About Colombia De Mi Corazón
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit that nourishes hundreds of impoverished children in the strife-torn country of Colombia with healthy food, clothing, hygiene, education, joy, and Christian values.
There are an estimated 820,000 orphaned children in Colombia with millions more living in extreme poverty. Colombia De Mi Corazón (CDMC) operates an orphanage in the city of Cúcuta and provides outreach to disadvantaged families in this strife-torn country.
In 2010, while visiting my uncle in Colombia, I went to the barrios of Cartagena, where I met an old man and his grandson in front of their dilapidated home. My only thought at that moment was realizing that little boy would someday become that old man if no one helped him—a vicious circle!
I knew then, with God’s blessings and timing, I would do something to make a difference in the lives of these precious innocent children. In 2018, I founded Colombia De Mi Corazón, Inc. to support underprivileged children in my beautiful native country.
Today, I have come full circle—it is my sole purpose and life legacy to help thousands of Colombian children and orphans through our foundation!
Blessings,
Otto Rafael Peñarredonda
Founder
Community Outreach Specialist
Zulay joined CDMC in 2021, with a passion for helping children of need in Colombia that was undeniable from the start. She directly contributed to bringing the first orphanage to CDMC and oversees our network of volunteers in Cúcuta. We look forward to Zulay’s participation in supporting many more children as our foundation expands to other cities throughout the country.
Our Mission
We are committed to improving the living conditions of impoverished Colombian children with limited resources, from infancy to adulthood. We provide them with food, clothing, spiritual guidance, and a higher quality of life that may not be accessible from family or friends.
Our Vision
It is our objective to establish a network of orphanage centers in several other cities throughout Colombia, where our foundation can enhance the lives of thousands of poor and orphaned children.
Our Story
How We Got Started
Although Otto Rafael Peñarredonda left Colombia as a young boy, he always retained pride for his home country. Born in Barranquilla, Rafael was raised and educated in southern California from the age of five and built a successful business career in the food industry. Returning to visit Colombia as an adult, he was deeply stirred by the number of destitute children he saw on the streets. This inspired him to create CDMC as a non-profit organization to give back to his native country by helping poor Colombian children who do not have the fortune to live in comfort. The Foundation contributes to reducing poverty by providing as many children as possible with food, clothing, education, and spiritual guidance to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Where We Are Now
CDMC currently supports 12 orphans of various ages at our orphanage in the city of Cúcuta. In addition, a network of devoted volunteers brings food, clothing, an awareness of Christ, and other assistance to disadvantaged families of four or more in neighborhoods of extreme poverty. The CDMC logo is prominently featured on the orphanage building to make our presence known, so we can help more children. Eventually, our foundation will extend its network of orphanage centers throughout Colombia, in cities such as Cartagena, Barranquilla, Cali, and others with large populations living in poverty.
How You Can Help
Currently, our faith-based foundation is financed primarily by Rafael’s food products company, Otto’s Pizza Stix Inc., as well as by people like you and several big-hearted entrepreneurial sponsors. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, all donations you make are tax-deductible—and every dollar makes a difference! With your generous support, more children in Colombia will benefit from food, clothing, love, an improved quality of life, and a relationship with Christ.
Featured Foundation Sponsors
Mike Armstrong Agency
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