I started traveling to Colombia and volunteering with Conviventia in 2018. While Conviventia works in many areas to alleviate poverty and lack of economic opportunities, I partner with them in reaching ladies that have been sex trafficked in Colombia. Conviventia offers the ladies vocational training, psychological counseling, Biblical discipleship, and entrepreneurial training. Ladies are asked to join the Conviventia program while still raw with the pain and heartache of the experience of being sex-trafficked. Through a 2 year vocational program they are given support and encouragement to start new businesses and flourish. I have seen 4 cycles of ladies in this program and the life change that occurs with the leadership of Conviventia. I have been to the ladies' homes to hear their experiences after graduation. They can only say their whole heart has been changed. One life, one family and one community at a time are being transformed by the love of Jesus and Conviventia.
"I am thoroughly impressed with the dedication and impact of Conviventia. Their commitment to their mission and to excellence is evident in all they do. The staff and volunteers demonstrate professionalism, compassion, and a genuine passion for making a difference. Their transparency and accountability further reinforce their credibility and trustworthiness. I highly commend their efforts and look forward to continue to support them in all their initiatives.”
He podido ser parte de los colaboradores de CONVIVENTIA, y me siento orgullosa de lo que ha logrado hacer por las familias colombianas, ya que no solo brindan educación a los niños de mi país, sino que también ayudan a la familias de estos a la generación de ingresos con sus programas de capacitación en diversas áreas. Gracias por pensar en grande al transformar las comunidades
I have been working for and leading nonprofits for 20 years. Conviventia stands alone as the most loving, strategic, and well-run organization I ve come across. I have volunteered, donated, and most importantly learned much from Missy Christie over the years. Conviventia continues to set the standard for what a nonprofit can achieve with great leadership and a heart for the Lord.
Mike Malkemes
Generation One
Houston, Texas
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Conviventia has been instrumental in increasing our capacity to serve the poor. They have learned so much over the years and do an amazing job sharing the information and training other nonprofits. They work tirelessly to equip others to raise the level and quality of their work. We are indebted to them for all the strategic planning and thinking they have lead us through.
I worked with Conviventia as a volunteer dentist in the past 7 years, I am a full time missionary serving in the last 33 years and nothing makes me so proud of being a Colombian than having the best minestry in the world in my own country!! The work Conviventia is doing in my country will change the whole country very soon ! What an impact the d!!
I became involved with Conviventia in 2020 as the result of a mission trip with our church. We were in the La Guajira department of Colombia. It was evident to me from the start that there was something different about this organization. The people were great and their ministry was as well. By the end of that week I came away with the resolve to support them financially. Now two and a half years later and 4 trips later they have become like family. When someone gives to charitable organization they want to believe their money is being used well. I've seen first hand how Conviventia uses their money and I'm constantly amazed. They are ISO 9001 certified. In fact this year my wife and I doubled the amount of our regular monthly support. This next year our church will have 4 mission trips to Colombia in partnership with Conviventia. I'm looking forward to a long wonderful relationship with their organization...
I have seen and met so many people who's lives have been changed by the work of Conviventia in Colombia over the years. Their programs in education, income generation, family strengthening and humanitarian assistance are powerful approaches to empowering individuals and families to be the stewards of their own change. Each year when our church mission teams arrive in Colombia, we get the opportunity to walk alongside and support the work of their staff, and see how the students have grown and flourished. What an amazing blessing to be part of their work.
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What I like the most about Conviventia is that their programs are holistic, and really get to the root causes of poverty. Through their programs in Education, Income Generation, Family and Community Strengthening and Humanitarian Aid, they are able to truly transform communities, empowering individuals and families to forge their path out of poverty. And when I have gone on mission trips, I can see first hand the incredible impact of these programs as we watch children and families grow and flourish.
I have not ever been involved in any organization that operates at this level of excellence. They have an unparalleled level of love and care for everyone they serve. The outcomes are amazing as a testament to their commitment to serve the most under privileged people in Colombia.
The Conviventia team is an incredibly thoughtful and gracious group to work with. What stands out the most is their interest to consistently learn and grow both as individuals and as an organization, ensuring everyday that they are innovating to be able to support as many children and families across Colombia as possible. On top of all that, they make this work fun which is such an important asset to keep motivation high when confronting rigorous grant cycles and work demands.
