A Breeze of Hope Foundation

As part of the Equality Now LAC team, I was lucky to visit the CUBE program in Cochabamba this week. I am utterly impressed of all the amazing work that the transdisciplinary committed team of lawyers, psychologists and social workers do every day to support the process of healing and transformation for sexual violence adolescent and girls survivors as well as the legal process that the extraordinary lawyers do at no cost for the victims and their families. They have created their own model based on their years of experience of working for the most vulnerable: adolescents and girls. I truly believe this is a model that should be implemented in every country of our region. They are a reference point in Cochabamba for the judicial system. They have gained the respect of the judicial community by working steadily to bring real justice for adolescent and girls. On top of all the work they managed to feed the most needed survivors, to teach them sewing and other trades that help them to gain some money. I have never seen such a holistic program in this area. My respect and gratitud for every one of them and to Brisa whose courage and generosity is infinite. These are the people the world needs: women who put their hearts and minds everyday into supporting the ones who truly need kindness and dedication to heal. Women who truly care about others. I wish donors of the world could see and feel this work because economic support is needed to sustain the work that is saving lives and at the same time transforming judges, police and prosecutors to adopt the highest international standards on sexual violence. Thank you CUBE. I feel honored to have met everyone of you. We will continue to work with you and support you in every way we can. Sincerely, Ana Elena

My wife and I first learned about Breeze of Hope by hearing her story on CNN. We recently teamed up to raise support because we believe in the organization and an injustice anywhere is an injustice everywhere. They provide legal services to people who can’t afford it and nobody will defend in a corrupt judicial system.

I had the pleasure of being a volunteer for A Breeze of Hope during one of their beautiful service trips. The organization is amazing, and not only do they advocate for justice against sexual violence, but they take initiative and provide services for children and families who have endured the pain.

Their organization not only provides therapy, but they provide legal assistance, and they help the children and families see their full potential. They provide classes like cooking, sewing, dance, and many more! Their primary focus are the victims of sexual violence and helping them find a place in the world, as well as giving them the justice they deserve.

Brisa and this organization have changed thousands of lives, and continue to push for justice, not just in Bolivia, but across the globe. They are an inspiration to not just those they serve, but to anyone who they interact with.

I found Breeze of Hope in 2015 as I had been looking for a non-profit that helped GBV in Bolivia. I volunteered to teach both volunteers and Breeze of Hope participants in trauma-informed yoga. I also got to attend workshops that Brisa and her crew did to educate Bolivian healthcare workers about what trauma does to the brain.

I cannot tell you how important the work that Breeze of Hope does for Bolivia. More than 80% of women suffer at the hands of GBV in this country and few get help. Breeze of Hope has been instrumental in changing the laws that protect women as well as providing services to them where there were NONE before. In a country where GBV is epidemic, Breeze of Hope is one of the few non-profits that has provided ways to end this epidemic and I pray this epidemic ends one day in Bolivia! Viva, Breeze of Hope, Viva!

I had the pleasure of working with A Breeze of Hope in Cochabamba, Bolivia. I volunteered and interned at CUBE located in the center city for seven weeks. I was welcomed into the staff community as I learned about social work done at CUBE. I also had the privilege of participating in different events at the center such as teaching a sewing class, and working on a group mural. This place is truly changing lives and is a safe haven providing healing for survivors of sexual violence.

What can I say about this wonderful charity that hasn't been said by others? I have seen first hand what they do in Bolivia, and I've seen the positive impact they have on not only the victims they assist, but the community as a whole. Their work doesn't start and end in the courtroom: for the three years in a row that I traveled to Bolivia with other volunteers, we did construction work, painting, and helped organize the annual march in support of sexual abuse victims, something that was officially recognized by the government of Bolivia thanks to the tireless work of everyone on the Breeze of Hope team. Traveling to Bolivia, and working with these wonderful people opened my eyes to injustices and ugly truths of this world that I had been ignorant of before. But it also taught me an even more important lesson: there is always something you can do to help.

