WHAT WE DO
OUR ORGANIZATION
The Roots of Change Foundation is a non-profit charity that helps those in need in Nicaragua and was started in 2005. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities with resources that improve their lives and give them opportunities that lift them out of an environment of poverty.
Based in Canada and working with our sister organization in Nicaragua, FUNDACCO, we provide programs and services in Health & Wellness, Infrastructure & Communities and Education.
IN CANADA
We are run by a team of ethically motivated individuals. Our tireless volunteers and Board of Directors passionately donate their time and skills to reach our fundraising goals. Their time, expertise and enthusiasm is provided without any remuneration, we are always incredibly thankful for their contributions.
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IN NICARAGUA
In 2007, two years after Roots of Change was established, FUNDACCO was formed by our founder Father Denis Hébert as our sister organization. We operate as the funding partner in Canada and FUNDACCO manages and operates all the projects and programs in Nicaragua.
Registered as a charitable society with the Nicaraguan government, FUNDACCO is unique in that they are made up entirely of Nicaraguans, which has contributed significantly to their success. Their understanding of the challenges faced by their people is what has set them apart from many of the aid organizations working in the country.
As our sister organization that shares our mission, FUNDACCO is listed with the Canada Revenue Agency as our agent. They have a mandate to facilitate and continue the work of Father Denis in Nicaragua.
To ensure that funds are always contributing to the mission in Nicaragua, the salaries and professional training of FUNDACCO administrative and clinical staff are one of our programs. With 5 administrative staff, 5 clinical staff and 2 physicians, we are proud to be able to provide meaningful and long-term employment to this team. 2 staff have been with the organization for 14 years and several others for approximately 5 years. Without them and their commitment, none of it would be possible.
Over the years, our combined organizations have achieved a great deal of success. FUNDACO has demonstrated their ability to work diligently in a range of communities and successfully run projects from start to completion, their efforts have even gained recognition in Canada for their outstanding work in Nicaragua.
To learn more about FUNDACCO you can visit their website.
From left to right: Massiel Aguilar – Doctor of Satellite Clinics / Luis Enrique Cruz – Administrative Coordiantor / Enma Guido – Office Manager / Maria Jose Romero – doctor of the St. Rafael Arcángel Clinic / Rene Membreño – Lab Technician / Vania Varela – Pharmacist / Deyanira Flores - Doctor / Nancy Espinoza – Nurse / Harol Andrades – Projects Coordinator / Carlos Morales – Clinic Security / Jelmi Davila – Clinic Administrator / Yara Romero - doctor of the St. Rafael Arcángel Clinic / Front: Pedro Cortez - Educator for Youth Programs / (Missing from picture: Estalin Martínez – Office Security)
90% of donations fund our programs for individuals and communities in Nicaragua.
OUR MISSION
Quality of Life & Sustainable Development
We passionately pursue an improved quality of life for people living in one of Central America’s less fortunate nations, and we live by the global mindset that we must all rise together.
We encourage sustainable development by providing FUNDACCO with funding to identify and administer projects that meet our charitable objectives.
We employ, train, and educate local community members to assist and be involved in projects. We work closely with them to ensure projects are meeting timelines and objectives, and we measure the immediate and long-term impact on the community.
Vision Statement
“The poor should be seen, not as a problem, but as a people who can become the principal builders of a new and more human future for everyone.” (John Paul II)