Friends of Chimbote – Father Jack’s Mission
Transforming the lives of the poor through education.
Our Mission
Friends of Chimbote is a faith-based organization dedicated to supporting programs that improve and transform the lives of the poor of Chimbote, Peru.
Our Vision
Friends of Chimbote is a vibrant steward, charged by the founders, Father Jack and Sister Peggy, to carry on their legacy by securing resources and empowering capacity in our partner, ACAF.
Our History
Friends of Chimbote was formed in 1998 as Los Amigos del Padre Juan (Spanish for Friends of Father Jack) and, in 2002, received 501c3 status allowing donations to be tax-deductible.
The city of Chimbote was once the most important fishing center of Peru with a thriving economy and plethora of jobs for anyone willing to work. Today, after decades of uncensored fishing and economic calamities, thousands of men and women who worked in the fishing industry have been exiled to the outskirts of an overburdened city where they live in woven reed (estera) shacks with no means to support their families.
They are not just poor; they live in misery.
The unemployment rate within the barrios of Father Jack’s mission is as high as 80%. They cannot relocate to another more stable economy because they have no transportation. The barrios where they are forced to reside often do not have sewers, running water, or electricity.
The difference is hope.
Against exceptionally challenging odds, Friends of Chimbote is making a difference. Despite the harsh circumstances, Chimbote’s story remains one of hope, courage and transformation. The optimism and determination of Chimbote’s people stands in stark contrast to the dire conditions in which they live.
Our friendship with the people of Chimbote is altruistic. We strive to be friends that truly help and we are close enough to know the real needs within our circle. Our relationship is not one of benefactors and passive recipients, but rather partners who participate in the transformation of each other’s lives.
All people – regardless of denomination – are called to befriend the poor. Everyone involved with Friends of Chimbote is focused on one mission, whether you are able to donate 10 hours of your time to stuff envelopes or share a $100,000 gift, you are a friend. It takes all kinds of time, talent and treasure to support this circle of friendship.
We are complex. We are diverse. But, first and foremost, we are friends.
The Friends of Chimbote organization is governed by a US-based board of directors. Members of our governing board come from all parts of the United States and Peru. Each has visited Chimbote and commits time, energy and financial support to our programs and services. None receives any compensation. We have also formed and partner with a Peruvian civil association—ACAF (Asociación Civil de Apoyo Familiar )—to meet the necessary legal regulations and compliance issues of working and operating our mission in Peru.
Greater than 92% of donations directly fund programs.
Our mission advocacy, financial support and sweat equity arrives from generous friends all around the world, including parishes of all denominations, individuals, foundations, service clubs and various other diverse organizations, all of which have shared monetary donations or volunteered time to advance the Friends of Chimbote mission. Through volunteer efforts, administrative costs are kept extremely low, allowing more than 92% of donations to directly fund Friends of Chimbote programs in Peru.