Year Report 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Unraveling<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Listen<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Love<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Weave<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The year 2025 marked a year of consolidation, deepening, and maturation for the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation (CRHF). Building upon more than three decades of community engagement, CRHF continued advancing a holistic, relationship-centered approach to poverty reduction grounded in the Spiral Model of Development (PREMDEV)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n Throughout the year, CRHF worked across urban neighborhoods such as La Carpio, environmentally vulnerable zones such as R\u00edo Torres, rural regions, and indigenous territories. Programs addressed immediate needs while simultaneously building long-term resilience through food security, housing and infrastructure, health and health education, education and sports, micro-enterprise development, and volunteer-driven compassion and right action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Volunteers, supporters, community members, academic institutions, and healthcare professionals were integral to this work. Their engagement transformed service delivery into shared responsibility, ensuring that development was not something done to communities, but with them.<\/p>\n\n\n The Spiral Model of Development (PREMDEV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n CRHF\u2019s Spiral Model of Development recognizes poverty as multidimensional \u2014 encompassing material deprivation, limited access to services, lack of opportunity, social exclusion, and erosion of hope. Sustainable change occurs when these dimensions are addressed simultaneously and progressively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The spiral framework supports individuals and communities as they move upward through stages of development, ensuring that progress in one area reinforces growth in others. The Rungs of the spiral are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each rung is strengthened by human relationships \u2014 particularly the collaboration between community members, volunteers, and supporters \u2014 which remain central to CRHF\u2019s philosophy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Food security remained a foundational entry point into the spiral of development throughout 2025. Regular access to nutritious food <\/a>allowed families to stabilize household budgets, improve health outcomes, and focus on education and employment.<\/p>\n\n\n CRHF\u2019s food bank distributed food weekly to thousands of families in La Carpio and surrounding communities, prioritizing seniors, single-parent households, people with disabilities, and migrant and refugee families. Emergency food assistance responded to seasonal vulnerabilities such as flooding and economic disruption. Soup kitchen initiatives extended outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness, particularly during the rainy season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These efforts were made possible through a combination of local volunteers, long-term international volunteers, and visiting groups who assisted with food packing, distribution, registration, and logistics. Volunteers worked side by side with community members, reinforcing dignity and mutual respect rather than a donor-recipient dynamic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Individual donors, long-term donors, faith-based groups, and community supporters provided both financial contributions and in-kind food donations, allowing CRHF to maintain consistency and flexibility in food provision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Impact: Families experienced reduced food insecurity, improved nutrition, and greater household stability \u2014 laying the groundwork for progress in health, education, and economic participation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n CRHF extends heartfelt gratitude to Auto Mercado for their ongoing support of the food program in La Carpio and beyond. Auto Mercado\u2019s generous contributions have helped sustain food distributions that reach hundreds of individuals and families each week. <\/p>\n\n\n Through distributions that include fresh produce, staple foods, and prepared meals, Auto Mercado\u2019s partnership ensures that no community member goes hungry \u2014 especially children who rely on school and community meals for consistent nourishment. Their support has been recognized by beneficiaries and staff alike as an essential pillar of food security, bolstering both physical wellbeing and community dignity. Thank you to AutoMercado for helping nourish bodies, strengthen families, and uplift hope throughout 2025 and beyond. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Safe housing and resilient infrastructure are essential for sustained development. In 2025, CRHF addressed both emergency housing needs and longer-term structural vulnerabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n Emergency rent assistance and housing stabilization supported families affected by floods, fires, and unsafe living conditions. Infrastructure projects included drainage improvements, roof repairs, retaining wall reinforcement, and safety assessments in high-risk zones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Skilled volunteers with backgrounds in construction, engineering, and project coordination worked alongside community members and student groups to complete these projects. University volunteers contributed labor-intensive support under professional supervision, while residents shared local knowledge and participated directly in decision-making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A major focus of the year was continued planning and fundraising for the R\u00edo Torres relocation initiative, supporting families living in flood-prone areas. Journalistic and documentation support from volunteers such as Cat contributed to interviews and family assessments that informed advocacy and long-term planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Private donors, institutional supporters, and in-kind contributors provided materials, technical expertise, and funding for both emergency interventions and future-oriented infrastructure solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Impact: Improved housing safety reduced displacement risk and strengthened physical and emotional security for families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n CRHF\u2019s health programming in 2025 integrated direct care with preventative education, recognizing that health underpins all other dimensions of development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Health education workshops addressed nutrition, hygiene, chronic disease prevention, women\u2019s health, and mental wellbeing. These sessions were delivered to children, youth, adults, and seniors, often embedded within education and community programs.