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 foster independence in the communities we serve.
We believe sustainable relief is more than the distribution of goods and is achieved by empowering those we serve. We honor the existing strengths in our communities and strive to foster independence by connecting them with the resources, knowledge, and opportunities needed for residents to take charge of their destinies.
We engage with a collaborative of diverse members to create sustainable outcomes.
We understand the power of sharing a purpose with others and believe that collaboration is the soil where communication, trust, and unity can flourish. Through our initiatives, we aim to strengthen the working relationships of residents and our staff to effectively identify and meet the needs of our underserved communities.
We embrace hardship as an opportunity for growth and loving service.
We acknowledge the devastation which hardship can wreak on all aspects of wellness and understand the complexity of recovery. Therefore, we aim to support this process with a spirit of resilience, ensuring that challenges become stepping stones for our communities to emerge stronger, wiser, and more hopeful, regardless of their adversities.
We commit to serving others with compassion.
We believe that through compassionate action, we can touch hearts, change lives, and make a tangible difference. Our services, whether big or small, are always delivered with empathy, care, and a charitable desire to establish lasting, positive change.
Our Story
In 2023, four friends came together in the small province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica to build a dream – helping others rise above life’s struggles to create a brighter future. None of these friends were strangers to struggle.
Six years earlier, Jefferson Coronel and his darling wife, Sophia Calderon, had made the heart-wrenching decision to leave their beloved home in Venezuela when the escalating political turmoil threatened their security. Hoping to eventually obtain citizenship in the United States, the couple settled in Costa Rica. Though grateful to be safe, the transition as refugees was disheartening. While a practicing lawyer and physical therapist in Venezuela, Jefferson and Sophia discovered that their degrees did not transfer to their new homeland, and they were distressed that the task of finding enough work to support their family was so difficult.
Nearly five years later, Jefferson and Sophia met Brett and Kensi Evans, U.S. expats seeking their own fresh start following several years of various health crises. A survivor of childhood trauma and Chronic Lyme Disease, Kensi had spent the majority of her married life exploring holistic solutions to heal her body and mind. What she found was deep joy in nature and immense relief in the profound love of her sweetheart, Brett, and the Divine. After a magical anniversary trip to Costa Rica, the Evans relocated their young family to begin a new chapter and were thrilled to have new friends to share it with.
Though their backgrounds were vastly different, the group shared faith in good things to come and a desire to contribute to the relief that they themselves had needed in times of darkness. This little spark became a flame and Brighter Community Resources was born.
Over the past year, BCR has been working tirelessly to serve their community in several ways such as English classes for local community members, performing needs assessments alongside educators in local public schools, and by providing diverse donations. Through our various programs — Libros for Niños, Lunchadores, and Sol Play — we have been able to help 190 children, 20+ families, 5 local public schools, and many community members. Our initiatives aim to create a future where all children in Costa Rica can receive an equitable education and all opportunities for a bright and prosperous future. We believe that education is foundational to all children and their future success.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of individuals who believe in the importance of education and opportunities for children. Your contribution is instrumental in providing necessities to create an optimal learning environment and we are committed to expanding our reach and enhancing our impact. With your support, we can make a significant difference in the lives of Costa Rican students, their families, and the communities they live in.