At a Glance
We are Saving Hearts Together, a 501(c)(3) organization registered in the USA.
We believe every child deserves dignity and the right to be free. With therapeutic support and education, children who have been sold and sexually abused will thrive.
Mission: Saving Hearts Together is restoring the lives of children in Costa Rica who have been removed from the sex trade by providing a live-in program that meets their physical, emotional, psychological, and educational needs.
A HEALING COMMUNITY FOR NEW BEGINNINGS
The Problem
Costa Rica's current government placements rarely have the facilities to provide for the holistic development of a sexually abused child. Most of the time they are simply a place to stay.
1
72% is the runaway rate of child survivors from safe houses
By the time they are 18, survivors have already gone through various jurisdictions, government agencies and facilities. This fragmentation affects their ability to thrive and often leads to their return to sex work.
2
Inadequate, inefficient & fragmented approaches to victim protection programs
Costa Rica is a global hub for child sex tourism. Extreme poverty is one of the driving forces. 80% of the sex tourists are from the USA and Europe.
3
One of the leading countries in Child Sex Tourism
According to the latest US government report, while there is some improvement in Prevention and Prosecution, Protection of victims is highly neglected. This is the major reason why the country is not showing improvement in its rating for the past 7 years.
4
Costa Rica is rated Tier-II in the Trafficking in Persons Report
The Solution
Our holistic residential program has state of the art inhouse facilities for education, life skills, therapy, vocational training and recreation.
This gives these survivours much-needed love, support and healing to thrive.
1
Comprehensive residential program
Turning 18 does not mean a person is ready to face the adult world without support. Our mentors provide guidance, emotional support and temporary financial assistance as needed
2
Aftercare rehabilitation
program
We provide enriching opportunities for children to discover their interests and talents and develop vocational skills that lead to meaningful work.
3
Interest-based vocational and life skills education for survivors
We work with child protection agency staff to increase their knowledge of evidence- based practices that uphold the dignity and wellbeing of children rescued from sexual exploitation thereby reducing the risk of retraumatization.
4
Advocate, train and support government agencies for running an effective protective
program
Our Programs
On-Site
Our 24-36 month comprehensive residential program for survivors between the ages of 8 and 18, empowers them to heal and acquire skills to thrive.
After Care
Our Program Alumni are supported for 24-36 months to ensure a safe and gradual transition into the community.
Out Reach
We work with gov’ts in CR to advocate and train current best practices against human trafficking.
Photo Gallery
Donate
The only way we are able to heal these young girls is with your generosity and kindness. TOGETHER we can save lives. We can’t give them back the innocence that was stolen from them but we can give them a future.
Stop now and donate.
Give the gift of hope and and help these innocent victims by committing to a monthly donation or a one-time gift.
Each donation DOES make a difference in a girl's life.
Get Involved
Partner with Us
We are always looking for partners/supporters in the USA & CostaRica. Please contact us below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Volunteer/Intern with Us
We have volunteer and internship opportunities both in Costa Rica & the USA, many of which can be done remotely. Please contact us below for more details.
Join our Team
We are always looking for passionate individuals to join our team both in Costa Rica & the USA. Please contact us below for more details.
