Whether abandoned, abused or neglected by families coping with poverty, children in El Salvador learn early that they must support themselves. This often leads to begging and prostitution, both of which are rampant in the city streets. Lack of education and basic health care means a hard life for many. Economic conditions have been hardened by many events including the Civil War and major natural disasters, including an eruption of the Santa Ana volcano in 2005 and a hurricane in 2005.

Fundación Éxodo was established in 2001 as a home for El Salvador’s abandoned and abused children. Many of the children come from families who were destroyed by the civil war, which raged during the 1980s, taking more than 75,000 lives. Forty children, ages 3 to 18, live in four homes under the care of live-in house parents. They learn life skills and obtain formal education in a Christ centered environment.

As needed, children have access to counseling and therapy to assist in their spiritual physical and emotional healing. In addition to primary education, older students have an opportunity to participate in vocational training or university study so that they can be self supporting members of their communities.