Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
Our Commitment
The Castañeda Kids Foundation is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty through education. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their financial circumstances.
Our Story
In 1997, four of TCKF’s original founding members created the Carlos and Marina Castañeda Foundation in honor of their parents who had begun the effort of pushing their community to take notice of well deserving but financially challenged students. With the continuing commitment of the Founders and now the rest of the TCKF team, Carlos and Marina’s efforts live on.
In partnership with Instituto El Carmelo in Soyapango, El Salvador, TCKF has sponsored and mentored over 547 students since the program’s inception.
Education with Heart: A Community Commitment
To qualify for the program, students must demonstrate financial need and a strong commitment to their education. Their parents or guardians are also required to actively participate in the school community, from fundraising to volunteering. This “pay it forward” approach fosters a sense of pride and ownership in their children’s education.
Their Future Begins With You
Academic Scholarships
Empowering Students One Scholarship at a Time
The Castañeda Kids Foundation (TCKF) firmly believes the cycle of poverty can be stopped through education, pure and simple. But as we know, not every family has access.
In 1997, four of TCKF’s original founding members created the Carlos and Marina Castañeda Foundation in honor of their parents who had begun the effort of pushing their community to take notice of well deserving but financially challenged students.
In partnership with Instituto El Carmelo in Soyapango, El Salvador, TCKF has sponsored and mentored over 440 students since the program’s inception.
The Foundation is dedicated to supporting education through scholarships.
This year, TCKF was able to increase the number of sponsorships to 37, ensuring that more children have access to quality education and the opportunity to succeed.
The program invites others to join in making a positive impact on these young lives.
Transforming Lives Together
Supporting HOPAC’s Mission for Individuals with Cerebral Palsy
HOPAC – Hogar de Parálisis Cerebral is an organization in San Salvador, El Salvador, dedicated to supporting individuals with cerebral palsy. Founded in 2019 by the mother of a child with cerebral palsy, HOPAC aims to help patients lead fulfilling lives and become productive members of society
HOPAC offers various therapeutic services, including occupational therapy and music therapy, provided by visiting professionals.
- Sensory Room: A therapeutic space that aids in patient development and comfort.
- Kitchen Appliances: Equipment for an industrial kitchen where patients learn to bake bread and cookies, helping to generate income for the center.
- Greenhouses: Three structures for growing vegetables with a tilapia tank, promoting healthy eating, teaching sustainability, and helping the center financially by selling excess produce. Additionally, the patients can learn how to replicate this on a smaller scale at home to help with the family expenses.
The foundation has partnered with HOPAC to fund an outdoor garden and greenhouse program.
Additionally, the foundation has recently partnered with HOPAC, a local center for children with cerebral palsy, to fund an outdoor garden and greenhouse program.
This initiative not only provides healthy produce for the center but also empowers patients and their families with the skills to grow their own nutritious food at home—offering both sustenance and an opportunity to generate income
Through these programs, we are not just feeding families—we are fostering healthier, stronger, and more self-sufficient communities.
Moving forward, TCKF aims to continue helping HOPAC grow, funding activities and supporting the dedicated team caring for patients.
Together, we are committed to making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with cerebral palsy.
Saturday English Classes
Empowering Futures: English Education Initiative in Santo Domingo, El Salvador
Breaking Barriers, Building Futures Through English
The program offers intensive English classes every Saturday in Colegio Ana Guerra de Jesús, designed to empower underprivileged high school youth with essential language skills that will enhance their job opportunities.
Running from February to November, these classes play a crucial role in the students' education, helping them improve their employability.
Where Every Child’s Song Begins
Music Encourages Creativity, Brings Joy to the Community
In 2022, TCKF launched a music program sponsorship at Villa Palestina, a rural school in El Salvador that had never had a music program. During a routine cleanup, a student discovered old instruments, sparking a school-wide interest in music. The principal turned to TCKF for support, enabling the purchase of new instruments.
Thanks to a dedicated teacher, a visionary principal, and a committed community, the program has thrived. All 500 students now receive weekly music lessons, with over a third joining after-school classes. Their newly formed school band proudly performs at events, bringing music and joy to the community.
Music Changes An Entire School
All band students and their families are held to the same principles of academic rigor and community commitment. They’ve risen to the challenge and the results have been dramatic.
Since the program’s launch, class attendance has improved significantly, and students’ grades have risen across the board. A renewed sense of community pride has taken root. Students are experiencing personal growth like never before. And, of course, the music itself brings joy, energy, and inspiration to all.
The band participated in a band festival and won 3rd place after only two years of having played a musical instrument for the first time.
