“There is a saying that “A tree will never bear fruit if it doesn’t have strong branches and a healthy sap” that is what happened with CETAP-Lucy, we are a branch from the Hearts of Gold tree, where they with the experience of being great gardeners, helping and understanding our day to day needs, needs that are born from kids and young teenagers living in a vulnerable environment. Each day we grow more and more and our needs also grow. Hearts of Gold is always there to provide us with technical  and administrative support, as well as educational and training opportunities.”

“We have been trying to grow on our own for almost two decades, helping not just the kids of NOVA, but also helping the families in our communities, those that don’t know how to deal with down syndrome, autism and some other disabilities. During this time we been constantly knocking on doors, sending letters and trying to find a way to get the financial and technical help we needed. Very few times have we been able to get some help, but most of the time we didn’t even have an answer. Since we met Hearts of Gold, we feel we have somebody to rely on.”

“Proyecto Samán and Hearts of Gold began to work together within a week after the April 2016 earthquake in Ecuador.  Immediately after the earthquake, Samán began receiving donations from all over the world and we knew that we would have to be careful in how this money was handled.  Hearts of Gold came on board to help us with the important role of donor stewardship and ensuring all of our donation money is handled according to Ecuadorian law.  Together we are ensuring that all donations are being effectively and appropriately used in order to make the greatest impact on the lives of families who lost so much.”