I have known and have worked with Conviventia for a number of years now. I have done so through the two organizations I have worked with and we are excited to continue that partnership. I have overseen global operations for a number of nonprofits and I've worked with a host of partners and I can say that Conviventia always comes to the top of the list for an ideal partner. They have innovative ideas, develop ways to measure their progress and hold themselves accountable, learn and adapt, create lasting solutions, develop long-term relationships with the communities they work in, and are genuinely passionate about what they do. What I have seen is an organization with inspired leadership and a very talented team of people that are truly making a difference in the lives of the people they serve. I have seen their work in action in the communities they serve and I can tell you that their ministry is having an impact. Any investment you make in Conviventia is well worth it!
Conviventia is a great nonprofit organisation with the focus of reducing poverty in Colombia by providing education based on Christian values. Starting with young children, reaching the families and providing skills training help the Colombian people gain confidence in themselves and provide them with the necessary skills to better themselves and the future of their children. I have been on several short term Mission trips and it is always amazing to see what an impact Conviventia has on the quality of life in those families.
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Conviventia does a wonderful work in Colombia. The schools are based on Christian values to give less privileged children a future for their lives and overcome the cycle of poverty. During the 2 mission trips to Bogota, Cartagena and Baranquilla I could experience the impact on the communities that Conviventia has. Get involved in helping to reduce poverty in Colombia and see how Conviventia could be the non-profit organization for you.
My experience with Conviventia has spanned a few years of short-term mission trips. As I learned more about the organization, the people behind the organization, and the people groups that this organization serves, I was blown away by the integrity, consistency, depth, and intentionality of Conviventia. I have witnessed their core values being demonstrated to the people they serve, and I am privileged to know and call some of the leadership "friends." I have been deeply impacted by the emphasis that Conviventia places on sustainable transformation. Because Conviventia values people over programs, long-term change is an investment they are willing to make in the people of Colombia. Conviventia's leaders and staff are trustworthy, kind, and genuine. I cannot speak highly enough of this organization, its people, and its vision.
I was introduced to Conviventia in 2010 when I was in Colombia on a mission trip. Immediately I fell in love with the program I witnessed. Over time I learned that they did so much more than what I had seen. For many years they have done and continue to do much to minister to the people in Colombia. From children to adults, they are actively serving the needs of their communities. And they continue to seek ways to improve the ways they implement their programs. I was pretty impressed with the excellence with which they serve but what really left an impression was the love and care they show to people. We saw that first hand when we traveled with them. In turn that ministered to us. None of this is a surprise of course, considering it flows from the top. The President and CEO lives out the mission of the organization by her actions. What a blessing CDA is to Colombia and to those of us who serve with them! May God bless you and your ministry in Colombia.
Conviventia is a world class organization dedicated to helping the community around them. They come alongside people to provide education, jobs, resources, counseling, and much more. I have seen firsthand the incredible work they have done, and I know it will continue for many years to come.
Conviventia has been an outstanding host partner for our missions teams. They've consistently demonstrated excellence, professionalism, transparency, love, and grace. They truly make a lasting, positive impact in the lives of their students, families, staff and partners. I have many fond memories of serving alongside Conviventia and I look forward to serving with them in the years to come.
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I've spent the last 10 years visiting Colombia and serving through various organizations. Many are good. Conviventia is great. Instead of continuing to promote our own organization and duplicate efforts, we decided to fold our banner and come underneath and alongside of Conviventia because of the outstanding way they work. They are excellent not only in the delivery of their service programs but also in their leadership, administration, partnerships and ministry. These are difficult things on their own. But Conviventia somehow has raised the bar high enough on these across the board that they set a great example for other organizations and ministries to follow.
I have worked with Conviventia for over 7 years. This organization, targeting mostly displaced people in Colombia, excels at helping the disadvantaged succeed in life by aiding individuals and families learn basic life skills. They operate 4 schools, 2 community development centers, two trade training institutions and related programs all located within the neighborhoods of the people they serve. Their approach provides a useful model for other individuals and foundations hoping to reduce poverty and dependency by changing lives one at a time, thereby changing families and communities.
I just love to serve, bless and donate to this amazing organization. I am an advanced practice nurse and I volunteer on Medical missions trip. I get to pray with every patient and know that when I leave Conviventia will look after these precious people with an amazing compassion and love. God's love is infectious, and we see it spreading in all the communities where Conviventia serves. It is an honor and privilege to serve beside them.
