Who we are?

We are a foundation dedicated to supporting people who have suffered spinal cord injuries (SCI), regardless of the cause. We understand the challenges firsthand and are committed to providing friendship, support, and warmth. Above all, we value the importance of giving and the gratitude of receiving.


We provide a range of services including emotional counseling, peer support networks, educational workshops, and advocacy efforts.

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Mission

Our mission at Strength and Faith Foundation is to empower and support individuals with spinal cord injuries through comprehensive information, compassionate care, and engaging programs. Guided by our four pillars, Information & Support, The Angels Program, Therapy, and Entertainment, we strive to enhance quality of life, promote resilience, and foster a community of hope and strength

Vision

At Strength and Faith Foundation, we envision a world where every individual affected by spinal cord injuries is empowered to lead a fulfilling and independent life. Through our unwavering commitment to support, education, and advocacy, we strive to create a compassionate community that inspires hope, promotes healing, and champions the dignity and potential of all those we serve.

Our Values

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Compassion

We care deeply about helping people with spinal cord injuries. We understand their struggles and work hard to make their lives better.

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Empowerment

We help individuals and families gain confidence and strength. Through our programs, we enable them to live fuller, more independent lives.

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Support

We stand by families, giving them the help and resources they need. We are there to listen, guide, and provide comfort.

A hand is holding a heart in its palm.

Respect

We treat everyone with dignity and kindness. We value each person's unique story and ensure their voices are heard and respected.

Four hands are holding each other in a circle.

Collaboration

We believe in working together. By joining forces with students, families, and other organizations, we create a strong network of care and support.

A line drawing of a hand holding a heart.

Compassion

We care deeply about helping people with spinal cord injuries. We understand their struggles and work hard to make their lives better.

A green line drawing of a fist with rays coming out of it.

Empowerment

We help individuals and families gain confidence and strength. Through our programs, we enable them to live fuller, more independent lives.

A green line drawing of a hand shaking in a circle.

Support

We stand by families, giving them the help and resources they need. We are there to listen, guide, and provide comfort.

A hand is holding a heart in its palm.

Respect

We treat everyone with dignity and kindness. We value each person's unique story and ensure their voices are heard and respected.

Four hands are holding each other in a circle.

Collaboration

We believe in working together. By joining forces with students, families, and other organizations, we create a strong network of care and support.

Board of Directors

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Carlos Pardo

General Director

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Adriana Paramo

Director

A woman with long hair is smiling and wearing a white shirt.

Rita Hernández

Director

A man with a beard is wearing a suit and tie.

Bert Putterman

Director

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Luis Pabón

Director

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Eduardo Castro

Director

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Natalia Díaz

External Advisor

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Carolina Casallas

External Advisor

A black and white photo of a man with a beard wearing a white scrub top.

Luis Castillo

External Advisor

A man in a white shirt is smiling for the camera.

Carlos Pardo

General Director

A gray silhouette of a person without a face on a white background.

Adriana Paramo

Director

A woman with long hair is smiling and wearing a white shirt.

Rita Hernández

Director

A man with a beard is wearing a suit and tie.

Bert Putterman

Director

A bald man with a beard and glasses is smiling for the camera.

Luis Pabon

Director

A man in a suit and blue shirt is smiling for the camera.

Eduardo Castro

Director

A woman in a pink shirt and necklace is smiling for the camera.

Natalia Díaz

External Advisor

A gray silhouette of a person without a face on a white background.

Carolina Casallas

External Advisor

A black and white photo of a man with a beard wearing a white scrub top.

Luis Castillo

External Advisor

Carlos' Story

Carlos, a migrant who came to this country in pursuit of the American dream, experienced a life-changing accident while playing tennis. This accident resulted in a spinal cord injury, presenting immense challenges and pain. However, Carlos refused to let this setback define him.


Beyond his love for cooking, singing, and playing the guitar, Carlos found a new purpose in helping others within the spinal cord injury (SCI) community. He dedicated himself to supporting others facing similar struggles, founding the Strength and Faith Foundation.


Through this organization, Carlos provides vital resources, support, and programs to SCI patients and their families. His compassion and determination transformed his pain into a mission of hope and empowerment, making a lasting impact on many lives.

A man in a purple shirt is sitting in a wheelchair

Understanding

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

What is SCI?

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is trauma damaging the spinal cord, leading to paralysis and loss of sensation below the injury. This disrupts brain-body communication, affecting motor function, sensory perception, and autonomic functions such as bladder and bowel control.

Causes

SCI can occur due to accidents such as falls, vehicle collisions, sports injuries, acts of violence, or medical conditions like tumors or infections. Each case is unique, and the impact on an individual's life can be profound and sudden.