Strengthening Families in Vulnerable Conditions
In coordination with the PANI mobile unit, the Social Work department has been conducting workshops in Llanito and Brasilito titled “Strengthening Family Unity,” attended by approximately 40 parents and children. These activities aim to raise awareness among parents about positive parenting, understanding the foundational principles that shaped their upbringing, and learning new concepts and tools to make meaningful changes.
Positive parenting impacts children’s immediate development and lays the foundation for their future, helping them become balanced, empathetic, and resilient adults. It is an excellent way to raise the next generation!
Special thanks are extended to the PANI mobile unit for their support and intervention in various communities. Gratitude is also directed towards the Connecting Hearts Association in Llanito for their excellent hospitality, welcoming the team into their facilities, and connecting the community to this wonderful initiative.
Professional Training and Employability
Students in the Plumbing course built their worktables for class, marking the beginning of their hands-on training. During this time, they learned about measurement systems, the proper use and installation of pipes, and other essential topics. Complemented by stations simulating real-world situations, these practical sessions prepare them for future professional challenges.
Plumbing students during their practical sessions in class
Meanwhile, the Electricity course also focused on practical learning, strengthening the knowledge gained. Both vocational courses will conclude in January 2025, with a graduation ceremony to celebrate their achievements.
Electricity students during their practical sessions in class
Thanks to a partnership with the National Learning Institute (INA), the Pool Maintenance course was conducted between October and November. It combines theory and hands-on experience in pool settings. This course is especially valuable in this tourist area, where employment opportunities in hotels and private residences abound.
Pool Maintenance students during their practical sessions
In October, Basic and Intermediate English students taught by volunteer teacher Richard Ramírez celebrated their final class with a farewell gathering at a local pizzeria, marking the end of their learning journey.
Basic and Intermediate English students celebrate the end of their courses
The Professional Training and Employability program aims to empower adults in the community by providing them with practical knowledge and skills. This program enables them to access dignified jobs or develop their projects. This comprehensive approach fosters social and economic growth in our communities.
We extend our gratitude to program donors and volunteers John and Donna Sommer, Ted Alexander, Kenneth Hollingsworth, and instructors Marvin Granados, Isaac Lezama, Germán Chávez, and Richard Ramírez. We also thank the INA for its high-quality training and valuable partnership, which allows individuals to attend classes close to their communities, avoiding long trips to Santa Cruz or Liberia.
Successful Boy’s Circles
The children participating in this project continue progressing toward healthier and violence-free lives. They have learned that health encompasses physical well-being, emotional states, and interpersonal relationships. Additionally, they have experienced how physical activity significantly contributes to their physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being. Lastly, they have begun their journey into topics of informed, responsible, conscious, and healthy sexuality.
We are happy to announce the start of four new Boy’s Circles in the Portegolpe, Villarreal, Huacas, and Brasilito communities.
Psychology in Our Care Network
The Psychology and Holistic Health program has complemented the CIDAI (Comprehensive Child Development and Attention Center) program with Group Therapy, focusing on developing loving and respectful parenting skills. In this case, five mothers participated in a safe and reliable environment, fostering interpersonal relationships. This setting allowed personal growth through shared experiences and mutual support, creating a cathartic effect.
Some group therapy participants shared the following:
– “I learned that giving a hug is more effective than yelling.”
– “I expected to gain tools to improve my relationship with my teenage son, which helped me be more kind and affectionate during conflicts. Although I still lose my patience, I see positive changes in myself and am gradually applying the strategies I learned.”
The Psychology program at CIDAI emphasizes psychotherapy for children and adolescents, addressing psychological issues from an early age. This year, the program served 92 minors, with 28 receiving therapy in the last quarter for concerns such as behavioral disorders, depressive symptoms, family-related trauma, grief, hypersexualized behavior, sexual abuse, emotional symptoms, and more.
Psychology for External Individuals
From October to December, 40 new minors from coastal communities in the Santa Cruz canton received free psychological support alongside their families.
