
Support the people of Lima, Peru as They break the cycle of poverty
Join us in providing grants to cover educational, medical, food, clothing, housing, transportation, and other expenses.
People in Crisis
28.4%
In 2018, approximately 28.4% of the population of Lima lived below the national poverty line.
33.8%
In 2020, an estimated 33.8% of households in Lima lacked access to basic sanitation services.
48.3%
In 2019, the poverty rate among children in Lima was estimated to be 48.3%.
The people of Lima, Peru need support. Poverty is a major issue in this city and its surrounding areas.
Many families in Lima live in extreme poverty and are struggling to make ends meet. This has had a profound effect on the city, particularly its children.
Without support, these families will remain in a cycle of poverty, unable to break free and create a better future for themselves.
How We Support

For Equal Opportunities is dedicated to supporting the people of Lima, Peru as they break the cycle of poverty.
We understand that without access to basic needs, like educational opportunities, medical care, and housing, it is impossible to live with dignity. That’s why we are proud to offer grants that cover a variety of expenses, from educational and medical fees to food, clothing, and transportation.
With these grants, we hope to provide the necessary tools to break the cycle of poverty for individuals and families. Money from grants will be used to pay for educational fees (pre-k, primary, high school, and/or college fees), medical expenses, study supplies (pens, books, computers, bus fares), food, clothing, emergency relief, and household bills.
We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to live with dignity. Through our grant program, we strive to make this a reality for the people of Lima, Peru.
3 TO 5 YEARS GOALS:
- To provide financial education respecting the cultural context
- To open a community center in San Juan de Lurigancho that offers several services, mainly a safe place for children to play and learn.
Give to Lima
Your generous donations will provide much-needed assistance.
Make a real difference in the lives of the people of Lima as they build a brighter future for themselves and their families.
Want to make a monthly donation? Go to our PayPal donation page and select ‘Make this a monthly donation’ when making your donation.

Our Board Of Directors

Julia Rita Romero Oscanoa
I need to start by saying that it took me a while to understand that part of my healing needed to involve connecting with my ancestors, with my music, with the meaning of time, with the power of living in community, and with the importance of wrestling with family legacies…… My Inca and Black ancestors were not only extremely intelligent, they also respected nature and its beauty, and they lived their lives knowing that time needs to be used with PURPOSE. They purposely spent time living in community and with family (however each one of us defines it).
I was born and raised in Lima, Peru. My motivation to create F.E.O comes from what I saw and experienced being born and raised in San Juan de Lurigancho. From a very, very young age I understood that survival is a way of living for so many people and because colonization is still alive and breathing, groups that are purposely being made to stay in a state of economic survival (one of them the one I belonged to) were never allowed to have opportunities to learn, and break the cycle of poverty.
I intentionally decided that I was going to pursue and complete an education. I knew this was one of the powerful ways to help me and my family break the cycle of poverty. This motivation took me to complete 2 Masters, one in Community Mental Health and one in Addiction Studies. I am also Sanmarquina forever! I studied Linguistics alongside a group of extraordinary women who became friends for life. My desire to learn did not stop there, I also pursued and continue pursuing different certifications that as a psychotherapist allows me to provide quality of services to my clients.
I intentionally decided that I was going to pursue and complete an education. I knew this was one of the powerful ways to help me and my family break the cycle of poverty. This motivation took me to complete 2 Masters, one in Community Mental Health and one in Addiction Studies. My desire to learn did not stop there, I also pursued and continue pursuing different certifications that as a psychotherapist allows me to provide quality of services to my clients.
I have worked in several community agencies and I have held different leadership positions within some of those agencies.
I also believe in supporting our young people, showing respect to our elders, supporting people who are trying to create their own businesses or are trying to figure out how to create a better future for them and their families. I believe that no one can make it alone in this world and community is crucial to feel supported and seen.
During my leisure time I like to read, hike, run, and paint. I understand now that tapping into our creative side can bring healing and provoke restoration.

