About COAR

Mission Statement

The COAR Peace Mission strives to promote the Gospel values of justice, community, and peace in El Salvador through the support of effective programs in health, education, and welfare, which assist children and others, not only to develop their own full human potential, but also to contribute to the betterment of the world in which they live.

At COAR, we believe:

Resilience is already here.

The children who come to COAR carry strength that precedes us. Our role is not to give them resilience, but rather to create the safe, loving, and faith-grounded conditions where it can flourish.

Deep roots matter.

COAR has been present in Zaragoza since 1980, not as a visiting organization but as a neighbor. That continuity is what allows us to continue the legacy of St. Romero through both good and bad times.

Community knows best.

The people who live and work in Zaragoza understand their community in ways no outside organization can replicate. We follow their lead, fund their expertise, and trust their judgment.

Everything is connected.

A child who feels safe and loved learns better. We don’t separate housing from education or health from faith because it’s all part of the whole-person betterment we strive to create.

Transformation happens together.

No single organization will transform a community alone. What changes lives is sustained and shared commitment from Cleveland to Zaragoza and beyond.