Paving the Way to a Brighter Future
Our History
Our hearts were captured by the dream shared by Pastora Lucy and Pastor Ricky, to build a community that would create spiritual, emotional and physical transformation to the people living in Santa Cecilia. YES, DREAMS DO COME TRUE!
More than fourteen years ago, Lucy Lancheros, was very sick and about to die. However, the Lord gave her a promise during that time " If you believe you will see my Glory," and so it was. Lucy recovered and the Lord called her to work full time for those most in need in the city of Bogotá, specifically in the mountain sector in the Santa Cecilia neighborhood where at that time violence, drugs, vandalism and poverty defined it. Her passion for this sector grew. Her compassion that the lord put in his heart for the community grew. Her family has joined her and they have seen this promise come true, and they believe that there is still much that the Lord wants to do. Forming Lives has joined in making this dream come true
Our Latest Project
The Coliseum
We are currently building "The Coliseum" - a recreation center and a school for the community of Santa Cecilia, Colombia, There are no parks and the children have to travel to the city of Bogota to attend school, therefore, the Coliseum is essential and will have a great impact. The Coliseum will promote social formation. The plan is that the children will be able to dream and work toward a future with opportunity for advancement. The emotional impact of the plan is hope. Be a hero and help us empower the next generation.
Board of Directors
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President
Angie Hanlon-Toth
Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the Bronx, Angie moved to Rockland County in September 1999. She went on a mission trip to Bogota, Colombia with a team from Risen King Alliance Church (RKAC) in May 2013, a trip that she was not going to shortly forget. Her heart was captured by the dream to build a community that would provide spiritual, emotional and physical transformation to the people living in Santa Cecilia. As a response to the call of God for missionary service and a commitment to transform lives, she travels to Colombia yearly with her husband Frank Toth to partner with the Lord in His work.
Treasurer
Frank Toth
Frank supports Forming Lives because he is determined to make a positive impact in the lives of the children.
Directors
Holden and Lucy Texel
Holden and Lucy joined Forming Lives because they believe in the cause and find joy in helping the people of Santa Cecilia go from hopelessness to a brighter future filled with everlasting hope.
Advisor
Jamel Patterson
Dr. Patterson has held leadership roles in outreach ministries, as she follows her passion to work with the indigent. She has been involved with missions in Africa, South America, the Caribbean and health fairs in the United States. Dr. Patterson also gives talks to high school students, encouraging careers in healthcare. The call to serve the poor and needy is a mandate from the Lord, and it has become the cry of Dr. Patterson’s heart. Her spiritual growth comes from her involvement in her church and the ministries at home and abroad.
Product Manager
Stephanie M. Hernandez
Stephanie is the Northwest Assistance Ministries
Digital Communications Specialist. She is very grateful to support an organization that strives to transform lives in need.
Vice President
Nilsa Damiano
Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the Bronx by my loving parents Juana and Juan L Bonilla who provided educational possibilities and left profound motivation in my life to thrive and excel. I studied Finance, had a successful Real Estate career, and was CEO of Marquee Billing Association before transitioning into the medical field that changed my outlook on life to help people in need. I married in 2007 to my partner Michael Damiano. I’m a proud mother to Ryan Lopez and grandmother to Elijah. I’m walking a life with the Lord Jesus Christ who is fulfilling the best part of my life, a life filled with hope, faith and of service. At Forming Lives Foundation, I pray that I can bring the promises of the Lord, my faith and my experience’s, but mostly a true understanding of my value as child of God.
Director
Michelle Mortillato
I volunteer for ARK, VBS, and food pantries. I am currently studying in a seminary class of Biblical Counseling and applying these teachings in my own life, including helping those around me. In my heart. I knew God had more for me. I was praying and asking, “Lord, what is it you have for me?” and Santa Cecilia, Colombia touched my heart. Lord, you lead, and I will follow. I am looking forward to serving with the grace of God with my brothers and sisters in Christ.
“Let the little children come to me.” Mark 10:4
Director
Mike Damiano
I was born to very a traditional Italian family living in Long Island. I am the proud father to Felicia and grandfather to Elijah, Victor, and Sebastian. I am an Engineer by profession ,and I love to play golf in my free time. I am married to my lovely wife Nilsa who is a daily inspiration to me. I walk with Christ the Lord our savior and I desire help and serve wherever the Lord leads me.
Advisor
Laura Angélica Rodríguez Lancheros
Laura grew up in Bogota, Colombia with her family where she attended Fundacion Universitaria Monserrate to study Social Work. She is a key member of the Formavida ministry in Colombia where she supports the children and God's plan for their future. She is a graduate of the Alliance Theological Seminary in Rockland County with her Masters in Intercultural Studies.