I love serving with Conviventia, everything they do is at the highest standards possible. There is full transparency on all their activities. The people they serve are coming out of situations plagued by harsh violence and extreme poverty. Conviventia gives hope in Christ, helps strengthen families, gives education to children and adults. Then teaches them to give back to society, thereby fostering a full social, emotional, and spiritual transformation.
This organization does a wonderful job with children and families in vulnerable areas, bringing hope to places where it has been lost, I was a volunteer three months ago and this experience taught me to see life from another perspective understand that there is nothing more important than helping others and doing so without expecting anything in return is the key to everything, I want to motivate all who are reading this to join this beautiful cause and can contribute, to continue helping those who need it most.
Conviventia is a wonderful nonprofit organization. I enjoy receiving letters from the child I sponsor and getting pictures that show me how he is progressing in school. Education is a priority and these children are very fortunate to have such caring people to see that they succeed.
I think this is one of the best nonprofits in the world, Very responsible and efficient, making a difference in the lives of Colombians under very difficult circumstances. I saw a photo of a near dying child treated with all the needed care and another photo of the same smiling, healthy child few years older. Conviventia makes a difference by educating and supporting children, who are future citizen leaders of Colombia. I was so impressed with them that I have been on 4 medical missions with them. The most recent one was so heart breaking as well as heart warming as we served the Venezuelan refugees including young teen pregnant women.
Conviventia is an amazing organization. For decades I have witnessed the results of their hard work and strategies to help the most needy in having hope. They continue to engage in very difficult projects with an outstanding impact to help the poor.
i have watched conviventia share love all across Columbia. They have helped raise the dignity of the less fortunate if Columbia. They have done this by placing schools in the poorer areas. These run from preschool through high school. They have a vocational school which provide training to help people start and succeed in business. They have many community outreaches to help strengthen them.
I was introduced to Missy Christie and Conviventia in 2012. I immediately recognized Missy's extortionary leadership and after spending a week in Columbia witnessed for myself what a world class organization looks like. I was so impressed with Conviventia that I brought my own staff for a visit and to learn along side Missy's staff. Missy has been instrumental in providing guidance to our staff, specifically around strategic planning.
Mike Malkemes
Founder/CEO
Generation One
Houstion, Texas
Participating in a mission week with Conviventia in Cartagena, Colombia was a rewarding experience on many different levels. From the minute we stepped off the airplane to our tearful good-byes, we were energized by a sense of purpose. Our projects were geared to sustainability; they had an impact that continued long after our week was over. For example, I taught English classes to adults in the vocational program, and also reinforced English language skills for the children. Learning English is one of the most important skills for many of the people at CDA because they can get higher-paying jobs and lift themselves out of poverty. I am grateful that I had this experience which, in my desire to make better the lives of others, I have found great joy.
Conviventia is made up of a team that is passionate about bringing love, care, education, and opportunity to the families of Colombia. In all my experiences with this organization, both stateside and in multiple trips to Colombia, I have never met one staff, faculty or board member who wasn't wholly dedicated to heart of this ministry. I've also had the honor of seeing firsthand, the massive impact Conviventia has on communities around Colombia. Lives are truly being changed through their hard work - marriages saved, children cared for, mouths fed, and futures restored.
I have done compassion projects in many parts of Latin of America, which has given me the opportunity to work with different nonprofit organizations.
My experience with Conviventia was outstanding! We worked together in a week long project in Barranquilla, serving almost 1000 people.
The Conviventia team excelled in areas, such as organization and clear vision. Starting with the planning process, all the way to the post trip experience, this organization demonstrated a high level of excellence. Most importantly, the entire team models servanthood which makes any project run smoothly!
I have gotten the opportunity to see the impact of this organization when I visited the local schools and career development centers in Cartagena, Colombia. Adults and children are provided resources to not only empower themselves but also to break out of the poverty cycle. It makes all the work we have volunteered worth it! I worked with Terry translating documents and success stories from their students for the board. I also worked with Terry to put on one of their fundraising galas and Rice events. Terry is an incredible leader that is extremely fun to work with as well.
On the mission trips I have experienced with Conviventia I have been amazed at the spirit of their organization. Everyone encountered with the organization has a genuine heart for service and believes in the organizations purpose. This organization and all of it's members deserve all the help they can get because the outcomes of their hard work are evident in the communities.
