About BCR
Our Guiding Principles
The core values of BCR are empowerment, collaboration, resilience, and compassion. We strive to fulfill these values in the following ways.
We are committed to fostering independence within the communities we serve.
We believe that sustainable relief extends beyond the distribution of goods—it is rooted in empowerment. By recognizing and honoring the existing strengths within each community, we work to connect individuals with the resources, knowledge, and opportunities they need to shape their own futures with confidence and autonomy.
We collaborate with diverse partners to create lasting, community-driven outcomes.
We recognize the strength that comes from shared purpose and collective action. Collaboration provides the foundation for trust, communication, and unity to grow. Through our initiatives, we seek to build strong relationships between residents and staff, working together to identify and address the needs of underserved communities in meaningful and sustainable ways.
We view hardship as a catalyst for growth and compassionate service.
We recognize the profound impact hardship can have on every dimension of well-being and the complexity of the recovery journey. With a spirit of resilience and empathy, we support individuals and communities through these challenges—transforming adversity into opportunities for strength, wisdom, and renewed hope.
We are dedicated to serving others with compassion.
We believe that compassionate action has the power to touch hearts, transform lives, and create meaningful change. Whether large or small, our services are delivered with empathy, care, and a sincere commitment to fostering lasting, positive impact in the lives of those we serve.
Our Story
In 2023, four friends came together in the small province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica united by a shared dream – helping others to overcome life’s challenges and build brighter futures. Each of these friends knew hardship firsthand.
Six years earlier, Jefferson Coronel and his darling wife, Sophia Calderon, had made the heart-wrenching decision to leave their beloved home in Venezuela due to escalating political unrest. Seeking safety and the hope of eventually securing U.S. citizenship, they settled in Costa Rica. Though grateful to be safe, the transition as refugees was disheartening. Jefferson, once a practicing lawyer, and Sophia, a licensed physical therapist, found their professional degrees unrecognized, making it hard to find employment sufficient to support their family.
Nearly five years later, Jefferson and Sophia met Brett and Kensi Evans, U.S. expats who had also come to Costa Rica searching for renewal after enduring years of health crises. Kensi, a survivor of childhood trauma and chronic Lyme disease, had spent much of her married life seeking holistic healing—ultimately finding profound peace in nature, love of her supportive husband, Brett and faith. After a magical anniversary trip to Costa Rica, she and Brett moved their young family to begin a new chapter and quickly formed a strong bond with Jefferson and Sophia.
Though their paths to Costa Rica were vastly different, the four were united by shared faith, resilience, and a deep desire to give back—to provide the kind of support they once needed themselves. What began as a spark of hope grew into a passionate mission, and Brighter Community Resources (BCR) was born.
Since its founding, BCR has worked tirelessly to uplift the local community through a variety of initiatives, including English classes for local residents, collaborative needs assessments with public schools, and the distribution of essential resources. Through our core programs—Libros for Niños, Lunchadores, and Sol Play—we have directly impacted the lives of more than 2,000+ children, 466+ families & individuals, and 6 local public schools.
At BCR, we believe education is the cornerstone of opportunity. Our mission is to ensure that every child in Costa Rica has access to equitable education and all opportunities for a bright and prosperous future.
None of this would be possible without the generous support of individuals who share our vision. Your contributions are essential in providing the resources needed to create optimal learning environments. With your continued support, we are committed to expanding our reach and deepening our impact—transforming the lives of Costa Rican students, their families, and the communities they call home.