everyone. Click here for our different donation options.