Our History
The medical clinic "dispensario" opened in 1994 under the auspices of the San Francisco de Asís Church, providing free medical treatment the poorest citizens of Nicaragua.
1994: Because of the direct correlation between malnutrition and sickness, SFA began a nourishment program in order to help many of the clinic’s patients suffering from dangerously low levels of malnutrition.
1998: After the devastation caused by Hurricane Mitch in 1998, SFA evaluated the most devastated regions of the country and built a community for 41 families (homes, clinic, church, recreation facilities) in the area of Salinas Grandes, outside of León.
1999: SFA initiated a small program providing individual medical attention to those patients with special and urgent medical needs such as tomographies, post-operative exams, specific prescriptions or other unique forms of treatment that certain cases require.
2000: SFA recognized the lack of emotional stability and professional training of the adolescent mothers who brought their malnourished babies to the feeding program. Identifying this need led to the creation of a support group for young women aimed at helping them with their battles against drug addiction, alcoholism, and prostitution.
2001: SFA inaugurated an elementary school and daycare program for the destitute children off the streets in the Oriental Market of Managua providing them with nutritious meals and a vital education. The schools serves 230 children daily.
2001: SFA also opened an education center in the community of Nueva Vida, operated by a group of dedicated nuns that educate, feed, and give boundless affection to more than 200 disadvantaged children.
2002: SFA formed partnerships with several organizations, including International Giving, in order to build human capacity through volunteers and pro-bono consultants. Management improved with the creation of a centralized office for all activities as well as ongoing support from a broader network of “knowledge” donors.
2004: The clinic opens its own laboratory opens to expedite service delivery and reduce treatment costs.
2005: Emergency care cases continue to grow at double digit rates since the programs inception, positioning SFA as an increasingly common alternative for the poor to seek medical support in Nicaragua. Urgent care becomes a focal point for the organization as it assumes an increasingly large financial responsibility.
2006: Two new projects are launched within the Housing Project. First, a workshop is built to train women for income generating activities. Secondly, "Educando el Futuro" ensures all children within the community can have access to a quality education (transportation, supplies, meals, and uniforms are provided by a group of volunteers).
Our President: Ma. Mercedes Arguello
Born in Leon, Nicaragua in 1936, Maria Mercedes is a devout catholic, mother of seven children and has dedicated her life to improving the lives of the less fortunate. She began volunteering at the age of 13 and has led a life of service ever since. She later founded and managed a clinic "dispensario" which she managed for twenty years in Leon, until a revolution forced her and her family into exile in 1979. Shortly after her return to Nicaragua, in 1992, she founded San Francisco de Asis (SFA), initially a small clinic providing free medical care to the poorest within Managua.
Today, SFA has launched 8 projects providing: education, health, housing, training, and counseling services. Her dedication to the less fortunate has touched the lives of over 50,000 beneficiaries over the last 13 years of service. With few resources and an abundance of compassion and relentless dedication she has achieved an extraordinary service to her country.
Asociación San Francisco de Asís
| 15.05.2006 | Back to top | Contact |