“Asociación Esfuerzos Humanitarios de Quepos” Goal: Serve and glorify our God, serve the greater community of Quepos/Manuel Antonio and serve the indigent community here in this immediate area.
Purpose: is to restore, to the extent possible, persons among this homeless population to their fruitful places in society – to begin again to be productive and healthy members of their families and their communities.History of Project: June 2006 – a group of churches started to help with a second feeding, adding to the once-a-week feeding already sponsored by the Catholic Church.
- September – November 2006 the Association was formed. During this time about 45 men and women were restored to their homes or sent to existing facilities in the country.
- December ‘06 – August 2007 Repair and restoration on a rented house located near the cemetery. Kim Stilwell became temporary/voluntary director. We received many donations of money, supplies and labor. Decision made to use facility for residential rehab center. The drug/alcohol counselor has been hired. The men from the shelter go to various churches and they are also going to AA/NA meetings at a local chapter in Quepos.
- September – Nov. 2007 Many lives have been changed. The program continues to grow and change and we are looking for another (bigger) place. The house continues to be painted and repaired. Several murals have been painted and an expansion of all work programs are being explored. The house has been painted twice and clean up of the property is on going.
- December 2007 Several men are entering phase 3. Clean for 5 months or longer. Several business owners and people have helped us with work programs but more are needed. It would be a goal to not depend solely on contributions but work to continue changing lives.
- Jan./Feb./March 2008 The house we rent is better looking than ever and so does the road leading to Manuel Antonio. There are now two more counselors (Jared and John) from the states here to assist in counseling and continue to expand the work programs. We are looking for meaningful programs so these men can have a future not just keeping them busy. They are learning English to help. Many of the men who have left the program are living with family or friends and being productive in their local communities. We also had the honor of helping a young lady by the name of Cynthia find support at a rehab center in San Jose. She came and asked for help so we arranged transportation and had the Director of the womans facility meet her. She is on day 25. Pray as she gets the help she needs. (picture below) A property has been offered to the Association for free to start building a new facility. We are making plans to expand the services to those who want help. We need construction crews and money to make the vision come true. We will need some transportation as well as help!
Please feel free to call and ask questions or ask for the monthly updates on the progress. We welcome and value your opinion and help. We need you! We need your hands, your commitment to this community, and your resources.
This project cannot happen without you. Hopefully this information will help you make a decision on how to be involved and how to stay involved financially or with materials or with your own hands. Please feel free to call us and we can show you the house and work. If you would like more information, please call Kim Stilwell at 506-777-0249 cel 383-7393 or Miguel Rojas at 506-777-0000. Or you may contact Kim at kbhb@racsa.co.cr.
Thank you Joyously for helping,Kim Stilwell You may donate financially through: If you wish to support this work financially, send a check to Servant Senders, c/o Horizon Central, 1001 E. Palmer Street, Indianapolis, IN 46203. Please put “Costa Rica” in the memo line. Horizon Central’s phone# is 317-917-0450. (Horizon Central is our home church and does not receive any funds for their service to us. They will send a receipt to you asap.)
