School Supplies Campaign
CEPIA successfully delivered school supply kits and backpacks to 1,079 children and youth in the cantons of Santa Cruz and Carrillo.
Materials were distributed across 41 schools and 4 high schools, prioritizing students with the greatest needs in communities such as: Huacas, Brasilito, Potrero, El Llanito, Santa Rosa, Villarreal, Linderos, Los Ranchos, Hatillo, Trapiche, Hernández, San Francisco, San José de Pinilla, Paraíso, Río Seco, El Guapote, 27 de Abril, Paso Hondo, Portegolpe, El Llano, Lorena, Cartagena, Tempate, Matapalo, Playa Grande, La Garita Vieja, La Garita Nueva, El Coco, Santa Rita, Playa Hermosa, Las Palmas, Sardinal, Palmira, Guardia, Obandito, CTP Carrillo, CTP Cartagena, including the Child Development and Comprehensive Care Center (CIDAI-CEPIA).
This was made possible thanks to the funds raised through Auto Mercado’s fundraising campaign at their Coco and Tamarindo locations (₡12,339,757), as well as part of the funds raised during the 2026 Black and White Fundraiser Gala (₡4,000,000), whose generosity covered the purchase of all distributed materials.
In addition, the Black and White Gala was a great success. Thanks to the presence and support of all attendees and sponsors, a total of ₡25,175,000 was raised. These funds directly supported key initiatives, with a portion allocated to the School Supplies Campaign and ₡21,175,000 invested in the After-School Program, benefiting 850 participants.
A special thanks to the volunteers who made the backpack distribution possible: Sebastián Ugalde, Susanne Arriela, Brenda Rosario, Yaneli Solís, Jody Sheldon, Douglas Quirós, Tessa Els, Kimberly Blaquiere, Mayzel Ruiz, Javier Castañeda, Denise Palacios, Roxana Arrieta, Randol Víquez, Yobeth González, Dorian Henry, María José Cappa, and Ana Jiménez.
Strengthening Families in Vulnerable Conditions
During the first quarter of the year, 25 support requests were addressed through personalized assistance and coordination with internal and external resources to meet priority needs. Of these families, 14 required direct support, including specific donations, guidance, and coordination with public and private institutions to ensure access to basic resources.
A total of 12 home visits were conducted, along with socio-economic reports to validate conditions and guide resource allocation.
9 referrals were made to CEPIA’s internal programs, including after-school classes, legal support, the Girasol group, psychology services, and the Women’s Volunteer Committee.
Additionally, 18 food packages, 3 clothing donations, 3 mattresses, and 1 bicycle were delivered to families in greatest need.
Women’s Circle
During this period, the program entered its seventh year, consolidating a safe space for both personal and group growth, characterized by trust and the active participation of more than 30 members.
Based on an initial assessment, priority was given to strengthening overall health, with a focus on stress management, anxiety, and vitality. Sessions were developed to support both physical and emotional well-being, including nature connection activities, health education on stages such as premenopause and menopause, and self-care practices related to plant use and healthy nutrition.
We extend our gratitude to Natalia García, Dr. Mariana Trejos, Dr. Diana Fuentes, Sami Sneider, and all volunteers for their valuable contributions.
Training and Employability
With the support of the National Learning Institute (INA) and volunteer Melissa Foy, 6 new courses were launched: intermediate conversational English, computer skills, basic English, food handling, traditional Guanacastecan cooking, and basic maritime training.
During this period, 134 students graduated: 52 in Food Handling, 42 in English for Cooking, 15 in Basic Boat Boarding Training, 11 in Plumbing, 10 in Traditional Guanacastecan Cooking, and 4 in Digital Tools for Income Generation.
Additionally, a website was launched with course information and registration, attracting participants from nearly all communities within the area of influence, aged 18 to 56, primarily women.
Graduating group of the Plumbing Course
First Aid Module – Basic Boat Boarding Course
Ten groups of graduates participated in job-readiness workshops, complemented by a dynamic WhatsApp-based job vacancy system to support active job searching.
Vida Mujer
This project continues to strengthen its community impact through weekly gynecological care campaigns at the clinic located at North Pacific Clinic. During this quarter, 43 women accessed comprehensive care services, including HPV testing, Pap smears, copper IUD placement when required, and sexual education spaces focused on prevention and self-care.
