Organization: Fabretto Children's Foundation

All Photos The Fabretto Children's Foundation is a U.S. based 501(c)3 charitable organization founded in 1993 to carry on the work begun by Father Fabretto over fifty years ago. Fabretto enables impoverished Nicaraguan children and their families in underserved communities to break the cycle of poverty and reach their full potentials through programs promoting nutrition, health, education, and community and character development

Focus Areas:	Arts, Children, Technology, Economic Development, Education, Environment, Health, Poverty, Gender & Equality, Microfinance
Countries Served:	Nicaragua

Description of Services:
Identify children whose families live in such poverty that they cannot afford to send them to school so as not to lose the income the children might contribute to the household by working or begging; Give these children school uniforms and supplies so they can go to school; Offer a daily balanced lunch and basic health care so they can stay in school; Engage them every afternoon in development activities such as tutoring, study hall, mentoring, sports, arts, music, and life skills training so they can succeed in school; Provide scholarships for vocational, technical, or college training so they can learn how to pull themselves, their families, and their communities out of poverty.
History:
In the early 1950?s, the Rev. Rafael Maria Fabretto arrived in Nicaragua. Concerned about the number of impoverished boys and girls he met, he founded a group of children's homes in the rugged countryside of northern Nicaragua, known collectively as 'La Familia Padre Fabretto.' In June 1989 a young volunteer, Kevin Marinacci, went to Nicaragua to work for a year with La Familia Padre Fabretto. Upon Father?s death the following spring, Kevin started a life long commitment to the Fabretto organization In 1993, The Fabretto Children?s Foundation (FCF) was established as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in the United States for the purpose of raising resources and awareness for program operations in Nicaragua.
Accomplishments & Progress:
Since 2001, enrollment in Fabretto's programs has more than tripled, serving about 6,500 students. Through this success, Fabretto seeks to ensure first and foremost that the level of service to new students is equal or higher to those currently enrolled. In addition, our students maintain a retention rate well above the national average, a clear indication of the relevance and appreciation of our programs. Fabretto has received many recognition awards from the Nicaraguan government and local community groups. Also, The Fabretto Children's Foundation was a finalist for the prestigious 2007 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize and has been designated as one of America's Best Charities by Independent Charities of America.