James Kim
James Kim is a Financial Advisor with Strategic Financial Group, Inc. Prior to joining Strategic Financial Group, he was a founding member of the Penn Mutual Chicago Office in 2008. Prior to joining Penn Mutual, James was a Premier Client Manager at Bank of America’s Premier Banking & Investments. He began his career at JPMorgan Chase in March 2000. Among numerous positions held, he ultimately served as a Client Service Associate under JPMorgan’s Private Bank until 2006.
James focuses on investment and risk management solutions. He is a financial advisor that provides financial guidance in areas of retirement savings, education savings, and wealth management. He believes in delivering personal attention, trusted guidance, and investment services to all clients.
James resides in Glenview, IL. He is a fan of the White Sox and Bulls. When he is not too busy, he is expanding and listening to his vinyl collection, watching movies or sharing drinks with friends and family.

Dennis Bourne
Dennis Bourne received undergraduate training in psychology at Kenyon College, along with graduate training in developmental and clinical psychology at Howard University and eventually in counseling at Regent University.
Since then, his professional career has represented a unique balance of research, programming, and direct services. His research experience came from investigating military family dynamics, team building, and leadership development at the U.S. Army Research Institute. His experience in program management and evaluation came from developing and evaluating mental health programming for ethnic minorities at the American Psychological Association, and from conducting trainings and performance evaluations as a management consultant for Alinea Group.
His direct services experience came as a therapist to homeless men recovering from substance addiction at the Gospel Rescue Mission, and to incarcerated youth at the District of Columbia Youth Services Center. Most recently, Dennis served as a program supervisor and clinician at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, and is currently the Director of Behavioral Health at Lawndale Christian Health Center.
Dennis is passionate about helping people of all ages who have experienced trauma and oppression to recognize and reach their potential in Christ.
Our Volunteers
Maria Oscanoa Cardenas
I was born in Cerro de Pasco and I live in Lima. It has been and is an honor to be the representative of F.E.O. in Lima, Perú. When they asked me to be a volunteer and they explained to me the mission of the organization, I did not hesitate for a moment to say yes. Our communities need people who want to work with us, we are not looking for a quick fix, we are all hard workers, and we need people who are going to be able to see and honor that. We do not need people who want to come here with the mentality of “saving us.” In all honesty, we are exhausted of people who treat us that way. We need people who honor our history, and who understand that living in extreme poverty is not a choice or a decision, it is centuries of colonialism, capitalism, and all the “isms.” There is a lot of talent here and we just need opportunities.
I have five daughters, one of whom watches over us from heaven, and a daughter who joined us as my grandson’s wife. They both have filled us with happiness with the arrival of my great-grandson. In my spare time I visit my family, walk, and color.
My role as a volunteer at F.E.O. is to build relationships with people in the San Juan de Lurigancho community area. I also identify people who are in great economic need and explain to them the work of the organization.

Eduardo Enrique Romero
My name is Eduardo Enrique Romero and I was born and raised in Lima, Perú. I have been fortunate to have opportunities for university studies and this has allowed me to break cycles in my family of origin. I am very excited to be a part of the F.E.O. volunteer group. My country, the people and their history are very important to me and I believe that F.E.O. is committed to collaborating with Peruvians to find solutions to break the cycle of poverty.
I am lucky to have a son and a wife who love me and support me a lot. In my free time I really like to spend time with my family, with my friends and visit my grandmother.

Ana Cordova
My name is Ana Berrocal Cordova. I was born and raised in Lima, Perú. I am very excited to be a part of F.E.O. since I believe in equal rights for all. As a woman, in a country where there is still a long way to go to reach gender equality, and where women, especially women who constantly live in the poor class, suffer violence, I believe that F.E.O. will have a great impact and will support individuals and families to break the cycle of poverty.
I am the mother of a wonderful boy, and I want him to grow up with many opportunities. I also studied nutrition and my goal is to be a chef in my own restaurant.
In my free time I like to spend time with my family, and experiment with different recipes.