Our church takes mission trips to Colombia and works with the schools run by Conviventia. I was witness to the positive impact and great teachings that the schools on their limited budget have on the community. CDA informs, educates, and empowers the youth in these communities to work hard and dream big with the hope of breaking the cycle of violence and poverty. While on one of these trips we meet Johan who is a prime example of the need for Conviventia. Johan is an 11th grader at Lucero Alto he comes from a family of drug dealers who everyday try to persuade him to join their cause. At his school Johan had found the support and encouragement to stay out of that world. He confides in his principal that everyday is a struggle and a battle with himself to do what is right and if he would not have the school he would have already joined the other side. Conviventia provides this and many other services to keep kids like Johan in the right track.
I have had the blessing to help them in many fundraising events, and to visit their projects in Colombia. they are an organization that truly work to make a lasting change in the communities they work in.
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This is my third year as a volunteer at Conviventia, and I haven't ceased to be amazed by the wonderful work they do. God has blessed me greatly by giving me the opportunity to be a part of what they are doing.
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Working with Conviventia has been an incredible experience!
I thank God for giving the oportunity to serve others through Conviventia.
I had experience with Conviventia as a board member at Genenration One. The group came in and helped us through a two day visioning session. Was sttod out to me id the passion the folks had to make other non-profits as successful as they are. the team was knowledagble and lovin and desird to share their information to make Generation One a more successful oragniazrion. I appreciated the honesty they provided us and we are better today as a reuslt of the parnership we formed with Conviventia. Justin Steele, Board Member at Generation One
Last year I received the extraordinary blessing of being introduced to Missy Christie, Executive Director of CDA-Colombia, and to visit their operations in Bogota and Cartagena. CDA-Columbia’s heartbeat is that passion for the hurting. That passion is exhibited vividly in their work in schools planted in the slums of Bogota and Cartagena. CDA-Columbia’s values of dignity and responsibility permeate the way their work is carried out in Jesus’ name. Through high quality education for children and extensive vocational training for willing adults in the neediest neighborhoods. Lives -- and communities -- are being changed forever. I’ve visited small businesses begun by students of CDA’s vocational training schools. The enthusiasm and energy exhibited by these entrepreneurs reminds me of the joy God gives us when we use the talents He has given us.
If not for CDA… I thought this so often during our trip. If not for CDA, where would these children be? In the slums. Without hope. Inflicting violence upon themselves or others. Continuing the cycle of violence.
Second Mile Mission Center’s Board and staff have also been blessed with opportunities to learn from Missy. It was an added benefit to then see in Colombia those principles of empowerment in action.
I am personally inspired by what God has done and is doing through Missy and her team at CDA-Columbia.
Sincerely,
Sarah White, Executive Director, Second Mile Mission Center
As a board member of GenerationOne in Houston, TX we were introduced to Missy and the CDA organization. Through their giftedness they have provided a frame work and strategy for G1 that is well underway. Their insights and leadership has been the key catalyst to positioning the organization for meaningful growth and effectiveness for many years to come. Thank You!
I have Known Mrs. Missy Christie de Acosta for a number of years. We first met at a Bible school in Dallas Texas during the year 1987. At that time, she was only 17. We eventually got to know one another and worked in the same office together on campus. With that said, over the years, her pledge to helping people has never wavered; just the depth to her resolve has increased exponentially. She is both gentle in spirit and a lion at heart. Missy's character and commitment to serving the populace is revealed every day by the love and respect she has for her husband Carlos, her family, as well as for the people she reaches out too. For these reasons, I do not hesitate in granting my endorsement.
With kind regards,
Dr. Bruce Macdonald
CEO of Renewal Consulting
www.renewalconsulting.net
CDA is an exception organization and is sharing their expertise and wisdom to help other non-profts reach a level of excellence that is desired and yet not often achieved. Our organization has benefited greatly by their support and I pray that they will continue to be in partnership with us for years to come.
I have over 30+ years or experience as a professional in the not-for profit industry and can honestly say that CDA is the best and most professional organization I have ever worked with on strategic planning. CDA does not just give you a plan; they stand beside you, work with multiple constituents over 2-3 days sessions. The are wonderful listeners and their processes led us to a great sense of clarity and purpose that everyone understood and embraced.
They are masters at what they do. They are committed to raising the bar for themselves and other non-profits. We are grateful for their ministry, the training, wisdom and expertise they shared and humble support they have given us in our efforts to create and document our strategic plan.