<\/p>\n\n\n Clinical services were expanded through partnerships with visiting healthcare professionals. Amigos Eye Care volunteers provided vision screenings and eye care services, serving hundreds of community members. Chiropractic professionals Dr. Joe and Dr. Patrick, accompanied by Nicolle and Ericka, supported wellness initiatives and youth engagement through repeat family-based volunteer visits. MSU returned to provide urgent care and general well-being checks for over 500 patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Volunteers such as Steven led self-help and preventative health classes, while Jake supported health data organization and record management, improving continuity of care and program evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Individual donors, volunteers and healthcare partners underwrote clinic costs, supplies, and educational materials, enabling CRHF to expand reach while maintaining quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Impact: Increased access to care, improved health literacy, and strengthened preventative practices across age groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Education remained a core driver of long-term impact in 2025. CRHF\u2019s learning centers supported over 800 children and adolescents through academic enrichment, digital literacy, and extracurricular engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n Programs addressed literacy, mathematics, science, arts, and language learning. Technology centers expanded instruction in typing, Microsoft Office tools, graphic design fundamentals, and basic digital skills, preparing students for future academic and employment opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Volunteer teachers, tutors, and classroom assistants played a critical role. Returning volunteers such as Stana provided continuity, while others, including Dalia, Shaye and Lars, supported English instruction, library organization, and educational programming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Volunteer groups from Rutgers, University of Connecticut, Central Connecticut State University, Texas Tech, Troy University, and European School students contributed teaching support, facility improvements, and educational engagement while participating in service-learning and reflective exchanges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sports programs \u2014 including soccer leagues and recreational activities \u2014 promoted teamwork, leadership, discipline, and emotional wellbeing. Coaches and mentors fostered safe spaces for youth development and positive identity formation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n CRHF\u2019s three Family Well-Being Centers in La Carpio are foundational to its holistic approach, shaping environments where children, families, and neighbors can thrive together. These centers, known as Montessori, Centro Modelo, and La Libertad, are more than buildings \u2014 they are safe, structured spaces where learning, care, nourishment, and community life intersect every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Montessori Center provides early childhood education grounded in child-centered learning, creativity, and cognitive exploration. Children participate in activities that foster independence, curiosity, and foundational skills in literacy, math, science, art, and theater. The environment supports social and emotional development while building confidence and joy in learning. Volunteers and teachers work collaboratively to create routines that meet each child\u2019s developmental needs, complementing public school instruction and celebrating diverse cultural backgrounds within the community.<\/p>\n\n\n Centro Modelo serves multiple functions as both an early childhood program and a community technology hub. On the first floor, CRHF\u2019s computer lab offers digital literacy classes, including typing, Microsoft Office, and introductory design skills \u2014 increasing youth and adult access to essential 21st-century competencies. These offerings expand capacity and open new opportunities for future employment and education. The second story of Centro Modelo focuses on structured youth development for children ages three to four, supporting foundational learning through play-based curriculum and social engagement. Volunteers and teachers work together to ensure children receive individualized attention while learning in creative, supportive settings. \ufffc<\/p>\n\n\n The La Libertad Center is a warm, nurturing space focused on both educational support and physical wellbeing. One of its hallmark programs is the hot lunch service, where youth receive a healthy, balanced meal in a green and welcoming community space each day \u2014 often the most reliable nourishment some receive. This program reinforces the connection between nutrition and successful learning, while providing a structured social setting where youth can engage in arts, play, and mentorship activities.