Building Functional Communities of Hope

The outcomes of youth with experience in the child welfare systems are too frequently limited by the structural complexities and attitudes of the systems (people) that take care of us. A lack of consistent relationships and agency over decisions that impact our lives, ushers us into survival mode and causes cognitive, physical, and social struggles that hinder important processes for healthy human development.

With 500 children entering foster care annually in Puerto Rico and a lack of services designed specifically for us, we recognize the urgent need for support for our community. 

We believe humans are a result of what we've been exposed to and we need environments that provide appropriate levels of comfort and challenge to allow us to learn and grow. That's why OCA helps young people in Puerto Rico access alternative ideas, people and spaces. By creating loving spaces, sharing learning strategies, and introducing youth to nice people, we help them gather tools that allow them to consider a variety of alternatives and improve their response to life's changing environments and situations.

Our goal is to bridge developmental gaps and help youth be prepared to be who they want to be.

OCA is a non profit organization exempt from taxes under the 501(c)(3) code of the federal Internal Revenue Service and section 1101.01 of Puerto Rico's Internal Revenue Code .