Psychology and Holistic Health
Through September, the program offered counseling services to a total of 483 beneficiaries. A total of 564 therapy sessions were provided, including 269 individual sessions for children and adolescents and 197 individual sessions for adults. The program also offered 92 group therapy sessions and 5 Reiki sessions focused on promoting physical and emotional well-being.
In July, the second cycle of the Ready to Empower program began, with 24 women participating in weekly individual and group sessions. The workshops address key mental health topics, including anxiety, depression, grief, anger management, relationships, menopause, and experiences related to motherhood. Participants also receive practical tools for emotional self-regulation and stress reduction.
In addition, a psychoeducational group was established for 10 mothers and fathers, with the goal of providing methodological strategies and practical tools based on positive discipline. The group promotes parenting practices grounded in mutual respect, dialogue, and negotiation.
As part of the program’s educational and prevention efforts, psychoeducational workshops were held for children and adolescents participating in the CIDAI program. These activities focused on comprehensive sexuality and relationships education, suicide prevention, mental health, and self-care.
All of this work is made possible through the commitment and support of volunteers. On this occasion, CEPIA extends its sincere appreciation to therapist Cathy Maucourant for her valuable contribution in facilitating the Reiki sessions, as well as to María del Mar Zumbado Sandstad, whose ongoing support has been key.
CIDAI (The Comprehensive Child Development and Daycare Center)
During this period, the Comprehensive Child Development and Daycare Center (CIDAI) continued to strengthen the overall development, health, and cultural identity of 115 children and adolescents through opportunities for learning, exploration, arts, sports, and family participation.
In the health area, the program followed up on the needs of participants and the broader community through a Health Fair that reached 55 people, offering otolaryngology services, general medical consultations, and health promotion and prevention activities.
The program also promoted cultural identity and expression through activities connected to Guanacaste traditions and the celebration of Costa Rica’s Independence. These spaces also provided an opportunity to involve families and showcase the processes and work developed by participants throughout the year, including through the Parents’ Museum.
CEPIA thanks its partner organizations and volunteers who contributed their time and resources to make each of these experiences possible. Special recognition goes to Centro de Aprendizaje EDUCARTE, HERO Academy, Reserva Pachamama in Tempate, Leatherback Trust, Laboratorios Navarro y Alpízar, Dr. Marjorie López, Luciano Sousa, Alejandra Parody, Cindy Gutiérrez, and the nursing students from Universidad Latina.
Women’s Circle
Over the past few months, the Women’s Circle moved into a transition and self-management phase, preparing the group to progressively take responsibility for organizing and continuing the space. Beginning in October, participants will be responsible for managing their own gatherings, workshops, and other activities according to their interests and needs. At the close of this process, 43 women from different communities are part of the Circle.
One of the main outcomes identified by participants was the strengthening of relationships among the women, which became one of the most significant contributions of the process. Participants also reported greater self-confidence and personal strength, as well as changes in the way they prioritize their own well-being: moving from a dynamic centered on caring for others to recognizing their own needs and making space for themselves.
Emotional expression also shifted from being an initial challenge to becoming a greater sense of freedom to speak, share experiences, and feel heard within the group.
CEPIA thanks psychologist Eleana Alcocer, and volunteers Larissa Granda, Jorge Varela, Metzi Hovenga, and Katia Castro.
Afterschool Classes
The program continues to strengthen the personal and social-emotional development of more than 900 children and adolescents from communities across the coastal area through classes in Arts and Culture, Sports, Academic Skills, and Girls’ and Boys’ Circles.
Arts & Culture
Arts and Culture programs engaged more than 100 children and adolescents in a variety of performances and community activities.
More than 90 students from the Music School participated in the mid-year recitals, Guardians of the Earth, featuring choir, marimba, piano, Latin band, rock band, and percussion performances. In Brasilito, 15 participants in the Cultural and Educational Project presented their progress in Violin Chamber, Piano, Art, Breakdance, and Circus to their families and the community.
In addition, groups from Brasilito and Playa Grande participated in the Leatherback Turtle Festival, where they shared musical and artistic performances related to environmental protection. Groups from Santa Rosa, El Llanito, and Playa Grande also participated in Independence Day parades with percussion bands.
Sports
During July and August, new sports opportunities were introduced and existing ones were strengthened. In San José de Pinilla, a new children’s soccer class began, growing from 11 participants in its first session to 20 children who currently train every Saturday. In Portegolpe, 16 children began swimming classes focused on developing basic water safety skills.
