When the Pura Vida Foundation first arrived in Peru, our hopes were to just provide support to exciting local shelters.  But after years of experiencing such disregard for these amazing young girls, we decided that something had to be done.  So in 2008 we opened the first Pura Vida Women’s Shelter for exploited, abused, and abandoned young girls.  And ever since then we have been housing and rehabilitating up to 7 children at any given time.  The Pura Vida Shelter provides these children rehabilitation from their abusive past, a chance to finish their schooling, and also post educational opportunities.   We strive to give these kids a family environment that they have been robbed of for most of their lives.  This shelter is a safe haven for kids who want to change their lives.