Costa Rica: Funda Vida

HOPE, PURPOSE, FREEDOM – FUNDA VIDA

Founded in 1995, Funda Vida Foundation is a non-governmental organization based in Costa Rica that provides help for children in social risk. The inner cities of Costa Rica are abound with financial problems, drug deals, the black-market activities, teen prostitution, violence, family problems, and many more issues.

Funda Vida's goal is to bring life-giving hope to children and youth trapped in the destructive cycle of poverty. Without intervention, poverty will continue to ravage generation after generation. Poverty enslaves young people with a mentality of entitlement that demands: "I'm poor. You owe me!" Despair leads to desperation and desperation to violence, drugs and prostitution. This destructive cycle can be broken through caring people and programs that address the multiple needs these children face.

Pura Vida has been heavily supporting the operation of Funda Vida for over a decade committing over $70,000 per year. The organization is directed by Chris Dearnley, one of the co-founders of Pura Vida. Funda Vida operates nutrition centers, computer centers, and sports programs in four neighborhoods throughout San Jose for over 400 children. Providing these basic necessities, along with positive role models, creates children who believe they can succeed and the cycle of poverty can be broken.

Carlos Chavarria is a 17 year old young man who has benefited from the Funda Vida programs for over ten years. Carlos comes from a family with many problems stemming from drugs, violence, and abandonment. Today, Carlos is a leader on the soccer team, a cabin leader at campouts for kids and is starting a program for teens. He is a true example for the rest of the youth in his community.

Jose comes from a highly troubled family. His mom was involved in prostitution and was a drug addict. She has since changed her life but their financial situation is desperate and with little access to help. Pura Vida supports the Funda Vida Linda Vista center where Jose receives free counseling, computer classes, and a needed meal. This program helps Jose stay in school, learn new skills and even aspire to become a veterinarian.

Learn more about our partner, Funda Vida