The results have been phenomenal.
I grew up oversees and have worked with many different non-profit organizations over the years; CDA is the most thoughtful, thorough and holistic organization I have ever had the privilege of working with. With a deep commitment to excellence and a thoughtful nuanced approach to their work and interventions they really are making a difference in Colombia. The staff have big hearts and a passion to help as well as the critical technical and professional expertise necessary to help change lives and build a better brighter future.
Conviventia has successfully worked in impoverished and in-need communities. They generously offer their wisdom and expertise to other organizations working in the same field. They have come along side the ministry I work for and have been instrumental in our ongoing efforts to strategize and plan for the future of our ministry!
CDA has been instrumental in our organization. This past April they spent two days helping us with our strategic planning. We're now setup to take our organization to the next level and better serve our community. This ministry is awesome!
If you're desire to take your organization to the next level choose Conviventia.
Misssy and Convuventia, you're Amazing!!
Great work, not only helping the most needy people to develop their capacities and talents to generate a sustainable transformation in their communities, but also sharing knowledge and best practices to pair organizations.
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Gran trabajo integral de desarrollo en Colombia, a traves de CDA. Educacion, salud, microcreditos, y oportunidades de capacitacion y trabajo para las familias en situacion de pobreza y vulnerabilidad. Un equipo humano dedicado y comprometido en ser muestra del amor de Cristo y Su palabra a traves de hechos, cambiando vidas, superando barreras, mejorando circunstancias, empoderando personas, desarrollando comunidades. Felicitaciones.
IT IS AN ORGANIZATION COMMITTED WITH THE MORE POOR, PURPOSES DEFINED, WITH CLEAR PRINCIPLES AND HELPS CHILDREN AND GIRLS THAT ARE BENEFICIENA OF THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS GROW IN VALUES, IS DEVELOPED AS PEOPLE AND HAVE A PURPOSE IN LIFE COMMITMENT FOR A CHANGE FROM WITHIN.
Es sorprendente saber que la mano de Dios no se ha cortado en esta organización, pues lo que Él hace lo podemos ver reflejado en personas que trabajan incansablemente para transmitir a otros el amor del padre y así mismo dejar que Él los use para impactar y transformar muchas vidas que se están perdiendo. Dios a continuado usando esta obra para que las personas que le rodean lleguen a ser tan bendecidas y puedan ver el impacto en comunidades vulnerables.
Al revisar el pasado podemos ver: Experiencia, Transparencia, impacto en las comunidades y compromiso social de Transformación Sostenible (mas de 16 años de experiencia). Observando el Presente vemos una organización innovadora que comprende los cambios sociales, que mejora cada día para cumplir la labor encomendada por el Creador, "la restauración de las relaciones rotas del Ser humano". El Futuro para Conviventia depara un crecimiento de impacto, vidas transformadas y restauradas como las estrellas del cielo (Personas, Familias, Comunidades y Regiones). Definitivamente DEBES CONOCER LO QUE HACE DIOS POR MEDIO CONVIVENTIA!!!!!
Es una organizacion de alto sentido humano y social que lucha por la asistencia en salud.educacion y trabajo para las clases menos favorecidas y sin ayuda de los gobiernos
Excelente labor social. A traves de una cosmovision cristiana impactan miles de vidas, consiguiendo una transformacion autentica en la vida de las personas. Felicitaciones!
I have witnessed how communities have been transformed through its Transformational Leadership; and the best is still to come!!!
Organización americana con el fuerte propósito de apoyar la región latinoamericana y en especial en las zonas vulnerables de Colombia
I have been sponsoring a child in Colombia through Conviventia, and the experience has been amazing. I have been able to be a part of the change in somebodys life, not only financially but also spiritually, and I know that me and my family have been very blessed with this opportuniotty and hope to remain supporting this organization for may years to come.
I have the highest concept of Conviventia, they are organized, professional and very caring. I can vouch they put the greatest compassion into all the do. They lead the organization with integrity.
I started volunteering for this organization about seven months ago, and what I liked the most is that I immediately became part of the family, that I was submerged in the values of the organization which motivated me even more to help, since it allowed me to see the real difference that was being made on each children and family. I also loved how I grew as a person by understanding the we are all created equal, with the same dignity, value and that we need to live and work together if we want to see a real difference made on the lives of the people living in poverty.