Alas de Libertad: Protecting Women and Children from Violence and Abuse in Ecuador
- atusev
- Jun 23
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 30
Director: Paola Delgado
Location: Manabí, Ecuador
Date: June 2025
Alas De Libertad: Program of the Fundación Adelanto Comunitario Ecuatoriano (FACE)
From a Local Vision to a Global Model
Alas de Libertad was born with a clear purpose: to offer hope where there was once only pain. It operates as a program of the Fundación Adelanto Comunitario Ecuatoriano (FACE), a pioneering community development organization in Ecuador with over 50 years of social impact. Launched in 2019 as an initiative of the Evangelical Covenant Church (IPEE) in Manabí, Ecuador, and led by Paola Delgado, the foundation emerged as a response to the high levels of gender-based violence affecting women and families in the province.
What began as a small project offering specialized psychological support has since grown into a recognized model of prevention, care, and community transformation — one that is now gaining international interest for replication.
“Helping is not just about giving resources. It’s about healing, protecting, and walking alongside others.”— Paola Delgado, Director
Overcoming Crisis to Expand Its Reach
Just months after opening, Alas de Libertad faced the unexpected challenge of the global pandemic. What seemed like the imminent closure of the center became an opportunity for innovation and greater impact.
Through the leadership of Paola Delgado, the foundation quickly developed an online support system, launched a crisis hotline that even received calls from abroad, and strengthened partnerships with local institutions, schools, and protection networks.
Today, Alas de Libertad not only supports women survivors of violence — its work now reaches adolescents, children, and men who are victims of abuse and mistreatment. Violence knows no gender, and neither does the response.
A Professional Methodology with a Human Heart
One of the key strengths of Alas de Libertad lies in the unique combination of professionalism and deep human empathy that defines its team.
Services are never one-time interventions, but rather comprehensive therapeutic journeys carefully designed and validated by national institutions. From initial assessments, through structured therapy, to ongoing follow-up — the goal is always to promote full healing and prevent relapses.
All care is provided under strict ethical guidelines and full confidentiality. The majority of cases are referred through public prosecutors, local protection boards, schools, and the foundation’s own hotline.
The team has also developed technical manuals, clear protocols, and provides regular training to volunteers and community members to ensure the quality and sustainability of its model.
“This is not about one-off sessions. We follow real processes — with ethics, documentation, and measurable results.”— Paola Delgado
Measurable Impact and Results
Since its founding in 2019, Alas de Libertad has had a tangible impact in communities across Manabí. Key achievements include: over 350 specialized psychological counseling sessions for women survivors of violence; prevention programs in schools and rural communities; established centers in Manta and Montecristi; specialized programs for adolescents and child abuse prevention; active local support networks; and formal recognition from local judicial authorities.
Notably, the foundation has successfully handled some of the most complex cases in the region — including full recovery of women who survived femicide attempts — earning praise from public prosecutors.
A robust monitoring and evaluation system is in place, including annual external audits conducted by international consultants, and follow-up for clients after treatment.
A Model Ready to Be Replicated
The Alas de Libertad model is now attracting interest from churches and organizations across Ecuador, Europe, North America and Latin America. In Sweden, Equmeniakyrkan is already supporting the expansion of the model. In North America, the initiative has also gained backing from CWR (USA).
While a formal expansion structure is not yet in place, the team has the critical building blocks: technical manuals, training processes, and a proven ethical approach.
Looking ahead, the vision for the next five years is to establish an international network of centers inspired by this model — one that remains true to its Christ-centered, professional, and human values.
“We don’t want to grow for the sake of growth. We want to expand with ethics, preparation, and fidelity to the heart of Alas de Libertad.”— Paola Delgado
An Invitation to New Partners
Alas de Libertad has demonstrated strong organizational capacity and earned recognition at both national and international levels. This success has been made possible through partnerships with key allies including the Municipality of Montecristi, Ecuadorian company Marbelize, Plan International, CWR (USA), and Equmeniakyrkan (Sweden).
Yet one key challenge remains: the foundation lacks a dedicated unit for fundraising — a structural gap that currently limits its potential to expand, despite having a model ready for replication.
With the recent launch of a specialized 2025 child sexual abuse prevention program, the organization is now seeking new donors and strategic partners who share its vision and are ready to invest in a model with high impact and strong ethical foundations.
“The model is ready. We just need allies to help us reach further.”— Paola Delgado
How to support Alas de Libertad:
If you would like to contribute to the foundation’s work or make a donation, visit:
Contact:
Facebook and Instagram: @CentroAlasdeLibertad
📞 Phone: +593 994 890 930
📍 Office: Manta – Montecristi
About this article:
Published as part of the LISI Initiative by Arbor Consulting, a pro bono program supporting community-based NGOs in Ecuador.included.
Comments