<\/p>\n\n\n Together, these Family Well-Being Centers serve as anchors of community life, offering children and families consistent opportunities for education, nutrition, digital skills, creative expression, and social connection. They embody CRHF\u2019s belief that early childhood development and family support are essential for transforming individual lives and strengthening community resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Donor support funded educational materials, technology upgrades, sports equipment, and program coordination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Impact: Improved academic confidence, strengthened social skills, and expanded opportunity pathways for youth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Economic empowerment initiatives in 2025 focused on reducing dependency and increasing self-sufficiency through skill development and leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Programs included vocational training in baking, sewing, teaching assistance, and artisan production, alongside entrepreneurship support for returning migrants and community members. English language instruction enhanced employability in tourism, service, and remote work sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n Volunteers with business, education, and language backgrounds served as mentors and instructors, while participants increasingly transitioned into facilitator roles \u2014 reinforcing community ownership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Donors supported training materials, small equipment purchases, and seed funding, enabling participants to translate skills into income-generating opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Impact: Increased household income stability, strengthened leadership capacity, and expanded economic participation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Compassion, empathy, and right action are not peripheral values at CRHF \u2014 they are the connective tissue of the Spiral Model of Development.<\/p>\n\n\n In 2025, volunteers were integrated into every program area, from food distribution and construction to education, health, and documentation. Engagement ranged from short-term service to long-term accompaniment, with many volunteers returning multiple times or transitioning into ongoing collaborators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Individuals such as Fleur, Dalia, Cat, Shaye, Jake, Kay, Louise (Luisa), and Zander contributed sustained service across programs, while local volunteers such as Adriana and Allona ensured cultural continuity and trust within communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n (EDIT) We received Keren from U. of South Carolina who was doing research for her PhD. program on migration. She recently succsfuly defended her thesis and is looking at her next steps in life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Volunteer groups from Rutgers, USC, MSU, Pepperdine, Rice, Global College, Lakshmi Rising, and multiple universities combined hands-on service with reflection, learning, and relationship-building.<\/p>\n\n\n Former volunteers highlighted in newsletters \u2014 including Dr. Asa Tapley, Anthoni, and Megan \u2014 exemplify the long-term ripple effects of service, as early experiences with CRHF influenced professional paths in medicine, physical therapy, and public service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Through reflection sessions, cultural exchange, and shared work, volunteers were invited to understand systemic inequality and their role in ethical, community-led development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Impact: Strengthened trust, empathy, and shared ownership \u2014 transforming service into sustained partnership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most heartfelt community initiatives of 2025 was the Abuelas\u2019 Theatre Presentation, created and performed by the abuelas of the Foundation. Inspired by their own life experiences \u2014 many of whom migrated from Nicaragua and built new lives in Costa Rica \u2014 these theatre performances offered powerful, personal narratives about identity, endurance, family, and community. <\/p>\n\n\n The abuelas used creative expression to share stories that resonate with both youth and adults, using theatre as a platform for intergenerational connection and emotional healing. These presentations not only provided meaningful cultural engagement for seniors, but also served as platforms for raising awareness about the historical forces, migratory journeys, and daily realities faced by older women in La Carpio. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Through their performances, the abuelas strengthened community bonds, sparked empathy across audiences, and demonstrated that creativity and storytelling are important tools for empowerment and community wellbeing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n CRHF\u2019s work in 2025 was made possible through the generosity and commitment of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Their flexible support enabled CRHF to respond to emergencies while continuing long-term, community-driven development initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Building on the momentum of 2025, CRHF will prioritize:<\/p>\n\n\n\n CRHF remains committed to refining and expanding the Spiral Model of Development as a living framework shaped by community experience.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Cedula Juridica 3-006-204046 P.O. Box 458 Santa Ana Centro Costa Rica Tel. +506 8837-5205 Email: fundacionhumanitariacr@gmail.com Year Report 2025 The Unraveling Listen Love Weave Executive Summary The year 2025 marked a year of consolidation, deepening, and maturation for the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation (CRHF). Building upon more than three decades of community engagement, CRHF continued … Continue reading Year-End Report 2025<\/span> Executive Summary<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Food Security: Nourishing Bodies and Stabilizing Families<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSpecial Thanks to Auto Mercado for the Food Program<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHousing and Infrastructure: Safety as a Platform for Growth<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFamily Well-Being Centers in La Carpio: Nurturing Growth, Learning, and Community<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Montessori Center:<\/em><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSmall and Micro-Enterprise (SME) and Capacity Building<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nCompassion, Empathy, and Right Action: The Heart of the Spiral<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAbuelas\u2019 Theatre Presentation: Stories of Resilience and Cultural Memory<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSupporters and Partners<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Looking Forward: 2026 and Beyond<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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