In the heart of the Chiriquí Highlands, where lush mountains meet vibrant community spirit, one organization stands out for its unwavering dedication to making life better for individuals with disabilities: the Boquete Handicap Foundation. Also known as Fundación Pro-Integración, this remarkable NGO in Boquete has become a pillar of compassion, service, and empowerment for the most vulnerable members of the local population.
History of Fundación Pro-Integración: A Leading NGO in Boquete Since 1983
Founded in 1983 by the Active 20-30 Club of Panamá, Fundación Pro-Integración was born out of a vision to create a more inclusive society—one where individuals with disabilities, regardless of their economic circumstances, could participate fully in everyday life. What began as a grassroots initiative has since grown into one of the most respected and enduring NGOs in Boquete and throughout Panama.
The foundation’s mission was clear from the start: to break down barriers for the disabled and economically vulnerable by providing them with the tools, support, and dignity they deserve. With a strong emphasis on community-based action and volunteerism, the organization quickly established local chapters, each uniquely tuned to the needs of its community. The Boquete chapter, in particular, has become a shining example of what can be achieved when locals and expats come together in service of a common cause.
Over the past four decades, Fundación Pro-Integración has impacted countless lives—helping children receive mobility aids, arranging life-saving medical treatments, and ensuring ongoing access to essential therapies. Through it all, the organization has maintained a core philosophy: this isn’t just about charity—it’s about integration, empowerment, and human connection.
Today, the Boquete Handicap Foundation continues to uphold those values. It remains a trusted resource for families and individuals navigating disability with limited means, and a respected example of what long-term, community-rooted service can look like in Panama.
Essential Services Offered by the Boquete Handicap Foundation
Fundación Pro-Integración offers a wide range of essential services that improve the quality of life for people with disabilities in Boquete. These services include:
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Medical Equipment Distribution: The foundation provides donated wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and hearing aids to those in need.
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Access to Healthcare: It helps fund transportation for medical appointments and therapies that would otherwise be out of reach.
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Medication Assistance: For many residents, essential medications are unaffordable. The foundation steps in to cover costs not handled by public health services.
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Social & Educational Programs: Activities for children and adults foster skill-building, social interaction, and community participation.
These initiatives are made possible thanks to the tireless efforts of local volunteers and the generosity of donors, both Panamanian and expat.
How the Boquete Handicap Foundation Thrift Store Funds Critical Services
One of the most well-known ways the Boquete Handicap Foundation supports its mission is through its Thrift Store in Alto Boquete. The store sells donated items—clothing, furniture, electronics, household goods—and all proceeds go directly to helping the disabled.
Locals and expats alike frequent the store, knowing every purchase funds something meaningful. It’s not just a place to shop—it’s a hub for community support.
Volunteering in Boquete: A Community of Helpers
For anyone interested in volunteering in Boquete, the Boquete Handicap Foundation is one of the most rewarding places to start. There are many ways to get involved:
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Assisting at the thrift store with sorting, organizing, and customer service.
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Providing professional skills—like accounting, maintenance, marketing, or grant writing.
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Participating in fundraising events or special outreach programs.
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Helping with educational and recreational activities for children with disabilities.
Volunteers bring diverse talents, and every bit of help contributes to creating a more inclusive Boquete.
Why the Boquete Handicap Foundation Deserves Your Support: Real Stories. Real Impact.
Behind every wheelchair delivered, every hearing aid fitted, and every therapy session funded by the Boquete Handicap Foundation is a story of resilience, hope, and transformation.
Imagine a young girl with cerebral palsy who once struggled to stand—now taking her first steps with the aid of a donated walker and the support of physical therapy sessions made possible by the foundation. Or an elderly man, recovering from surgery, who feared he’d never leave his home again—until a volunteer arrived at his door with a gently used wheelchair and a reassuring smile. In another case, a family, overwhelmed by the costs of transporting their child to Panama City for specialized care, found relief and dignity thanks to financial assistance from the foundation’s emergency fund.
These aren’t isolated incidents—they represent the foundation’s daily impact. For many of Boquete’s most vulnerable residents, Fundación Pro-Integración is the only safety net available. It offers not only material support but emotional reassurance that they are not alone.
This is what makes the Boquete Handicap Foundation more than just an NGO in Boquete. It is a lifeline, powered by compassion, sustained by volunteers, and fueled by a generous community that believes every person—regardless of ability or income—deserves the opportunity to live with dignity and joy.
When you support this organization, you become part of these stories. You help turn obstacles into opportunities, and isolation into inclusion. And in doing so, you help Boquete continue to grow not only as a beautiful destination, but as a truly caring and connected community.
How to Support Fundación Pro-Integración: Donate, Volunteer, Make a Difference
Supporting Fundación Pro-Integración is easy—and vital. Here’s how:
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Donate Items to the thrift store (gently used clothing, appliances, furniture, etc.).
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Volunteer Your Time and talents, even if just a few hours a week.
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Contribute Financially to help cover medical expenses and operating costs.
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Spread the Word—tell others about this important foundation and its life-changing work.
📧 Email: fpiboquete@hotmail.com
📞 Phone (Spanish): +507 6558 7233
📞 Phone (English): +507 6677 3443
🛜Facebook: Fundación ProIntegración Capitulo De Boquete
Boquete Community at Its Best
Boquete is known for its beauty—majestic mountains, cool climate, and welcoming community. But perhaps the most beautiful part of this town is the spirit of service that runs through it. The Boquete Handicap Foundation, or Fundación Pro-Integración, is a shining example of what makes this place so special.
The Boquete Handicap Foundation is more than a charity—it’s a lifeline for individuals with disabilities in our community. Through their compassionate work, lives are being transformed every day in Boquete.
At Casa Solution Real Estate, we’re proud to be part of a community that values inclusion, service, and human connection. As a local business deeply rooted in Boquete, we are committed to supporting meaningful initiatives like Fundación Pro-Integración that make a real difference in people’s lives.
Whether you’re a resident, visitor, or future homeowner, we invite you to join us in supporting this incredible organization. Together, we can help build a more inclusive and caring Boquete—one act of kindness at a time.