Our Story


The South American country of Bolivia is home to more than 13,000 orphaned, abandoned and vulnerable children who live without hope every day.  Of these 13,000 boys and girls, an estimated 5,000 live within the city of Cochabamba. While a small number of adoptions do occur each year, the vast majority of these children grow up either on the streets or in orphanages and institutions, completely unaware of what it is to be loved or told they are a precious creation of God.  While the future may currently be bleak for some, Fundación Esperanza (Hope Foundation), a ministry of Lifesong for Orphans, is committed to changing the trajectory of orphaned and vulnerable children in Bolivia.

The dream for Fundación Esperanza started in mid-2012 as T.J. and Tammy Mitchell were completing their initial 2 year term in Bolivia.  While their initial commitment period was quickly coming to an end, the Mitchells felt that God's call on their life to serve Bolivia hadn't been completed.  After speaking to key ministry partners and spending time in prayer it was clear that God was leading T.J. and Tammy to continue their work with orphans and at risk children in Cochabamba.  

The Mitchells, with key ministry partners, began the process to legally establish a foundation with the Bolivian government.  After several months of preparation, Fundación Esperanza (Hope Foundation) will launch in mid-2013.

Fundación Esperanza provides:

  • Home Care for BIRTH – Age 3

    • 24-hour care in a residential setting, basic needs met by Christian care givers
    • On-staff social workers reuniting orphans with biological family or adoptions
  • Home Care for Age 3 to 18

    • 24-hour care in a foster family setting with Christian Bolivian foster parents
    • Life skills and discipleship at the direction of Christian foster parents & local church
    • On-staff social workers reuniting orphans with biological family or adoptions
    • On-staff psychologists for mental health counseling
    • Health care and education in local community
  • Transitional Care for Age 18+

    • Guided independent living environment as they transition into adulthood
    • Mentoring and goal setting in a trade or higher education
  • Sustainable Business Programs

    • Provide employment opportunities and training: staff, teens aging out of orphan care
    • Provide business model to supplement orphan care costs for legacy sustainability

 

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