A Breeze of Hope Foundation is a non profit that supersedes its name in delivery of service to those less fortunate. Hope is not only delivered, but advocated in helping child and adolescent victims of sexual, mental, and physical abuse. Built upon the precipice that each person is valued and can overcome any adversities that life brings to them, A Breeze of Hope gives victims a second chance - by helping them to regain the courage to thrive in life, to let their experiences empower them, and to know that others do care.

I had the privilege of traveling to A Breeze of Hope's Bolivia site on a mission trip this past month. We helped refurbish homes, create gardens and open space, build livestock en-casements, built furniture, volunteer in the local clinic and hospital, travel into rural villages to volunteer at health fairs servicing entire communities, administer rabies vaccinations to stray animals to keep families safe, work one on one with children and just spend time with them. This experience was unlike any other - not only does A Breeze of Hope move forward with helping victims to heal, but they service the entire country of Bolivia! They help disabled children, by bringing them hearing aids and medical supplies, they give back to their community with food donations, education, law services, and more. Victims are not alone, A Breeze of Hope helps prosecute, heal, and educate - they have service offices for victims to come to, lawyers and psychologists on staff, schools for children to gain a proper education, and compassion.

Most importantly, compassion. Their slogan is 'Break the Silence,' on victims who keep their abuse hidden and quiet out of fear. I would add, not only 'Break the Silence,' but 'Get Involved.' Abuse is not just a third world problem, however prevalent, it is a problem around the world. Even in your own backyard.

A Breeze of Hope is looking to expand their Philadelphia office - another footprint which needs volunteers and donations. Most of their staff work pro-Bono, another insight into the need and the compassion this foundation brings forth.

If you need an advocate - I am one. From the mission to the impression to the childrens smiles after the silence is broken...it moves you. If helping others isn't what life is about, I don't know what is.

Break the silence - get involved.

This year was my first year being in Bolivia with A Breeze of Hope. The two weeks that I was there were two of the best weeks of my life. i have never felt so much love and seen so much of God's beautiful life in each one of those children I met. A breeze of Hope has helped so many beautiful people and has an amazing hardworking staff.

The day of the march was an experience I will never be able to truly describe. I wish I could just go back in time and take my family and friends with me to have them experience it too. The beginning of the march when we were starting to line up and get ready to walk, I was so emotional. I looked around and saw so many people of all ages all there for the same thing. It was so breathtaking to be a part of something to special and to make a difference. The children yelling "No more sexual violence!" in Spanish was awesome. Those two miles, and 10,000 people helped change my life forever.

I will never forget that day or the children's faces that I got to see smile over the course of those two weeks. Brisa and the entire staff are so hardworking and truly love these children as if they are their own. Their stories will always be heard, and I hope that I will be able to see them again in Bolivia very soon. I want to help put a stop to sexual violence!

I have been fortunate enough to have been on 2 different trips to Cochabamba, Bolivia to work with A Breeze of Hope. This organization has completely changed my life forever. A Breeze of Hope works with victims of sexual violence - providing them with FREE psychological, social, and legal services. A Breeze of Hope works hands on with victims to give them a safe and loving environment. This past summer, my team had the opportunity of walking in the August 9th march against sexual violence. Thousands of people came to walk in solidarity with victims of sexual violence. It was the most beautiful experience of my life. I was overwhelmed by the courage of these people to stand up and say "No More". As I said, this trip changed my life. I will dedicate the rest of my life to bringing awareness to the sexual violence.

I was blessed with the incredible opportunity of going to Bolivia to work with A Breeze of Hope with 12 girls from my college. When I first left for Cochabamba, Bolivia I did not expect to come back a changed person but little did I know this organization changed my life forever. I am a secondary victim of sexual abuse and never felt like my family and I ever had support. We were ostracized by many. When I went to A Breeze of Hope I instantly felt that I was loved and more importantly supported. The most amazing experience of the whole trip was the march against sexual abuse on August 9th. There were 10,000 people standing up against sexual abuse. The founder of this organization, Brisa, has fought an amazing fight for victims of sexual abuse. She has broken the silence and is empowering others to do so as well. This organization has helped to support victims of sexual abuse all over Bolivia and creates a safe place for these children. I was extremely grateful for my opportunity to work with such an awesome organization and will never forget the impact that they have made on my life.

