Our Story
By Millie Bristol, Intern at Brighter Community Resources
The founders of Brighter Community Resources are not strangers to challenging circumstances. Jefferson Coronel and his wife Sophia Calderón made the heart-wrenching decision to leave their home when the escalating political, economic, and social crisis in Venezuela, a result of 24 years of oppressive dictatorship, led them to seek a brighter and safer future. They moved to Costa Rica, with immigrating to the US as their ultimate hope. In Costa Rica they met Brett and Kensi Evans, a couple who had faced their own unique challenges and hardships. Even during their biggest challenges, the Evans family knew they were blessed. They recognize that there are so many resources and opportunities that much of the world does not have access to.
For example, Kensi realized that she was able to learn and receive strength through books, cognitive behavioral therapy, and even medication. Her ability to cope with life challenges and her own emotions in healthy ways came from her access to good educational resources and a strong support system.
After Kensi’s third pregnancy, she tried to get back to her normal routine. She signed up for a half marathon but soon realized that something wasn’t right. As her feelings of fatigue and exhaustion continued, she decided to see a doctor. Unfortunately, no one could tell her what was wrong. She spent a year searching for answers. Finally, upon switching physicians, she found someone who validated her concerns and promised to find answers to her questions. Her doctor suggested that she get tested for Lyme disease. So, Kensi took the test, and sure enough, it came back positive. She had been diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease.
Chronic Lyme disease, or as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has termed it “Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome”, does not have a known cure. For Kensi, this meant that she was left with even more concerns.
She began a holistic approach to manage her symptoms. This included many lifestyle changes like including a very restrictive diet and a new exercise regime, since cardiovascular exercise would trigger her illness.
The changes were overwhelming and the pressure to stick to her diet was intense and challenging. Culturally, food is a source of connection, and she found herself feeling very isolated. This led to resentment and grief about her situation.
During this time, Kensi and her family moved to Texas, to a small house in the country. Spending time outdoors was very healing for her and her family. However, as time went on, Kensi began to deal with extreme anxiety. Without her ability to run, her coping mechanisms were significantly reduced. She tried to control her feelings through natural solutions such as yoga, but despite her best efforts she couldn’t overcome this challenge on her own. She began to feel that she needed medication.
Medication for mental illness was not something discussed in her family of origin, and she battled with her own perceptions and the social stigma of getting treatment.
Thankfully, she had some good friends who were able to help normalize mental health discussions and treatments. After speaking with her husband, Brett, and doing some research, Kensi received a strong impression of her worth as an individual. She also realized that, despite her best efforts, she would not be able to heal on her own. She concluded that God was providing her with many different
resources that would work interdependently to help her, including medication.
Then after Kensi’s fourth pregnancy, she began Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Through this channel, she discovered many things about herself and her life that were not pleasant to face. She had to deal with some emotional trials from her family of origin, and she found some inconsistencies in her life and relationships that she wanted to correct.
For their 10th anniversary Brett and Kensi took a trip to Costa Rica. Kensi’s experience was “magical and healing.” She began to wonder if moving to Costa Rica would help her and her family heal from the trials they had faced together.
She prayed for a way to make the move, and although the process was difficult, it was rewarding. It has been a place of healing for Kensi, for her marriage, and for her children. She wants to raise her boys to be strong and capable, and she knows that Costa Rica is an environment where they can flourish. The inspiration to create a nonprofit and help people did not come all at once. It started even
before the Evans moved to Costa Rica, but with their move it solidified the reality that they had been living a very privileged lifestyle that much of the world is not enjoying.
Brett and Kensi left behind many wonderful friendships in Texas, and moving to a new place was difficult. But just a few weeks after moving, the Evans met Sophia and Jefferson. The connection was instantaneous.
Sophia and Jefferson were refugees from Venezuela, a country which they loved but could not stay in due to political turmoil. They moved to Costa Rica while trying to immigrate to the U.S. and began their life there.
Moving to Costa Rica was a difficult experience for the couple. Sophia had a degree in physical therapy in Venezuela, and Jefferson had a degree in law. But when they moved to Costa Rica, their degrees did not transfer, making it very difficult for them to find work that would support their family. Despite these challenges, they had faith in good things to come, and they had a desire to make the world a better place and to help others. Six years after leaving their home country of Venezuela, they opened up to Brett and Kensi about their experiences, and they discussed their shared desire to start a nonprofit. With this shared passion for helping others, Brighter Community Resources was born.
Over the past year, we have been tirelessly working to provide English classes for local community members, perform needs assessments in local public schools, and offer donations of food, clothes, and school supplies to local community members and school personnel. 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 vision is to aid in creating a future where all children in Costa Rica can receive an equitable education and all opportunities for a bright and prosperous future.
Brighter Community Resources was born out of a passion for connecting with people and the belief that education is foundational to all children and their future success. None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of individuals like you who
believe in the importance of education and opportunities for children. Your contribution is instrumental in providing necessities to create an optimal learning environment. Looking forward, we are committed to expanding our reach and enhancing our impact. We have ambitious plans to improve education, nutrition, and play in more public schools within Costa Rica. With your support, we can make a significant difference in the lives of Costa Rican students, their families, and the communities they live in.
- Donate: The quickest, simplest way is to make a donation. Any amount makes a difference! We are grateful for any and all contributions!
- Spread the Word: Another simple way is to spread the word about our organization. Tag us on your social media! Send our website via text or email. Spreading awareness is huge! And we are so grateful you would be willing to support us there.
- Be a Volunteer: Another option that is more hands-on and great for experience, is to be a volunteer. You can learn more on our website through our contact page.
- Be our Sponsor: If you are someone looking for a nonprofit to sponsor, please consider Brighter Community Resources. Your contribution will improve the lives of children, families, and communities and we will be sure to highlight your support of our cause on our website.
- Come for a Retreat: Finally, we offer an interactive experience for those wanting to be a part of the action. We offer several retreat packages. Airfare is not included, but everything after that is covered. We will pick you up from the airport and cover transportation for the rest of the trip, as well as lodging, food, and all the other essentials. At these retreats, you will get the best of both worlds- humanitarian experiences as well as getting to explore beautiful Costa Rica. This way, you will get to be intimately involved in our humanitarian efforts and see the immediate impact you are having. On top of that, you will have the opportunity to fall in love with Costa Rica, her people, and her culture as you interact with the people and nature.
Together, let’s build a brighter future for all!