In addition, more than 80 pairs of soccer cleats, along with uniforms, sports clothing, socks, and other soccer, basketball, and volleyball equipment, were donated and distributed among teams in Brasilito, San José de Pinilla, Trapiche, Marbella, Santa Cruz, and 27 de Abril, helping provide access to the equipment needed to participate in sports.
CEPIA thanks Santi and Miranda of Play Like Sami for donating uniforms and sports equipment; Hattie Castle, in collaboration with Wellesley United Soccer Club, for organizing the cleat collection campaign and donating 80 pairs of cleats, sports clothing, and other equipment; Kory Fiscal, volunteer swimming instructor; and Hotel Seis Playas for supporting the strengthening of sports opportunities.
Successful Girls’ and Boys’ Circles
The Girls’ Circles in Lagunilla, San Pedro, Chircó, Hatillo, and Hernández, as well as the Boys’ Circle in Linderos, came to an end. To close the process, the girls enjoyed a recreational day at La Boya Water Park, while the boys from Linderos took part in an adventure morning at Black Stallion, recognizing their commitment and participation throughout the program.
In September, new Boys’ Circles were launched in Hernández and Matapalo, bringing 35 more boys into the project focused on strengthening social-emotional skills.
CEPIA thanks La Boya Water Park and Black Stallion for helping make these closing activities meaningful experiences for the participating children.
Academic Skills
In September, English classes resumed in Playa Grande with a more playful and practical approach that facilitates learning through exploration and play. Academic Support classes continued in Playa Grande and Brasilito, supporting 27 children in strengthening their reading, writing, and mathematics skills as they approach the end of the school year.
Training and Employability
The program continues to provide technical training and tools to support workforce entry for adults experiencing vulnerability, through courses in areas such as boating, plumbing, aesthetics, sport fishing, English, and digital skills.
During this period, 44 people obtained certifications: 17 students completed the Personal Finance and Digital Tools course, 15 men completed Air Conditioning Maintenance, and 12 people received certification in Basic Boating. Some of these training opportunities are delivered by instructors from the National Learning Institute (INA) through the existing partnership.
As part of the program’s employability strategy, the employment office provided 6 individual counseling sessions, and workshops on workplace well-being, resume writing, and job searching for 31 students. Of those who received individual counseling, 2 secured jobs in customer service and construction. In addition, job opportunities were shared with more than 200 people through the program’s messaging groups.
The program also consulted 15 companies in the coastal area of Santa Cruz to learn about current labor market needs and help guide future training initiatives. CEPIA extends special thanks to volunteers Shirley Carrillo Mora and Lizbeth Romero Salazar for facilitating the Nail Care and Office Suite courses, respectively.
Strengthening Families in Vulnerable Conditions
Over the past three months, 26 requests for assistance were processed, prioritizing cases involving the greatest vulnerability and those with a direct impact on people’s quality of life.
Comprehensive support was provided to 6 families, addressing needs related to access to health and mental health services, school exclusion, and domestic violence. In addition, 8 referrals to other institutions and internal programs were coordinated: 2 to the Extracurricular Activities program, 1 to Training and Employability, 1 to the Legal Services area, 1 to the Girasol Group, 3 to the Mixed Institute of Social Assistance (IMAS), and 1 to the National Children’s Agency (PANI).
Food donations from Auto Mercado benefited 116 families. In addition, 34 families received household appliances and clothing packages, and 44 food and vegetable packages were distributed.
As part of the technical and social assessment process for assigning the Childcare Network benefit to children in the area, 6 home visits were also conducted. The children are currently awaiting the corresponding authorization.
Legal Guidance
During the third quarter, the program continued providing community members with legal advice and guidance in situations requiring legal support, with particular attention to immigration and rights-protection matters. The service assisted 29 new beneficiaries, 22 women and 7 men, primarily with issues related to immigration, domestic violence, institutional violence, workplace harassment, child protection, and family matters.
In addition, 34 people participated in a workshop on temporary special immigration categories and refugee status, where they received information about procedures, requirements, and recommendations to help prevent fraud and scams. The program thanks volunteer Kaleth Rodríguez for her support in the workshop held at CEPIA’s Community Center in Huacas.
Vida Mujer
From July through September, the Vida Mujer project continued providing gynecological care and support to 22 women from coastal communities, reaffirming its commitment to access to sexual and reproductive health services in a professional, safe, and accessible setting. 11 intrauterine devices (IUDs) were inserted, increasing access to long-acting contraceptive methods while promoting family planning and informed decision-making about women’s health.
Vida Mujer continues to establish itself as a project focused on reducing barriers to healthcare by bringing essential services closer to women who need them and creating an impact that extends beyond each individual consultation through prevention, guidance, and ongoing support.
