About Us

Our History

Founded in 2018, the HB8 Partnership Foundation was created out of our desire to make a positive impact on the lives of highly vulnerable communities in Colombia, living in absolute poverty.

Our inspiration for HB8 was our mother, Hilda de Bernal, mother of 8 children. HB for her initials and the number 8 representing her 8 children. Hilda was born in a poor family in Tolima, Colombia. Throughout her life, she and her family continued to face difficulties due to forced displacement by violence in the region.

Mrs. Hilda, who later became a widow in conditions of extreme poverty, dedicated her life to working hard, and with dedication managed to educate us, "the founders."

All these events deeply impact our lives, which drives us to get directly involved in working for our communities in search for solutions that help alleviate the suffering caused by extreme poverty.

Our Mission

The HB8 Partnership is a registered 501c3 non-profit foundation with a mission to create development opportunities and provide sustainable resources for highly vulnerable communities living in extreme poverty in rural areas and municipalities across Colombia.

These communities include unprotected adults and children, widows, single mothers, and displaced individuals.

HB8 Partnership achieves its mission through the following projects in rural areas: food bank and holiday meals for the elderly, school essentials and school projects for children, empowerment workshops for young women and mothers, health and recreation programs for families, and financing micro projects to promote small business.

How You Can Help

The HB8 Partnership is able to achieve the mission through donations, volunteering and sponsorships.

United States: All donations are tax deductible and can be made through transfer methods such as Zelle, PayPal, or GoFundMe.

Colombia: Non-perishable food donations are accepted at collection and distribution centers in Mariquita, Palocabildo, Ibagué, and Bogotá, Colombia. Cash donations can be made through transfer methods such as Bancolombia, Chase, PayPal, Stripe, GoFundMe, Mercado Pago, DaviPlata, and Nequi.

Our Vision

In the years to come, we want to promote sustainable socioeconomic development for individuals and communities living in extreme poverty. This work is guaranteed through comprehensive and ongoing support from HB8 Partnership, which aims to be a leader in creating innovative programs to improve living conditions.

Slogan

"United hands, enhancing lives!"

Our Values

Solidarity

Fraternity

An attitude of unity to help others.

Integrity

Honesty, ethics, and justice.

Support and Collaboration

Cooperation

We cover basic needs of our communities.

Mercy

Kindness

We sympathize with the suffering of others.

Empathy

Compassion

We identify with the suffering of others, which makes us sensitive and drive us to help others.

Being Accessible

Readiness

Being present for those who need it.

Our Team

Mercedes Bernal

President

Bachelor in Marketing, Politécnico Grancolombiano, Bogotá, Colombia.
MBA, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Having grown up in a large family and a young widowed mother affected by poverty, life reaffirms that my mission is to contribute so that highly vulnerable families have a better life, because 'What is the use of life, if not to give it?' (Paul Claude).

Having experienced the difficulties of extreme poverty is an inspiration; no matter the conditions we were born into, we can break those chains and contribute to improving the lives of children and adults. Sponsoring orphaned children and abandoned adults is a way to contribute and positively impact our society

Lorena Gómez Bernal

Director

Bachelor in Business Administration from the Universidad La Gran Colombia.
Specialist in Project Management from the Universidad Minuto de Dios.

She, along with her family, commits to realizing the dream of aiding others. Her belief is that in life, we must leave a lasting impact. God grants us the opportunity to strive, dream, and turn those dreams into reality—we need only follow them and persevere.

Diana Reyes Bernal

Activities and Events Coordinator

Bachelor in Physiotherapy from the Universidad Nuestra Señora del Rosario.
Specialist in Health Management FUS

Her inspiration stems from the moral education she imparts to her son, who, through her example, learns to embrace love and respect for others as integral parts of his life.

Luisa Fernanda Cabrera Bernal

Director of Communications and Projects

Social Communicator and Journalist
Specialist in Corporate Communication.

Because she can’t stand still while others go hungry. Because for her, compassion isn’t enough unless it’s followed by action. She works for a foundation that supports families in rural areas of Colombia because she has seen firsthand what it means to lack the basics—and she’s convinced that with organization and will, real change is possible.

It’s not just about handing out food. It’s about showing up, listening, and recognizing the dignity of those who have been forgotten by many. She firmly believes in the power of community, in building bridges between those who want to help and those who need it.

Floralva Vela

Accountant

Her life story reinforces the significance of a child having the support and role model of family and close individuals.

The HB8 Partnership team firmly believes that when people come together to create projects to assist boys and girls facing vulnerability and limited opportunities, it embodies gestures of generosity, solidarity, and community responsibility. These efforts have the power to positively impact lives.

Héctor Bernal

Logistic Coordinator

Born in Mariquita, Tolima, he emerged from his mother’s womb at the age of 12, seeking a better opportunity in life. Since then, he has worked independently on agricultural and livestock farms in rural areas of Colombia.

Héctor is deeply passionate about finding solutions to poverty-related challenges faced by rural children. Through the foundation, he has committed to enhancing the well-being of these young ones.

How to Help

Sponsorship

Sponsor a child, an individual, or a family by contributing a minimum monthly amount or any sum of money, you can help us purchase food baskets or support education through our foundation.

Financing Projects

Support in the start-up (meaning the planning of production and commercialization) and the follow-up of projects for groups of people previously classified.

For example, creating a sewing workshop to make school uniforms for a group of single mothers living in absolute poverty.

Charity / Donations

Provide any amound of money, non-perishable food items, new clothes, school supplies, personal hygiene items, toys, sports items through HB8 Partnership Foundation.

Benefited Communities

Highly vulnerable groups living in absolute poverty such as unprotected adults, orphaned children, widows, single mothers, displaced by violence, living in rural areas, municipalities of Colombia and cities like Atlanta, GA and similar locations.

Get involved!