What is Ángeles de Medellín?

Created by Mark Kaseman, Ángeles de Medellín is a Colombian foundation established to help the displaced children and families living in poverty in the mountains that surround Medellín. The foundation is based in the barrio Regalo de Dios, and aims to serve the over 10,000 people that currently call the area, where Mark has worked since 2006, home.

The primary goal of the foundation is to improve the lives of the community's children through the creation of a safe environment for education, exploration, and play. Ángeles de Medellín organizes learning games, sports opportunities, art projects, and more, serving as a beacon of happiness in a community too-often characterized by hardships.

The foundation offers daily English classes to teenagers and adults, with the goal of increasing the knowledge, confidence, and employability of these individuals.

Every year, Ángeles de Medellín hosts dozens of special events to bring joy and much needed supplies to the citizens of the area. The annual Christmas party is attended by more than 5,000 individuals, with adults receiving a large food basket and children receiving toys and games. 

For many individuals in the community, Ángeles de Medellín is the only form of social support available. The foundation purchases food, medicine, medical supplies, and other essentials for those most in need. We work closely with the local police force to reach the area's most disadvantaged families.

Ángeles de Medellín is a 100% volunteer run and supported organization that currently relies entirely on donations to fund its operations.

Why We Need Your Help:

We need your help to construct a new Ángeles de Medellín Community Centre.

The program currently operates out of the Hogar de los Angelitos (or "Home of the Little Angels") in Regalo de Dios, a rented space on one of the area's principle roads. While it has been an adequate home, there have been many challenges associated with the building. The space is too small, cleanliness is an almost unachievable goal due to construction defects, and the rent requirements are a constant drain on monthly fundraising income.

Simply stated, the foundation has outgrown the capacity of the current facility. With major plans to expand the program in 2014, including increased programming, a health/dental clinic, a new library, additional classes in English and mathematics, increased assistance to people with a disability, and more, Ángeles de Medellín requires a larger and better equipped space to continue to serve the community.

The Plan:

We are seeking a total of $64,200,000 Colombian Pesos, or just over $32,000 US dollars, to purchase the existing Ángeles de Medellín building AND the attached, neighbouring building. This will more than double the size of the Ángeles de Medellín Community Centre, will permit more funds to be injected directly into the program on a monthly basis, and will allow for a tremendous expansion in programming!

The cost of purchasing both buildings is $60,000,000 COP (or about $30,060.00 USD). 

We hope to raise an additional $4,200,000 COP (or about $2,100.00 USD) to cover the costs associated with using this fundraising platform.

We have budgeted $20,000,000 COP (or about $10,100.00 USD) for renovations and improvements, needed primarily to make the new facility a cleaner, healthier environment. This figure has been recommended by a local architect and will be supported through complementary fundraising initiatives.

Of course, we are hopeful that with your support we will be able to exceed our fundraising goal and make the new facility even better than we have planned.

Other Ways You Can Help:

Spread the word! This is the largest and most important fundraising campaign we have ever embarked on, and we need your help to ensure the success of this endeavour.

Please share this campaign with your friends and family and encourage them to donate.

The Ángeles de Medellín program has positively impacted thousands of lives, both in Medellín and around the world, including the many volunteers that have been touched by their experiences in the mountains.

This is your opportunity to ensure that thousands more have the opportunity learn, laugh, and grow with the Angels!