Give Hope to Vulnerable Ecuadorian Children
Organization | Fundacion Hearts of Gold |
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Region | Ecuador |
Website | Website |
ProjectLeader | Maria Jose Orellana |
Fundacion El Arenal, founded in 1997, is a nonprofit community center for youth and children whose parents work around Feria Libre, one of the poorest sectors of Cuenca, Ecuador. The foundation serves over 60 children and adolescents and offers an after-school program, mental health counseling, and a nutritional lunch program. Most families who rely on El Arenal are rural, indigenous migrants who come to the city's largest market to sell their wares.
Challenge
Fundacion El Arenal relies on individual donations and foundation support to run its programs. With a tight budget, Fundacion El Arenal struggles to fund its nutrition program. The kids who attend the center rely on the fresh, healthy food that they receive at El Arenal. Without these meals, these children and youth could become malnourished and start to have difficulties in school.
Long-Term Impact
Fundacion El Arenal is a safe haven for some of the most vulnerable children in our community. In the long-term, the center aims to keep children off the streets, ensure that they receive healthy meals and help them succeed in school. El Arenal also works to break the cycle of poverty by providing psychological support and guidance to parents.
References
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