CRS Partners in Ecuador
Episcopal Social Ministry Commission Caritas of Ecuador (CEPAS)
The Episcopal Social Ministry Commission Caritas of Ecuador (CEPAS) is the arm of the Ecuadorian Episcopal Conference responsible for coordinating parish, diaconate and national solidarity efforts for the neediest social groups in the country. As the Church institution responsible for developing social initiatives for the poor, CEPAS is Catholic Relief Services' main partner. Through a strategic cooperation agreement, CRS and CEPAS coordinate efforts and resources to implement plans that have greater impact on those they serve. In July 2005, CEPAS began a strategic 2006-2010 planning process, in which it defined at least three strategic lines to be implemented through regional Caritas networks: the defense of life, the defense of human rights and political advocacy.
Catholic Union for the Support of Community Development
The Catholic Union for the Support of Community Development is a nonprofit organization offering quality financial services to more than 15,000 small businesses, 90 percent of which are run by women. The implementation of these community banks satisfies the economic needs of clients while effectively addressing other issues such as health, education, citizen participation, trade and market access.
Social Ministry Vicariate of Cuenca
The Social Ministry Vicariate of Cuenca is a nonprofit institution of the Catholic Church dedicated to promoting human rights and social development for the disadvantaged. Projects focus on local development, environmental protection and conservation, emigration and immigration, and HIV and AIDS issues. CRS and the Social Ministry Vicariate, together with other stakeholders in Azuay, are developing an initiative to create ties of solidarity between communities of origin and communities of destination made up of migrants in the United States. Our goal is to create local opportunities in the communities of origin, mitigating the need for migration.
Diocese of Loja
The Diocese of Loja is a Church institution committed to improving the quality of life for needy communities through a broad range of community development projects. CRS and the Diocese of Loja are implementing a Food Assistance and Basic Economic Development project for rural families along the southern border that will ensure food security for 200 families living in conditions of extreme poverty.
Church of San Miguel de Sucumbios
The Church of San Miguel de Sucumbios, through its Social Ministry, provides humanitarian assistance projects for victims of violence on the Colombian-Ecuadorian border. The ministry promotes the integration of refugees and displaced and undocumented people with the Ecuadorian host community. CRS and our partners are promoting a project called Preventing the Trafficking of Children and Adolescents. The program supports the organizations that work to prevent this violation of human rights, and provides advocacy and educational campaigns to raise awareness.