I had the pleasure of taking a group of 16 interdisciplinary (Nursing, Biology, English) students to Chilimarca, Bolivia, for three weeks, to work with A Breeze of Hope. Parker and Brisa did an amazing job of planning meaningful experiences for each of the students. Rotating through the community school, the MAP health clinic, neighboring communities, home visits, and CUBE- the Centro Una Brisa de Esperanza, which is a center for child and adolescent victims of sexual abuse, the students had wonderful opportunities to understand the challenges, as well as the achievements of this struggling community.
The accommodations were comfortable, the food was nutritious and delicious, and the time flew by.

A Breeze of Hope is committed to creating a healthy community and eliminating sexual abuse of children and has committed to doing this by starting with educating and advocating the children. The health of a community is best perpetuated when the rights of children are protected, and children are educated, and in turn promote healthy living at home. With the help of others, A Breeze of Hope could be more than just a 'breeze', it could be a strong and powerful force.

I had the amazing opportunity to learn more about what this organization does and participate in their work. This organization is a great way to be involved in such a worthy cause. I would urge anyone to be involved in aiding CUBE because I witnessed what a positive environment it is for the children and how it provides them with a place for them to be able to feel safe, grow, learn, and heal. As a student I had the chance to work hands on with the children of CUBE and at the same time learn invaluable information from them to help me in my career as a nurse. I was so impressed with the extreme passion and dedication both Brisa and Parker have for this cause. I learned a wealth of invaluable information from them that I can apply to my life and my career as a nurse. I feel so fortunate to have been able to experience the generosity of Brisa and Parker and to be a part of such an important cause. To be able to witness the smile on a child’s face just after spending time with them was worth so much. It was a truly memorable and life altering experience. Without hesitation, I would recommend this organization to anyone!

Visiting and participating in A Breeze of Hope and CUBE has been a dream come true. Brisa and Parker's dedication to this important cause is so inspirational, and their work has inspired so many, including myself, to support and advocate for these children who have been through such unfathomable and traumatic experiences. My trip to Bolivia was absolutely amazing, and I truly had the best experience of my life, all thanks to their hospitality, and the fact that I was able to have upfront hands on experience working with the kids who have taught me so much about life, making me realize that it is imperative to support A Breeze of Hope and all that they do to help these sexually abused children.

I had never met anyone who helped people with 100% passion and dedication until I met Brisa and Parker in Bolivia. Their story is like a fairy tale and it was so inspiring to see two people so in love with each other spending their lives doing something so beautiful to help the world. A Breeze of Hope (CUBE) is a safe haven for children who have been sexually abused. It is a place to run to when they feel they have no other place to go. I can see the passion and devotion in Brisa's eyes when she is with the kids of CUBE and I know she cares more about healing them than anyone else in the world. I have never been more inspired by a single person. Her strength and positivity radiates and touches the hearts of everyone around her. A Breeze of Hope is a beautiful place that works to heal some of the most wounded children in the world. I wish I could spend my life there doing such amazing work. Visiting CUBE in Bolivia made me want to pursue a career working with rape victims and I definitely plan to return to Bolivia for the march against sexual abuse. To say the least, my three weeks spent with Brisa and Parker changed my life and I could never thank them enough for being so strong and inspirational.

I went to law school with Brisa and Parker, who lead Breeze of Hope, and took three years of classes with them. I've heard their stories and remember them spending their summers to travel to Bolivia to provide direct assistance to those who need it. Brisa's story is inspiring and she has dedicated her professional life to this cause, including graduate coursework. Parker has been with her every step of the way and his commitment is also backed by an underlying philosophy of kindness and respect for other people. What good work they do!

I have known of this story since the very beginning, and I count myself fortunate to have been able to stand in solidarity with this work. Brisa and Parker’s work has brought healing and hope to many in Bolivia, and one day will impact people all over the globe.

I have volunteered in this organization over the summer it it is by far one of the most significant experience in my life. This organization is going to go very far, and achieve great changes in this world. I am so proud to say that I was able to witness some of their work. Keep it up!