About VIA

All for the Glory of God

Welcome
VIA Foundation is a non-profit Christian organization founded in 2022 in the United States that supports local churches in Colombia through dynamic children's and youth discipleship programs. We work in vulnerable areas, bringing hope, biblical education, and spiritual guidance with the goal of raising new generations centered on the values ​​of God's Kingdom.

"For I know the plans that I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer 29:11

Making a Difference

VIA Foundation works to make a difference in our kids lives.

 

Overview of Neighborhoods

VIA Foundation's locations are in the outskirts of Bogotá, Colombia,   The level of socioeconomic "status" of this neighborhood appears as 1-1. It is made up of people in extreme poverty.  The poorest areas in these neighborhoods are called "squatter slums" because residents have settled on land on the outskirts of big cities and built their homes out of whatever materials they can salvage, including cardboard and tin. Due to the unstable construction, some of the houses this area are especially susceptible to landslides.

Usme
VIA's first ministry is located in an area called Invasión el Refugio, Usme. This area is filled with many recycling families that earn money separating trash from Bogota.

Ciudad Bolivar
VIA's second ministry is located on the outskirts of the Cuidad Bolivar neighborhood of Bogotá.  This location is in a pastor's home providing shelter for weekend classes.

Christian Volunteering

VIA's is guided by a group of leaders in the United States and Colombia, through local team members using their gifts and talents in Christ's love. "But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of the gift of Christ." Ephesians 4:7

Dra. Diana Russi - USA Director
Dra. Diana Russi is one of the founders of Via Foundation, Inc., and is the Managing Director of the foundation.  Diana is originally from Bogotá Colombia, graduated from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, as an industrial psychologist. For the last 15 years Diana has been working with pastors and organizations in Colombia to help disadvantaged children, preparing the next generation to live productive Christ-centered lives. Diana currently lives in the United States with her husband and 2 adult children.

Vision

Our vision is to be a beacon of hope and transformation in the most disadvantaged communities of Usme, Ciudad de Bolívar and Soacha. We seek a future in which every child, youth and mother in these areas can experience a better quality of life while finding purpose and dignity in their existence.  All while strengthening their Christian faith and empowering themselves to overcome the barriers of poverty and inequality.

VIA's Beginning

VIA began by meeting in the living room of a local family for 3 months.

Mission

Equipping and strengthening local churches to impact their communities with the message of Jesus, providing practical tools for growing children's and youth ministry.

What We Believe

  • We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God
  • We believe in one God, eternally existent in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
  • We believe that God created man in His own image to reflect His glory.
  • We believe that the Lord, Jesus Christ, died for our sins, and that all who believe in Him are justified on the ground of His shed blood, and thereby become children of God. "If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Rom 10:9

What do we do?

Through our "VIA MISIÒN KIDS & JÒVENES" program, we offer:

  • Weekly Christian lessons (easy to implement and with biblical foundations).
  • Icebreakers and practical activities. Healthy snacks for each child.
  • Logistical support with resources, visual guides, and reimbursements via Nequi.
  • Close support for each church that chooses to participate.