2022 Year in Review

Embracing New Beginnings

 

Dear Familia Poderosa,

2022 was a year of embracing new beginnings. Embracing new beginnings calls for hope, courage, adaptability, and humility. In reflection of all that we accomplished in 2022, we at Powerful Children Colombia are so proud, and so honored, to work in partnership with so many incredible individuals toward the mission of enabling all children to embrace their individual power and potential.

We introduced the world to Powerful Children Colombia on April 18. People from all over the globe responded with generosity and support; YOU chose to invest in this dream, and are critical to making it a reality. We had initially set a goal to fundraise $25,000 in our first year – we ended up raising over $62,000 to launch and sustain our efforts. We are so grateful to you – our donors – for partnering with us to fund this critical, transformational work.

In July, our first partner organization, Caminos Nativos, launched Pedalea con Conciencia (Pedal with Conscience), a program that supported the development of a cycling school in Cabrera, Santander, where 21 children enrolled in school, ages 5-12, received bikes, support from athletic and mental health coaches, and had an opportunity to build community while learning the ins and outs of competitive cycling. Our whole team had a chance to be there for the launch of the program – it was incredible to see the community come together to celebrate this momentous occasion. We are currently in conversations with Caminos Nativos about phase 2 of this impactful program.

Our first-ever in person event took place on November 5, at one of our favorite Colombian restaurants, Escala Koreatown, in Los Angeles, CA. Actor Ivana Rojas emceed the event, Powerful Children Colombia board members shared a bit about the organization’s mission, activities and future ambitions, and DJs Bianca Maieli, Vlatz and Helikonia DJ’d to close the night out. It was a wonderfully spirited evening, and together, we raised over $5,000 for Powerful Children Colombia’s future efforts.

Your trust, partnership and belief in Powerful Children Colombia is important to us. As such, we prioritize integrity, responsibility, rigor, and transparency when working with donors, Colombian-led orgs and leaders, and our broader community of supporters. With that, we invite you to read our 2022 annual report here.

We are so excited for what lies ahead in 2023! The generosity of 2022 has put us in the financial position to form new partnerships with other organizations, starting with Es Fustal, an athletic club based in rural Pereira. Un Sueño Que Construye Sueños (A Dream That Builds Dreams) launched in February 2023 and aims to address the high drug addiction and suicide rates that exist in the city of Pereira and its rural surroundings (4th highest in the nation) by offering access to an indoor soccer club to ~100 children. In addition, we are eager to partner with new organizations across the country and expand programming beyond sports, and into arts and culture. We can’t wait to share more with you!

With infinite gratitude and inspiration for the future,

Kathy Suarez
President
Powerful Children Colombia

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