The most common concerns addressed included emotional symptoms, grief, suicidal risk, and sexual abuse. This quarter saw an increase in cases related to suicidal risk and child sexual abuse compared to the previous quarter. The program served 18 boys and 22 girls, with an average age of 10 years (pre-adolescents).
Group Therapy for youth continued, focusing on trauma intervention and family therapy with a positive discipline approach.
Participant testimonies about the program’s impact (shared with permission):
– “I’ve seen progress in myself, feeling more secure about my future, behavior, and emotions.” (16-year-old)
– “It has helped me understand that bad things happen, but we need to keep moving forward and improving.” (15-year-old)
Psychology for Adults
Thirteen adults from coastal communities in the Santa Cruz canton received free psychological support for issues such as sexual abuse, suicidal risk, domestic violence, and more. Of these, 12 were women and 1 was a man. The most common concerns included suicidal risk, psychological and physical violence, and emotional symptoms.
Additionally, a new comprehensive care project for human trafficking victims began this quarter in collaboration with Warnath Group. This project included training for professionals and immediate support for affected individuals.
Testimonies about the program’s impact (shared with permission):
– “I’ve learned to manage my pain and stop blaming myself, understanding each stage of the grieving process.” (47-year-old woman)
– “I arrived heartbroken and emotionally overwhelmed. Thanks to the group therapy, I now understand grief and feel hopeful and grateful for the professional help.” (55-year-old woman)
Extracurricular Classes
At Happy Feet, children continued enjoying weekly classes and had the exciting opportunity to participate in a skateboarding activity at Santa Cruz Civic Center, guided by their teachers. Special thanks to Nova Everson for their unwavering dedication to this project.
We sincerely appreciate ConnectOcean and Vamos Youth’s weekly efforts in the Swimming program, ensuring children learn and strengthen essential aquatic skills.
The Girls’ Circles in Matapalo and Cartagena concluded with an emotional graduation and a special outing. Thank you to Hotel Pueblo Dorado and El Condor Lounge for supporting this meaningful event. Four new Circles have begun in Portegolpe, Villarreal, Huacas, and Brasilito, expanding our community presence.
In the I am the Answer program, more individuals are being impacted thanks to professional videos provided by Fundación Gaia. Over three years, this program has benefited 665 children from 22 schools in the Santa Cruz canton through 30 online classes annually, achieving its goals successfully.
Children sponsored by the HERO Academy continue receiving weekly transportation for Jiu-Jitsu classes, ensuring consistent participation in this valuable program.
The Music School celebrated important milestones, including performances in Playa Grande, Brasilito, and Huacas, showcasing students’ musical and cultural achievements.
In the English program, classes concluded in San José de Pinilla with a graduation ceremony. At the same time, volunteer teachers Alexandra and María continued teaching children in Brasilito and Huacas, contributing to their educational development.
Finally, in Art, volunteer Sue Kallis resumed classes in Brasilito, where 14 children are developing their artistic talents under her guidance.
Thanks to partnerships and the commitment of our collaborators, CEPIA’s programs continue to transform lives and communities.
Women’s Circles
The Women’s Circles of Brasilito and Huacas were filled with enthusiasm and positivity, culminating in a beautiful closing ceremony in December. During this event, gratitude was expressed for all received throughout the year, and everything that no longer served was let go. The group also shared the sacred medicine of cacao, a revered plant.
A total of 30 women from both Circles completed their learning about the body’s energy points, discovering how to better manage this energy for greater well-being in their lives and relationships. They also explored ways to expand their consciousness and feel part of a greater whole alongside their Circle sisters.
The Circles worked on developing intuition, encouraging participants to connect with their inner intuition and explore the subtle world that isn’t immediately visible but offers deeper understanding and healing.
Another important focus this quarter was becoming aware of the healing power within each individual. Through specific exercises, participants identified the vital force present in everyone and learned how to activate it.
We extend our gratitude to Larissa Granda, Claudia Angulo, Eleana Alcocer, and Laetitia Deweer for their contributions in facilitating some of these spaces.
Sunflower Group
The Sunflower Group, for children and adolescents with additional needs, participated in a series of wonderful activities, including a pool day, movie night for teens, a boat ride for teens along the river, speech therapy sessions at CEPIA, music therapy, and a Christmas party.
