“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” – Milton Berle
Similar to prior years, 2024 non-financial activities and support proved to be extraordinary. There are numerous actions and contributions of time and resources provided by many volunteers under the umbrella of “Friends of Copey” to report on. The volunteer hours and resources are huge in time and effort. The non-financial support is the key ingredient keeping us viable and reliable supporters of the Copey Learning Center. The long list is not the complete list of continuous acts of kindness and encouragement supporting the ongoing work and eduation in Copey, Costa Rica.
Here is a recap of the non-financial acts of kindness in support of The Copey Learning Center:
We began 2024 with confirmation of the partnership with the Copey Learning Center. We received a letter from the Copey Board of Directors thanking “Friends” of prior support and encouraging our continuous partnership in 2024.
Bev Eads, local dedicated supporter and “Friend” provided the 2023 Friends of Copey booklet as she has done annually since 2014. 
Tara Fick comes to Copey to volunteer to teach at the Copey Learning Center.
Tara left her home in Barrie Ontario, Canada following her retirement to devote a full school year of volunteer teaching in Copey.
Katelyn Siekerka and Camden Jones, two of Emory & Henry University’s (E&HU) finest students traveled to Copey to spend several weeks providing educational support to the Copey Learning Center.
Two Copey students, Guadalupe and Ruben traveled with chaperone Catalina to Washington, D.C. and onward to E&HU for the annual Pathway Project.
Numerous volunteers were involved in the Pathway Project.
Monica Hoel from from E&HU voluntarily planned the support services and activities neccessary to host and entertain the students during their Pathway Project visit.
Julie Meek, representing the Tri-Cities Industry Kiwanis Club of Richland, Washington, voluntarily accounted for the financial transactions covering the Pathway Project.
Dr. Celeste Gaia of E&HU helped secure from the university both housing and meals for the
visitors under the Pathway Project.
George Whitley, a key supporter, sponsored the Pathway Project’s annual reception. George provided his beautiful home for the reception and donated all
the food and drink for the guests. Because of his support, the Friends of Copey experience a tremendous non-financial benefit.
And, there were serveral other E&HU volunteers who provided both time and other resources contributing to the 2024 Pathway Project’s success.
The annual reception grows each year in popularity. Attendance increased to more than fifty guests traveling from Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia. One long distance guest included senior high school classmate and long time “Friend” Teresa Edgerton-Scott from Shreveport, Louisiana. These “Friends” are financial supporters but their attendance at the reception represents an enormous amount of non-financial encouragement and inspiration.
Monica Hoel traveled to Copey. She is among the growing list of “Friends” who have made the trip to Copey to experience first-hand the warmth and generosity of the Copey community. Again, this represents one more act of kindness and interest in the Copey students.
Emma Terry, a 2023 Copey Learning Center volunteer teacher, in the late Fall, returned to 
Copey with a group of students from another Costa Rican location where she is currently teaching. She brought the students to help bolster learning and to build student relations.
Anne Beaudoin, another devoted friend and supporter now residing in Canada launched her new book “The Truth of Chasing Rainbows” 
which highlights many of her personal experiences during her time residing in the Copey region.
Tara facilitated a student interchange between a six grade student residing in Richmond, Virginia and her students at the Copey Learning Center. Messages and letters were exchanged between the students fostering lasting friendships and cultural awareness.
Monica Hoel, Carlos Zavala, and myself gathered in Copey for the annual graduation ceremony in November. This was Monica’s second visit to Copey in 2024 and my second Copey Learning Center’s graduation over the past eleven years (and Carlos’ first visit).
In December, Dr. Ed Davis and Professor Shelly Koch of E&HU made their second visit to Copey leading nearly a dozen E&HU students. These students arrived in Copey to visit Copey students and conduct educational activities.
Thank You…!
These accounts are only a small representation of the many ways “Friends” provide support to the Copey Learning Center. Many across this continent are involved in a variety of ways by combining their collective non-financial resources to help enrich the lives of the students in Copey. Voluntary support that continues non-stop is one of the unique features of service “Friends” provides to this community everyday. Thanks to all of you!
This outpouring of love (support, yes, but given in love) is truly inspiring. Thank you for the regular updates on the Copey Learning Center; they are great for my soul! I still hope to visit Copey and teach there one day.