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Welcome to the new COAR Peace Mission website!

We stand in solidarity with the people of El Salvador. Here’s how.

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What is COAR?

One calling, four expressions

A mural features a white church, green mountains, Spanish text Bienvenido a Acoar, and a portrait of a man with glasses and clerical attire.

COAR: A name that says it all

COAR stands for Comunidad Óscar A. Romero (the Community of Óscar A. Romero).

Named in honor of the beloved Salvadoran archbishop and martyr who gave his life defending the poor and vulnerable, our name is also a declaration of shared purpose.

Everything we do — from sheltering children and educating students to carrying forward St. Romero’s legacy of peace — flows from that one word: comunidad. Community.

As a 501c(3) nonprofit, COAR is:

Simple black icon of a building with a cross, suggesting a medical facility or clinic, on a light blue circular background.

A home

The COAR Children’s Village provides a safe, nurturing home for resilient children who have experienced hardship, trauma, and displacement.

Learn About The Children's Village
Black silhouette of an open book with visible pages, set against a peach-colored, irregular circular background.

A school

The COAR School serves over 1,100 students from pre-K through 12th grade, with scholarships ensuring that cost is never a barrier.

Learn About The School
Black heart shape with two arms wrapping around it, resembling a hug, on a light yellow circular background.

A community

COAR is deeply woven into the fabric of Zaragoza. We work closely with local partners as well as the Archdiocese of San Salvador.

Explore Our Community Roots
Three black silhouette candles of varying heights with flames, set against a light green circular background.

A legacy

As the oldest organization bearing St. Óscar Romero’s name, we carry forward his transformational vision of peace, justice, and dignity.

Learn About Our Legacy

We are COAR

Our favorite question isn’t, “What is COAR?” but “Who is COAR?”

A group of women in white shirts sit at a picnic table outdoors, eating from trays of food with drinks and containers on the table. Trees and greenery are visible in the background.

COAR is… a table where everyone has a place

Five students in navy uniforms observe a red model structure inside a classroom decorated with balloons and educational posters.

COAR is… students expanding their perspective across domains

A group of children and adults in yellow shirts participate in an outdoor parade, holding colorful banners and sports equipment, with trees and buildings in the background.

COAR is… an entire community showing up for its children

A group of people stand outdoors at night holding lit candles, with a small fire burning on the ground in the background.

COAR is… a community gathered in faith, marking the seasons together

A group of people, mostly women and children, walk outdoors on a sunny day, holding papers and palm fronds, with one person carrying a cross at the front.

COAR is… a community that walks its faith through the streets of Zaragoza

Three students in uniforms and hard hats stand behind a table with electrical projects at a school event. Two students smile at the camera; decorations and balloons are in the background.

COAR is… a future engineer proudly presenting his work

A priest in a white robe and purple stole marks a cross with ash on a girls forehead during a religious ceremony, while others wait in line.

COAR is… a spiritual home, present for every milestone and every season

You are COAR, too!

The community that has sustained this mission for 45 years grows every time someone new joins it. Whether you give or simply want to stay connected, there is a place for you here.

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