Additionally, a joint workshop with the Women’s Circle was held with 24 participants, addressing perimenopause and menopause. This space fostered the exchange of experiences in an environment of trust and active participation.
The project expresses its gratitude to all partners and individuals who make these initiatives possible, as well as to every woman who places her trust in the program.
After-School Program
The After-School Program is starting 2026 with exciting transformations.
Academic Support
In Brasilito and Playa Grande, a new primary school teacher, Katherinne Obando, is supporting students at academic risk. A Summer Camp was also held in Brasilito, where 12 students from grades 1–6 strengthened reading, writing, and math skills through playful activities.
At the start of the school year, diagnostic tests were conducted to identify needs and develop individualized intervention plans.
English classes resumed in Playa Grande (David Cothran), San José de Pinilla (Steven Azofeifa), and Huacas (María Perkins), with 45 children and teenagers strengthening their language skills.
Sports
In February, Franco and Demian from Surf for Youth participated in the “Tag Team with the Pros” event of the Guanacaste Surf Circuit.
In March, new beginner surf groups were opened, existing groups expanded, and the intermediate team continued developing new talent.
Currently, 57 children and adolescents participate in the surf program.
The skate project was restructured with two groups (15 school-age participants and 12 adolescents).
The alliance with Hero Academy continues, providing jiu-jitsu classes to 55 participants.
Swimming classes began in Playa Grande, and tennis was introduced to 18 children thanks to Alex and Steff Taulere.
Successful Girls and Boys Circles
At the beginning of the year, the closing of the Successful Girls Circles in Brasilito, Huacas, Portegolpe, and Villarreal took place, as well as the Successful Boys Circle in Portegolpe. This process was supported by Club Campestre El Manglar and La Boya Water Park, which provided participants with a space for celebration.
Starting in February, sessions resumed for boys in Potrero and Linderos, as well as for girls’ groups in Hatillo, Paso Hondo, Chircó, Lagunilla, Hernández, and San Pedro. Additionally, new groups were opened in La Garita Nueva and Río Seco, reaching the participation of more than 90 children during the quarter, who continue to strengthen life skills and promote healthy, violence-free relationships.
Arts and Culture
Classes resumed in Brasilito with around 50 participants weekly in circus, breakdance, art, crafts, and music.
In San José de Pinilla, children participate in similar artistic disciplines, creating safe spaces for expression and learning.
CEPIA’s Music School is renewed in 2026, with Professor Paul López teaching marimba and traditional Guanacastecan music in Matapalo, El Llanito, and Santa Rosa.
Music initiation programs continue in Hernández, Linderos, and Los Ranchos, complemented by group classes for CIDAI and Girasol participants.
Antigravity classes and dance classes (focused on breakdance) also continue.
This program is made possible thanks to more than 40 facilitators, volunteers, and leaders, delivering 65 weekly classes.
Psychology and Holistic Health
In January, with support from Ready to Empower, a new project began for women in psychosocial risk conditions, promoting empowerment and mental health through psychotherapy access.
From February, individual therapy sessions and two weekly psychoeducational spaces were launched, covering topics such as anxiety triggers, differences between sadness and depression, and grief management.
The program delivered 670 individual psychotherapy sessions, 13 group sessions, and 6 family interventions.
In coordination with the Costa Rican Institute on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (IAFA), two modules of four sessions each were developed, focused on life skills: one aimed at adolescents, “The TikTok of Drugs,” oriented toward the prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis use; and another for parents from CIDAI, focused on strengthening family dynamics.
Additionally, a Psychological First Aid workshop was provided to CIDAI staff and extracurricular teachers, focused on immediate response in crisis situations and the practice of empathetic listening.
Furthermore, in coordination with Camp Tours, a Health Fair was held, benefiting 144 community members through medical care and prevention services.
Special thanks to volunteer therapist Cathy Vanhabost and María del Mar Zumbado Sandstad.
CIDAI (The Comprehensive Child Development and Daycare Center)
This first quarter at CIDAI was marked by engaging learning spaces and an enthusiastic start for 119 children and adolescents. A highlight was a visit to the Miravalles volcano and its hot springs, promoting recreation and connection with nature.
Training processes in swimming, music, art, sports, circus, English, and academic support were carried out, along with social work and psychology workshops on substance prevention, peace culture, and coexistence.
The garden project was also strengthened, encouraging hands-on learning and connection with nature.
Special thanks to partner organizations and volunteers, including Alejandra Parody, Cindy Gutiérrez, Universidad Latina nursing students, Halfway Home, and EDUCARTE Learning Center.
