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About VIDA

VIDA was created to be a resource volunteers can depend on to support their cause of helping fellow human beings. VIDA aims to be a truly nonprofit organization that will have no other motives (religious or political) than to bring people together to make this world a better place through service learning.

Meet our Directors

Sondra Elizondo, VIDA Co-Director

“Sondra is a former U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer (1994-1996, Costa Rica) and a Medical Social Worker; born and raised in Minnesota. Sondra has lived in Costa Rica on a full-time basis since 2004 with her husband, who is Costa Rican and our 2 children in the province of Cartago, just southeast of San Jose. Sondra has over 15 years experience as a social worker in Minnesota. Sondra has long been committed to working with grassroots non-profit organizations, aiding people and animals in need as well as collaborating with sustainable development projects.

Sondra has a strong medical background which includes years of experience as the Director of Social Services at a nursing home in Minnesota as well as hospital social work at a level 1 trauma hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota. “The creation of VIDA, Volunteers for Intercultural and Definitive Adventures, is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. A non-for-profit organization that collaborates and supports other small non-profit organizations, communities, and villages in efforts to improve quality of life, promote peace and understanding, and provide volunteers with an excellent opportunity to serve and learn. I started volunteering in high school at our local nursing home and I continue to this day to volunteer my time for people in need. I love working in the health profession and truly enjoy guiding and translating for volunteer groups in Central America. I have been working with medical, dental, and veterinary volunteers in Central America for the past 3 years and can’t imagine doing anything else more satisfying. For me, VIDA couldn’t be a more perfect fit! I can continue to assist others in experiencing a taste of “mini peace corps ” and be a part of a truly non- for -profit organization that is committed to improving the lives of people in need.”

Curtis Larsen, VIDA Co-Director

“My experience as a volunteer started while I was in high school. After helping Hispanic immigrant children learn English and adapt to their new schools and lives in Minnesota, I decided I wanted to teach languages. The first time I came to Costa Rica was I immediately fell in love with this beautiful country. I decided to pursue a degree in Spanish in the National University of Costa Rica; while I was studying, I began to lead and translate for volunteer groups from the U.S. This was a great experience in that I learned that I could be part of making such a difference in people’s lives in my work. I have now decided that this will be my way of teaching: showing people all their potential and helping them actively learn more than they ever could in a classroom. I have now lived in Costa Rica for 6 years and am married to a wonderful Costa Rican woman. We live in Heredia, just north of San Jose.”

Next: Meet our Staff

Follow your passion, and success will follow you. ~Arthur Buddhold

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