The Vida Mujer team consists of Dr. Mariana Trejos and nursing student Cristian Medina. CEPIA thanks temporary French volunteer Aya Couffon for her support.
Our Sponsors
WHALE Sponsors
Redekop Family Fund
Flamingo Marina Foundation
Arlene Kahn
Troper-Wojchiski Foundation
Auto Mercado
The Coast Hotel
Nick and Karin Leschly
Jodi Gallant & Stuart Sheldon
John & Donna Sommer
Jon & Lisa Reichlin
Ready to Empower Foundation
Hacienda Pinilla
Zurcher Tire Group
Access Electrical Contractors
Andrea Díaz Surf School
The Virginia and Charles Brewer Family Foundation
For a Better World Foundation
Frame Projects
Gig Kaplan
Horizons of Friendship
Villa Sosse
John & Alexandra Moody
Jorge Alers
Kirk and Nicole Dorn
JP´s Peace Love & Happiness Foundation
Las Ventanas de Playa Grande
La Bomba Huacas
Reserva Conchal
Sidney and Leigh Keay
SC Johnson
Ted Alexander
The Palmer Company
Junta de Protección Social, IMAS, PANI
THANK YOU Sharks!
Tropical Rentals
AEA Investors
Boho Tamarindo
Bart Van Vooren
Hipskind Family Charity Trust
Adventures of the Mind Foundation
Christie´s International Real Estate
Francis Geernaert
Fourlin Family Foundation
Gold Coast Realty
Las Catalinas
Libeert Foundation
Margaritaville Flamingo
Marlin del Rey
Ruben Estrada
Victoria Manes
Walter Alonso Martin
Patagonia del Mar
Panache Sailing
Ohana Photography
Aqueduct Foundation
Thank you Dolphins!
Jeffrey Christo
Michelle Dryer
Frijoles Locos
Michael Cargnel
Kevin Long
Paul Hirshbiel
Blueforce Foundation
Hero Academy
Capitan Suizo
Ocean Surf and Sun Realty
Gasolinera JSM
Ojos Del Mar
Elevate Movement Studio
Laboratorio Navarro Alpizar
Wander World Travel
Brad Cooper
Coopeguanacaste
Cabo Velas Dental Group
Casa y Mas
North Pacific Clinic
DKT
Laboratorio Hayden y Gónzalez
Biocenpat Laboratorio
Alex Lago
Alice Friedenson
Coldwell Banker Vesta Group
Natives Way
Thank you also to: Geneva Ellen, Best Of Costa Rica, Oliver Hold Lamberth, Erick Segura Sanchez, Sergio Calderon Gutierrez, Geylin Yajaira Chavez, Tania Balerin Mojica, Cristian Alberto Ramirez, Marilyn Zuniga Perez, John Paul Sandi Delgado, Marvin Roberto Ramirez, Carballo Morales Gerardo, Obregon Cruz Liulin, Shey Mendoza Fuertes, Zara Lima, Ana Teresa Bolanos, Arel Carrillo Angulo, Greivin David Sandi, Fabian Alberto Cubillo, Jose Mario Chaves, Geysel Castro Molina, Sebastian Quesada, Jarin Perez Alaniz, Fatima Ruby Herrera, Ais Venegas Vallejos, Dayanna Pamela Mora, Sancho Hernandez Maria, Tania Valerin Rodriguez, Ashly Melissa Porras, Emily Diaz Angulo, Flor Alfaro Gonzalez, Absalon Nehemias, Cynthia Delgado Munoz.
Thank you for your material donations: Kristina Hughes, Anne Roberts, Jessica Benavides Ulloa, Courtney Borquet, Witch’s Rock Surf Camp, Jon y Chris Cavaletto, Catherine Beecham, Andrea Mena, Vladimir Ulloa, Pablo Menendez, Priscilla Gutiérrez, Roy Ross, Mauricio Esquivel, Dispara Castillo, Oscar Basa, Diana Blanco, Greñuda Bruno, Diane Leonall, Saint Hilaire Delmas Flore, Jane Young, Heather Castle, Lisa Burnham, Leña Gertsch, Rosa María Pineda Saravia, Jennifer Caouette, Gabriela G, Melany Martin, Jocelyn Hernández Barrantes, Edgar Fernández, Victoria Naranjo, Noelia Blanco, Petra Shoep, Debra Marcod, Vale Monti, Gauthier Ghilain, Juan Jose, Mónica Mortero, Fiorella Pigna, Teresa Bastanchuri, Sofia Retana, Gabriela Garbanzo, The Point Luxury Villa, Hellen Lopez, Lara, Kriptón Craig, Nicole, Cecilia Farina, David Dodge.