Sunflower Group
The Girasol Group began the year with recreational and educational experiences, including music classes, a movie night, and pool activities at Hacienda Pinilla Beach Club.
Participants also enjoyed a day in Tamarindo with adapted surf lessons thanks to Gnome and its instructors.
Legal Guidance
During the first quarter, 37 new consultations were addressed for adults and their dependents, and 22 ongoing cases were followed up, resulting in a total of 68 sessions and 4 accompaniment processes.
Among the topics addressed were:
In addition, 28 asylum appointments were arranged for individuals in vulnerable situations and their children. Providing care in both active-risk and preventive situations has been key to improving the community’s quality of life, particularly in protecting children directly or indirectly affected by these processes.
Our Sponsors
WHALE Donors
Redekop Family Fund
Reserva Conchal
BOMBA Huacas
Gig Kaplan
Villa SOSE
Las Ventanas de Playa Grande
The Heistand Foundation
Troper Wojcicki Foundation
Jon & Lisa Reichlin
Jodi Gallant & Stuart Sheldon
John & Donna Sommer
FRAME projects
Bart Van Vooren
Leschly Family Fund
Ted Alexander
Huifen & Kirk Dunn
Auto Mercado
Marina Flamingo Foundation
Hellen & Will Hoeg
Jorge Alers
Desarrollo Condominio Numandi
John & Alexandra Moody
ScJohnson
Access Electrical
Ascentek
Tropical Vacation by RPM
Rotary Club of Oakville Trafalgar
Right at Home
The Warnath Group
Junta de Protección Social, IMAS, PANI
Arlene Kahn
Sidney and Leigh Keay
Andrea Diaz Surf School
Genera Holdings
Nya
Do it Foundation
Blue River Resort & Spa
Adventures of the Mind Foundation
Hipskind Family Charitable Trust
Zurcher Tires Group
Ready to Empower
Horizons of Friends
Thank you SHARKS!
Christie’s International Properties
NEWO
Las Catalinas
Cutco
Flamingo Realty
Gold Coast Realty
Patagonia del Mar
Panache Sailing
Francis Geernaet
Boho Hotel
Sol Gallery
Karen Butorac
Thank you Dolphins!
Margaritaville Hotel
Hero Academy
Capitan Suizo
Ocean Surf and Sun Realty
Gasolinera JSM
Ojos Del Mar
Elevate Movement Studio
Laboratorio Navarro Alpizar
Wander World Travel
CHE Boards
Walter Alonso Martin
Brad Cooper
Don & Wendy Bulmer
Patricia Diak
Patricia Kelly
Church Mutual Insurance Company
CRT Destination Marketing & Management Services
Coopeguanacaste
Cabo Velas Dental Group
Casa y Mas
North Pacific Clinic
DKT
Laboratorio Hayden y Gónzalez
Biocenpat Laboratorio
Super Conchal
Tod McMurry
Kevin Boehm
Ruben Estrada
Mitchell Aldrich
Ohana Photography
Laura Mooney
Jeffrey Christo
Frijoles Locos
Capitan Suizo
Stella De Mar
Natives Way
Walter Martin.
Thank you also to: Steve Shadwick, Gillian Mckenzie, Brandon Aregger, Anna Marx, Rebecca Clower, Carol Wurtz, Luc Aalmans, Stephanie Gartner, Diego Carballo.
Thank you for your material donations:
Cassidy Arnold, José Andrés Alvarado, Louise Boyd, Kristen, Judith Hermens, Kattia Vidal Rodales, Juan Rodríguez Caballero, Allison Brennan, Chris Ubrig, Jon Hiltz, María Cecilia Farina Morin, Melinda Alcosser, Westin, María José Rojas, Maricela Salazar, Pablo Menéndez, Jordan Souc, Leonardo Almanza, Tania Huezo, Viky Huérfano, Jason
Abernathy, Andrew Reiss, Monica Moretti, Patricia Strus, Nicole Belisle, Jessica Rawley, Audra Umbria, Casa Y Más, Hotel Occidental, Sydney Nankervis, Missy Poole, Pablo Elguera, Jesse Sánchez, Mariela Jimenez Hidalgo, Marco Briceño, Nicole Dorn, Vladimir Ulloa, Panamericana Sisterhood Health Initiative (PASHI) y a los donantes anónimos.
