About Us

41 And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.

42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.

— Mark 5:41-42

Our Story

Talita Cumi CR began in 1994 in Costa Rica. Programs for boys and girls were created with the goal of rebuilding their self-confidence through classes. Around that time our founder’s mother passed away. This would change Rebeca Ruiz’s life, as her mother was the one who taught her how hard work and education were tools to empower others. Rebeca was inspired to leave a positive footprint in the hearts of others and formalize the foundation in 1995. The foundation's primary focus has been to work and provide educational tools that empower children, teenagers, young adults, men, women and seniors.

Our principles

Mission

Empowering through education, providing educational tools to overcome life’s challenges.

Vision

Be the hands that help others get up and start over finding themselves experiencing the miracle of living an abundant life.

Values

Education, hard work, giving, helping and empowering.

Our work

Online language learning scholarships
Mental health & well being
Online support groups
Online workshops
Couseling & psychology scholarships
Educational programs
Medical treatments
NPO training programs

Testimonials

“We had the privilege of working with Talita Cumi CR for years. Achieving success can be a road with many obstacles and, sometimes, it could come with the wrong signs, but, the effort, dedication and, especially, the determination that we put in the way, is the key to reach the goal. They are a group of people with the determination to move forward and achieve success. I believe in the purpose that God has for its life.”

-Raúl Vargas, Hope Oasis Pastor, Costa Rica
“My life changed when I heard your testimony and saw the greatness and perfection of all that God had done in your lives, despite the circumstances. I knew it was going to change my way of seeing God. I learned what it is to work under God’s perfect purpose, and I knew what true loyalty to God, service and people is, but especially I discovered how to do things within love. Today, I am a different woman, someone who walks under the purpose that God has for me.”

-Vera Castro, 27 years old, Costa Rica
"If I had to say in one word what Talita Cumi CR has been to me, it would be “influence”. Definitely, the Talita Cumi CR team, and especially Rebecca, have been that for me. If I had not had, for so many years and during the most difficult stage of my life, these people full of extraordinary virtues, I did not know what direction my life would have taken. God created, between Rebecca and me, a precious friendship, full of moments where I have been able to grow: it is interesting to see how our conversations have helped me to know myself, to focus. With all my heart, I thank God for choosing me to be your friend.”

-Rocío Gamboa, former coordinator of program Misioneritas