MINDO FUTURES, INC.
CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA

It began with the vision of a single nun, Sister Lucia, and her dream of providing a safety net for the most vulnerable members of society: the children. In response to the needs of orphaned and abandoned children, La Chia, as she was commonly referred to by the children, established an orphanage in the tiny pueblo of Mindo, Ecuador. La Chia and two other sisters of the Divine Providence began to welcome children who had nowhere else to go. The need to provide the children with an education became a priority and a school was born: La Unidad Educativa Fiscomisional Tecnico Ecuador, UEFTE. From day one, the financial resources of the school were stretched to the limit. Always on the lookout for help, La Chia had a chance encounter with an American businessman that led to an affiliation with two schools from Miami, FL. Touched by the loving environment that they encountered at UEFTE, and inspired by the sister’s mission to educate the children, Our Lady of Lourdes Academy and LaSalle High School were moved to offer assistance. In 1998, an organization called the Miracle of Mindo was formed to help raise funds to support the work of La Chia. Mindo Futures As time passed it became apparent that there was more to be done. Amanda Gaetan, who first visited Mindo at the young age of 15 with La Salle High School during a summer mission, formed and founded Mindo Futures at the very young age of 19 years old. What began as a young lady’s vision to keep La Chia’s legacy and dream alive has today become a non-profit organization that works and strives year round to sustain and continually improve and grow three different programs under the umbrella of Mindo Futures. The Miracles Program strives to continue the work of the Miracle of Mindo. Throughout the years Mindo Futures has continued to offer assistance to UEFTE. 2015 was a groundbreaking year! A new building was constructed that houses a computer lab, a science lab, classrooms and administrative offices. Additionally, the library was renovated and enhanced, and a new reading program was initiated in an effort to improve the overall education. The Health program commenced in 2008 and through the annual medical mission we do each summer, this mission provides free medical care and medicine to the people of Mindo, and the surrounding areas throughout the province of Pichincha. Miracle of Mindo Mission The Miracle of Mindo Mission started in 2014 and focuses intensely on providing school supplies, clothing, basic hygiene supplies and other basic needs to the children at UEFTE. It also works on improving different infrastructure projects. Mindo Futures, Inc. was incorporated in the state of Florida in January 2009 and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) Public Charity in August 2009. The Miracles Program assists the students at UEFTE, a Catholic elementary and secondary boarding school in Mindo, Ecuador. We provide students with tuition assistance, technology and school supplies, along with infrastructure improvements to the school facilities. Through an annual mission called "Miracle of Mindo" we focus intensely on the students and their overall well-being. The Health Program consists of a large volunteer medical team that has traveled annually to Mindo, Ecuador since 2008. Our physicians provide a broad range of specialties and services including; pediatrics, internal medicine, ob-gyn, dentistry, an eyeglass clinic, laboratory services, x-rays and mammograms. These services, along with prescription and over the counter medicines and vitamins are provided free of charge to thousands of patients each year. The Bridge Program provides academically qualified and need-based students from UEFTE with an opportunity to obtain a college education in Quito, Ecuador. In addition, tuition assistance, housing, tutoring and career counseling are provided to our students. The Program seeks to provide its students with more than just tuition and living expenses; it strives to develop both character and integrity that will guide the students as they move into their respective careers.