In 1999, in response to the challenge issued by Pope John Paul II during his historic visit “to help Cuba open to the world and the world open to Cuba,” Friends of Caritas Cuba was founded in Boston. Today, Friends of Caritas Cuba is Caritas Cuba’s largest worldwide donor.
Friends of Caritas Cuba started as a committee of Catholic Charities of Boston in 1999, and in 2005 we incorporated as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.
Our mission is to support the humanitarian work of Caritas Cuba, an independent, multi-service, nationwide non-governmental organization. Friends of Caritas Cuba operates with full transparency and in compliance with the laws and regulations of both the United States and Cuba.
Caritas Cuba is the humanitarian and social services arm of the Catholic Church in Cuba. Caritas Cuba serves the most vulnerable populations on the island: the elderly, children at risk, the sick and disabled, persons living with HIV/AIDS and victims of natural disasters. Caritas services are available to anyone in need, regardless of religious affiliation, political beliefs, or sexual orientation.
Friends of Caritas Cuba enhances the capacity of Caritas Cuba, the island’s equivalent of Catholic Charities, to make life-changing improvements in the lives of the most vulnerable people of Cuba.
Services for senior citizens include lunch programs, laundry services, social and recreational activities.
Special programs for children with developmental disabilities, including autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy.
Daycare for small children of working mothers and after-school programs for at-risk children.
Support services for persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families.
Humanitarian assistance for victims of hurricanes and other natural disasters.