LAS GRADAS — La Carpio, Costa Rica
Christ For the City International (CFCI) works in 16 nations, with more than 500 workers bringing the transforming love of Jesus Christ through a huge variety of ministries. CFCI has been operating Community Transformation Centers (CTCs) for over 20 years. CTCs are specific buildings or centralized locations out of which a number of ministries and activities are operated. These CTCs meet the needs of all demographics and generations within an area. The goal is community transformation.
The Community:
The “Las Gradas” children's program is located in one of the poorest areas of the largest slum in Central America - La Carpio. The slum is home to around 40,000 people. Half of the people living in the slum are children. An appalling 90 percent of children here will experience child abuse by their 12th birthday. Most of the people living here do so because of unemployment and limited educational opportunities.
The CTC:
In 2016 CFCI began the Las Gradas program to reach the children living in the poorest part of the slum. This is a hard-to-reach area where extreme poverty rules the lives of the community. A two-story facility was constructed that is used to reach children, teenagers, and women with the Gospel. This CTC also offers a feeding program, academic assistance, and recreational activities.
The Need:
It costs $5,212 to run this CTC annually. Included in the annual costs are meals for 80 people per week; programs and materials for 60 children, 20 youth, and 25 women per week; family visits for 25 families; and additional construction and maintenance needs.
If your donation is to be directed toward a specific person or project, please send an email with your full name and donation details to finance@cfci.org.