About Friends of Chimbote

Transforming the lives of the poor through education.

Friends of Chimbote is a US-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization responsible for the governance, global advocacy, and fundraising needed to sustain the life-changing mission programs and services in Chimbote now and into the evolving future. Our board of directors  is comprised of members from throughout the United States, all who are passionate about the mission and empowering the poor. Collectively they have spent over 1000 days on the ground in Chimbote personally investing their time, talent, and treasure. Our offices are located in Fargo, North Dakota with dedicated staff members who work with thousands of individuals, civic groups, sister parishes, and congregations to raise funds for mission programs, collect and ship donated goods to the mission and coordinate mission group visits and volunteer services.

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.

Vision

Friends of Chimbote is a vibrant steward committed to continuing the legacy of our founders by securing resources and empowering capacity in our partner, ACAF, to help the poor overcome poverty.

Values

Rooted in the belief that it is our duty to serve the poor effectively and with great compassion, our values include:

Partnering with Asociacion Civil Apoyo Familiar (ACAF)

Translated into English, Asociacion Civil Apoyo Familiar means Civil Association Supporting Families. Commonly referred to as ACAF, this faith-based non-governmental Peruvian organization was formed in 2005.  Since its inception, ACAF has grown and matured and today employs more than 120 local people who deliver life-changing programs and services to more than 26,000 poverty-stricken people living in the neighborhoods surrounding Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish. The employees range from professionals that include social workers, attorneys, psychologists, teachers, and accountants to construction workers, guards, and maintenance staff with all being key members of a faith-based team in service to their fellow community members.

ACAF is governed by a board of directors comprised of local community members who meet regularly with the ACAF management team providing counsel and support. ACAF’s mission is to contribute to the personal development and transformation of the lives of the poorest of the poor in Chimbote, through quality programs and services with people who are committed and passionate about their work.

Faith

Friends of Chimbote and ACAF are faith-based organizations that welcome the support of all people regardless of their religious affiliation who embrace our core values and service model to empower the poor. An integral partner in our commitment to meet the spiritual as well as social needs of those we serve in Chimbote is Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish. With 85% of the population within the Diocese of Chimbote being Catholic, the spiritual support and guidance provided by the pastor and parish is critical. Through liturgy, blessed sacraments, faith-formation, choirs, and retreats gospel-inspired hope and joy is present within the community.

Carrying out mission programs and services requires the alliance of four fundamental entities working in harmony: Friends of Chimbote, ACAF, Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish, and Benefactors and Volunteers. While each has different responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities, we all are united in a common purpose to serve the poor of Chimbote and transform their lives with compassion, integrity and respect.