The Story of Fundación Sonrisas
Fundación Sonrisas was born from a deep calling in the heart of its founder, Jeannette Rodríguez, after a life-changing missionary trip to Cuba. Witnessing the poverty and spiritual hunger faced by families in vulnerable communities, Jeannette felt moved by God to do more. She returned to Playas del Coco, Costa Rica, with a renewed sense of purpose: to serve children and families through food, faith, and love.
Alongside her husband, Michel Ávila, and a small group of friends, they began cooking in their own kitchen and feeding children every Saturday. What started as a humble act of kindness quickly turned into a growing community effort. Today, thanks to the support of donors and volunteers, Fundación Sonrisas provides two nutritious meals every Saturday to dozens of children and youth, while also guiding them spiritually and teaching them core values rooted in Christian faith.
Fundación Sonrisas exists because every child deserves to be seen, supported, and loved.
Become a thriving community soup kitchen in Playas del Coco, Costa Rica that educates and empowers children with Christian principles, helping them grow into compassionate, responsible, and faith-driven individuals.
Our Mission in Action
Guided by compassion and purpose, we are committed to helping children thrive through nourishment, values, and meaningful community support.
01
Nourish Every Child
Providing nutritious meals that support healthy growth, well-being, and a brighter future for children in need.
02
Promote Strong Values
Encouraging respect, kindness, responsibility, and integrity through mentorship and values-based learning.
03
Support Spiritual Growth
Helping children develop faith, hope, and purpose through positive guidance and a supportive community environment.
The values that guide our actions, strengthen our mission
Solidarity
We serve with compassion and believe that together we can create meaningful change for children, families, and communities.
Transparency
We act with honesty, accountability, and openness, ensuring trust in every program, partnership, and contribution.
Unity
We foster collaboration and respect, bringing people together to support a shared mission of hope and service.
Commitment
We remain dedicated to improving lives through consistent action, care, and long-term community support.
Empathy
We listen, understand, and respond with kindness, treating every individual with dignity and respect.
Excellence
We strive to deliver the highest quality of care, service, and impact in everything we do.
Committed Individuals Driving Impact and Change
Jeannette Rodríguez
Founder and Director, Fundación Sonrisas
Jeannette Rodríguez is a secretary and preschool assistant with a heart devoted to service. Her journey began with a calling to serve vulnerable children in her own community after a transformative mission trip to Cuba. Each Saturday, she leads with love, playing, teaching, and caring for the children of Playas del Coco.
Despite challenges—rain, illness, and limited resources—her faith keeps her going. Jeannette believes her greatest joy is serving these children and teaching her own kids, Jimena and Samuel, the importance of compassion, faith, and community. Her dream is to have a permanent space where the foundation can expand its mission and serve more families throughout the week.
Michel Ávila Martínez
Co-Founder, Fundación Sonrisas
He dreams of building a permanent facility to expand their outreach. Michel believes that strong communities are built by teaching children faith, values, and the belief in a better future.
Nahomy Castillo
Youth Development Volunteer Jackeline Uriarte (Jacke)
Children's Program Facilitator Valeska García
Executive Director & Community Leader Paola Cortez
Program Coordinator Paola Marchena
Volunteer Coordinator
Be Part of the Change
Every contribution, big or small, helps us continue our mission and extend our impact to those who need it most.