The children enjoy this time learning and having fun with their friends, while parents take the opportunity to socialize and spend time with other mothers, sharing ideas and supporting one another.
This year, the Christmas party was a fun event attended by more than 22 people. The children had an amazing time and received Christmas gifts.
A special thanks to Capitán Suizo, Rancho Villareal, Heather Lovegreen, and our donors.
CIDAI
The early childhood group engaged in light table activities to explore the characteristics of fruits. Additionally, mindfulness and movement sessions were conducted, allowing children to explore their surroundings and how they interact with them. Meanwhile, the preschool group focused on tracing and shapes, which fostered the development of writing skills.
The Primary 1 and Primary 2 groups continued working on projects centered on topics such as dinosaurs and individual interests. They also participated in activities organized by partner institutions, such as creating mini-masks at the Civic Center for Peace.
Over the past three months, the youth group has developed program classes and processes, gaining enriching and educational experiences. These included a visit to the construction company OX/Frame Projects, participating in helmet-mask construction workshops as part of the “Let’s Mask Up” initiative by the Civic Center for Peace in Santa Cruz, and martial arts training at Hero Academy.
It’s worth noting that all groups participated in sports, arts, computing, English, and movement classes as part of CIDAI’s learning opportunities.
In the ATELIER, the Self-Care unit continued with small groups of 3 to 4 students from CIDAI. This unit provided tools to promote health, well-being, and body care while encouraging reflection on the importance of recognizing and respecting their boundaries and needs. The focus was primarily on reading and analyzing stories addressing critical topics such as identifying body parts, preventing child abuse, respecting one’s body, and expressing and managing emotions. These activities strengthened students’ ability to recognize and verbalize their rights over their bodies.
The students’ responses to these activities have been very positive, with many displaying increased confidence and actively participating in discussions, expressing both emotional and physical needs. This process created a space where children not only learned about self-care but also developed tools to maintain mental and emotional health.
Additionally, all CIDAI groups visited the APAMI Rescue Center to learn about caring for nature and the importance of not keeping wild animals as pets. In music classes, each group explored creative ways to compose and learn through instruments.
Circus and Body Expression: Teachers focused on developing communication skills, group integration, and self-awareness of students’ interests and future aspirations. Professionals from various fields—writers, lawyers, doctors, chefs, flight attendants, and police officers—gave motivational talks to encourage students to continue their studies and pursue their dreams with determination.
Based on these discussions, artistic activities and dynamics were designed to emphasize the importance of identifying dreams, goals, and objectives to achieve them someday. Throughout the semester, many children expressed their future professional aspirations.
To conclude the year, an artistic presentation titled Portal Experience was held. This year-end recital showcased choreographic creations developed throughout the semester and shared with peers and families.
We deeply thank all the volunteers who have enriched the learning process for CIDAI’s children and youth over the past three months. Special thanks go to the circus volunteer teacher, Ignacio González, and the social work volunteers—María Ara, Raquel León, Itzar, and Teresa—for their dedication, commitment, and valuable work with each group.
Vida Mujer
The Vida Mujer Project held two successful clinics thanks to the collaboration of Dr. Roulan Jiménez Chavarría and Doctors Juliana González Martínez and María Fernanda Murillo González, along with the invaluable support of the Salud y Belleza Clinic.
During these sessions, we were able to assist 30 women, providing essential services such as the insertion and removal of intrauterine devices, ultrasounds, and Pap smear tests.
Additionally, eight women accessed telehealth services to address gynecological concerns, thanks to the dedication of Nurse Karen Ortiz.
This effort represents an important step in our commitment to ensuring better access to health and wellness services for the women in our community.
Legal Guidance
The Legal Guidance Program, primarily aimed at assisting individuals who are victims of violence or human trafficking, has addressed 14 cases involving situations where beneficiaries face various forms of aggression—verbal, psychological, economic, and physical violence. Of these cases, 86% of the victims are women and the individuals under their care (elderly adults, children, and infants subject to violent events), while 14% involve children represented by an adult in cases directly affecting them. These cases require legal advice to facilitate the process of relocating to a safe family environment.
