Erin Lopez
One Collective — Av. Sta. Rosa 1745, 8360743 Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile
Hello! My name is Erin Lopez. Thank you for taking the time to look at my page. I have committed two years to serving in Santiago, Chile (March 2027-2029) working with at-risk youth.
The Missions Org: One Collective/Somos Parte
What really struck me about One Collective is its mission to share the love of Christ through incarnational and holistic ministry, meaning living among the community you are serving, and working with people already in that community to build sustainable solutions. These communities around the world bring people together to help the oppressed so that no one may be invisible, nor overlooked when it comes to spreading the Gospel.
One Collective's team in Santiago, Chile is called Somos Parte. The leaders, Rachel and Alonso, have been running Somos Parte for over 12 years, working with adolescents in government-run group homes. Although Chile is one of the wealthier countries in South America, the country has a population of approximately 10,000 children living under the protection of the government. 50% of those in jail were once living in group homes, and the cycle often continues as when many of these youth grow up to have their own children, they are not able to take care of them. Somos Parte mobilizes the Church, government, NGOs, individuals and educational institutions to be hope and family for these children:
They run devotionals within the homes to teach the children about the love of Christ
They partner with 10 local churches to put on workshops, which is contingent upon the unique skills of the congregations (e.g. cooking, crocheting, bike repair, hiking)
They partner with the Chilean government to secure better conditions in the group homes
They give kids financial guidance, especially as they age out of the system, namely how to look for jobs, apartments, apply for schools, etc.
They are now growing out a mentorship initiative called the Significant Connectors Program
My Role
The Significant Connectors program allows for volunteers to take a one-on-one mentorship role with a child, and Somos Parte’s on-staff psychologist is present for these meetings as well. I will be paired with the psychologist and volunteers under a project manager role to make sure the program is running smoothly, assisting with the administrative side, and implementing any improvements that can be made to the program. The other side of my role will be attending government meetings with Rachel and Alonso to secure funding and better conditions for the children.
Partnership
I appreciate any prayers and financial support! I am particularly praying for monthly support. As of November 8th, I am at about 28% of my one time goal and 15% of my monthly goal.
