About Us
Empowering Communities,
Enriching Lives:
Uniting Hearts, Cultures, And Nature
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Our Journey
Since 2013, the Asociación Casa Adobe has been working to generate opportunities for comprehensive exchange between people and their environment. Through the years, we have achieved significant milestones in:
- Community belonging and collaboration
- Creative educational opportunities
- Ecological justice
- Migrant and refugee accompaniment
Our work is constant and evolving. Each achievement propels us to move forward and face new challenges with renewed determination.
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Our mission
Welcome to the heart of our mission! In a world in which connections have the power to transform, we are dedicated to fostering holistic human development within and from the Central Valley of Costa Rica. Through a tapestry of social, cultural, and spiritual exchanges, we’re weaving bonds that transcend boundaries and backgrounds. And as custodians of our planet, we embrace the responsibility to nurture and preserve the very environment that sustains us. Join us on this extraordinary journey of building community and environmental stewardship. Together, we’re shaping a future that thrives on interconnectedness.
Our work
We recognize ourselves as a part of the biotic community and responsible for its well-being and that of all its inhabitants. Our conservation work along the Virilla river micro-watershed, an area marked by ecological degradation and complex socio-economic dynamics, involves:
Environmental education and citizen science
We seek to reestablish the bonds between human beings and nature. We plan and implement workshops on organic agriculture, composting, flora and fauna observation, and the recovery of wild spaces that have been underutilized for decades.
Conservation Action
Tree planting has become the flag that represents our hopes. It all started with the dream of recovering a public space on the banks of the Virilla River. The work has become a community activity where children and adults get their hands dirty and plant the trees of what is expected to be a community ecological park.
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Also, we are cutting paths that allow access to the reforestation area. Activities like a field day or a picnic near the river seemed distant in the minds of the neighbors, but little by little people have begun getting involved and dreaming of accessible green spaces. This represents not only a change in the landscape of the community, but also a change in mentality, a counter-cultural movement that awakens hope and revives childhood memories filled with trees, birdsongs and family time.
Environmental monitoring
In coordination with entities and individuals, we seek to collect data on water quality and native species of flora and fauna. This data provides us with information for decision making and future actions.
Theology of Creation and ecological justice
At the heart of ‘Theology of Creation and Ecological Justice’ lies a profound belief that God, the Divine Community of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, deeply loves and cherishes creation, deeming it inherently good (Genesis 1:31). We hold firm to the conviction that in Christ, all things shall one day be reconciled (Colossians 1:20), and as believers, it is our sacred responsibility to care for every facet of our world, as entrusted to us by the Creating Community (Genesis 2:15).
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In a world often fixated on personal success and material accumulation, we aim to provide spaces for theological reflection on the vital importance of reconnecting with nature and actively participating in the conservation efforts needed to mend the broken relationships that have severed us from the creation community. Our mission is to facilitate a profound understanding that transcends mere discourse; we seek to transform these reflections into tangible, individual, and communal actions.
‘Theology of Creation and Ecological Justice’ invites you to join us on a journey of theological exploration and practical engagement, as we work together to nurture a world where faith and environmental stewardship harmoniously coexist. Together, we aspire to be catalysts for positive change, actively contributing to the conservation of our planet and forging a path towards a more just, sustainable, and harmonious world.
Our values
We are guided by a set of core values that underpin everything we do:
Community: We believe in the power of community, where individuals support and uplift each other towards a common purpose.
Environmental Stewardship: Our responsibility to nurture and preserve the environment is at the core of our identity.
Cultural Exchange: We celebrate diversity and embrace cultural exchanges that break down barriers and foster understanding.
Spiritual Connection: Our work is deeply spiritual, reflecting our reverence for creation and our role as stewards of the Earth.
Our People
Our team thrives on collaboration, working in unison to fulfill our mission of ‘Being good neighbors’—a mission encompassing care for both humanity and the environment. We believe that the key to success lies in harmonious cooperation. Each team member contributes their unique expertise, from social entrepreneurship and law to theology and wildlife advocacy, making us a dynamic force for positive change. Our collective commitment to conservation, restoration, and community well-being drives us forward. Together, we’ve achieved significant milestones in community engagement, education, ecological justice, and support for migrants and refugees. Our unwavering unity and shared passion for the Earth’s well-being propel us to create a more just and vibrant world.
Meet Our Team
James Padilla DeBorst
An accomplished social entrepreneur, consultant, and dedicated organizer. With a strong track record of founding multiple non-profit organizations, he brings a wealth of experience to the field. James is highly skilled in strategic planning, grant-writing, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
Ruth Padilla DeBorst
A globally recognized theologian, practitioner, educator, and captivating speaker with a rich history of engagement spanning decades across Latin America. She also serves as a valued board member of ACA.
Luis Paulino Madrigal
An accomplished lawyer and a natural community organizer. Hailing from Santa Rosa, he has deep roots in the neighborhood and is widely recognized and respected by its residents. Luis also holds the esteemed position of President at ACA.
Migo Álvarez
A dedicated advocate for wildlife and tropical ecology. With a wealth of experience in hotel and tourism enterprises as well as environmental education, he brings a unique blend of expertise to the table. Migo currently serves as the Vice-President of ACA.
Maria Virginia Agostini
A proficient administrator, possesses exceptional skills in management and hospitality. She plays a pivotal role in overseeing our migrant initiatives.
Yuni Ortiz
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