This means that each case benefits an entire family group rather than just one individual, giving the program a broader impact. It plays a vital role in promoting change and defending the rights of vulnerable populations in the coastal area.
Additionally, the program has provided migration-related guidance to an average of 49 individuals who needed advice on managing refugee applications or renewing their immigration status. Out of these 49, 40 participated in an informational session conducted by HIAS, a nonprofit organization dedicated to refugee protection, held at CEPIA’s offices in collaboration with the Legal Guidance Program.
We extend our gratitude to the Warnath Group for their support of this project.
Our Sponsors
WHALE Donors
Redekop Family Fund
Reserva Conchal
BOMBA Huacas
Gig Kaplan
Villa SOSE
Las Ventanas de Playa Grande
Todd & Mary Heistand Family Foundation
Troper Wojcicki Foundation
Jon & Lisa Reichlin
Jodi Gallant & Stuart Sheldon
John & Donna Sommer
FRAME projects
Bart Van Vooren
Martyn & Debi Hoffmann
Daley Family Fund
Leschly Family Fund
Ted Alexander
Huifen & Kirk Dunn
VOLO foundation
Automercado
Marlin del Rey
Marina Flamingo Foundation
Hellen & Will Hoeg
Nick Alers
Jorge Alers
Las Catalinas
Morris Family Charitable Foundation
Desarrollo Condominio Numandi
John & Alexandra Moody
ScJohnson
Access Electrical
Rotary Club of Oakville Trafa
Junta de Protección Social, IMAS, PANI.
Thank you SHARKS
James & Jean Scheman
Martin Salerno
Hyde Park School
Do It Foundation
Arlene Kahn
Sidney and Leigh Keay
Massai supermercado
Rivera del Mar Azul
Bookstore of the Waves
Beachman Bikes
Christie’s International Properties
Witch’s Rock Surf Camp
RPM Vacation Rentals
Studio ALTO
Traylor Portman
NEWO cars
Uniform Advantage CR
Commonwealth Cares Fund
Jerry Hirsch
Chris Cantasano
Mark Ramnauth.
Thank you DOLPHINS
Editorial La Jirafa y Yo
Matthew Floyd
MargaritaVille Hotel
Hero Academy
Rip Jack Inn
Altos de Eros Hotel
Capitan Suizo
Catalina Cove
Ocean Surf and Sun Int Realty
Robert Smith
SPG Holding Corporation
Gasolinera JSM
Greg Host
Jany Helene Cex
Ojos Del Mar
Good Vibes Rock School
Elevate Movement Studio
Nathan Hurst
Jeffrey Christo
Gerard Longval
Hotel Seis Playas
Laboratorio Navarro Alpizar
Wander World Travel
Britt Shop Costa Rica
Art of Floors
Florida Surf Film Festival
CheBoards
Kate Horejs
Walter Alonso Martin
Fourlin Memorial Foundation
Robert Fortin
Bill Simmons
Lauren Sparks
Antonia Bernard.
Also thanks to our donors:
Catherine McMullen, Gold Coast X-treme Soccer Club, Paula Chacón, David Caseres,Amazilia Travel, Estilos, Travel Pioneers, Destinations INC, Marcos Crespo, Rader Gaynor, Soul Space Retreats,Ronnie Jarolimek,Natalie Maclsaac,Matthew Floyd,Lori Leon,Gene Novak, Alex Lago,Stephant Rohrbach, Walter Martin, Zachary Jimenez, Luciano Sousa, One Stream Software, Andi Lineweaver, Giselle Simons, Hannah Birky, Brad Brinkmann, Brian Sims, Virginia Vargas Tenorio, Edward DeLise, Jeff Priest, Keen Adam, Presidential Challenge Charity, Luciano Sousa, Nathanael de Jesus Arías Salas, Claudia Angulo, J.W Marriot, Luciano Sousa Leao, David Caseres. Instituto Nacional de las Mujeres
Thank you for your material donations:
Jeremy Raíz, Milem, Couun, Roberto Céspedes, Ethan Trager, Lauren l. Dimaggio, Melinda Kanter, Sara Soellmanr, Alejandra Calvo, Dizizan Rodriguez, Michelle Morga, Julia Porras, Gettel Vargas, Rick Bauer, Pascal, Casa y Mas , Brooke Bingham, Sarah Spellman, Fername, Antonio,Trawy Ericksen, Tracy Erickson, Diego Sancho, Sebastian Villa, Agelie Maxwell, Ghenassia Laetitia, Karen Cerdas, Pablo Menendez, Jodee Lynette, Collin Elliot, Maria Laura Chacon, Ana Cortes, Stephanie Thomas Cash, Abel McClennen, James Oeinck, Cecilia Farina, Marianella Rojas, Christelle Ubrig, Kristen Posada, Kristi Riley, Witchs Rock, Danielle Hollander, Marianela Solano, Ana Alan, Reserva Conchal,Tania Nuñez, Rhonda Wurtz, Carrue Brown, Elizabeth Sandoval, ACNUR, Bruce Friesen, Angie Mora Zamora, Ryan Belisle, Thais Apuy, Anlly, Tania Huezo, Cecilia Cordoba, Britany Pamela Ramírez Barrantes, Theresa Ayre, Sabrina, Daniel C Horgan.Grettel Vargas C, Callie Boustany, Jean Pierre, Dana Elarte, Richard Dean Baver, Amelie Bicet, Andrea Mena, Eveline Larinire, Heather Lovegreen, Allan Segura, Daniela Marin Cordoba, Kristina Hugles, Benjamin y Chloe, Lerner Valle Beltran, Patricia Strus, Tricia Araya,Amandine Delebois, Megan Mathew, William Kloc, Murphy Miles, Marianela, Karen Belcourt,Hernandez Molina, Jen Sowunds, Diego Robles, Nidia Arias Romero, Maria Antonia, Campos, Ade Brica, Ryan Belisle, Gabriela Garbanzo, Eva Piero, Ander Briceño Diaz, Elizabeth, Sandoval Sauter, Zorielie Borges, Sabrina Daast, Jennifer Petrizzi, Maria Antonia Campos, Ade Brica, Sirois, Wilfredo Coronado Coto, Robin Cassidy Duran, Ruben Rohrbach, Diana Alvarez, Jonathan Woods, Petra Schoep, Maries Rebucas, Grettel Vargas Castro, Gregory Petin, Taisa, Dana El, Jonathan Woods, Thais Apuy, Vanessa Carmiol, Pablo Menendez, Carly Caprio, Antonella Ruso Baleck, Matter, Murphy Moles, J Woods, Nat Madsad,Emily Shaw, Sharom de la Peña Porras, Margie Lopez Obando, Greg Hadder, Joris Van Rooselaew, Dana Elarte, Alexia Duncan, Gian Franco Luconi, Patricia Kloc, Jeff Gasllard, Eleana Baruch Abdalah, Naomi Oberman, Zorelie Borges, William Kloc, Nicole Fritz, Stefany Rutkowski.Carolina Garros Calvo, Elizabeth Sandoval Sauter, Gabriela Garbanzo, Patrick Alla, Ingrid Vallejos Gonzalez, Jasmine Bertschy, Jose Antonio, Lena Gertsch, Beth Dave Denler, John Duncan, Christine Parrot, Erin Civello, Devin Zepeda, Nathan Hulst, Martha Sanchez, Sarah Spellmann, Cristian Ortiz Carmona,Sabrina Dawst, Vale Monti, Albert Barquero Monge, Carly Caprio, Colinda Chambers, Leanne Johnston, Heiling Larios Fonseca, Pat Strus, Carrie Brown, Marianela Solano Quiros, Kelli Hryhirchuk, Danielle Hollander, Patricia Strus, Jungle Luxe, Marianela Solano, Lauren Johnson, Jose Murillo Saborio, Jorge Gutierrez C, Sebastian, Karen Viviana Marin, Kristi Riley, Jessenia Rodriguez. Ama viajes y aventuras Paumo Sociedad Anónima, Corporación Caest S.A.
