At Tulemar, we believe giving back is more than a mission — it’s a relationship. One of our most meaningful partnerships is with Full Circle CR, a grassroots program led by Lilliana and Jim Barone.
This past year, thanks to our donations and your support, Full Circle CR has been able to go deeper than ever — reaching not just schools and churches, but individual families and children in medical need, and has plans to support local elders. With Lilliana and Jim now living full-time in Costa Rica, their hands-on approach ensures every donation is used thoughtfully and with care.
Here’s a look at how our donations have helped bring joy, stability, and hope to the people who live just beyond our villas.
A Church Filled With Joy (and Pizza)
One of the biggest recipients of Full Circle CR’s support this year was Pastor Ruth’s church in El Cocal, a small but vibrant community just across the water from Manuel Antonio.
When Christmas rolled around, the team helped organize a celebration for over 100 local children — complete with muffins, fresh fruit, juices, 60 pizzas, and yes, ice cream. Each child received cloting and a wrapped gift to open, bringing excitement and joy that many wouldn’t have experienced otherwise.
That spirit of generosity didn’t stop in December. Throughout the year, the church hosted additional gatherings, including community ice cream socials and the installation of a new playground set where kids can now safely play.
Perhaps most impactful of all: the delivery of rice and beans throughout the year, sourced through one of our favorite local restaurants — Agua Azul Café. Their team not only offered the goods at cost but partnered with Full Circle to help make sure no family went without food. (You’ll also find Agua Azul in our Happy Stays guest app under “Favorite Restaurants” — it’s worth a visit!)
Building a Better School, One Project at a Time
Just down the road, the El Cocal school saw incredible transformations, thanks to these donations. With 174 children relying on the school not just for learning, but often for meals and a strong sense of community, there was a lot to be done — and Full Circle stepped up in a big way.
They delivered over 35 backpacks, stuffed to the brim with supplies like notebooks, pencils, and tablets — not just to students, but to teachers and classrooms as well. A large rice cooker was purchased to help the kitchen staff prepare meals more efficiently.
Classrooms that once struggled with broken whiteboards now have seven new ones, complete with fresh markers and erasers. In the kitchen, a new stainless sink was installed, along with repairs to the damaged structure beneath it. Bathrooms received much-needed roof repairs, and a property divider wall was added and painted to create a safer, more defined school boundary.
Even school uniforms — often an expensive barrier for families — were provided to about 30 students, handpicked by teachers based on need.
When Help Is Personal
Some of the most meaningful stories from this year come from one-on-one connections. Through Board members and community referrals, Lilliana and Jim were introduced to two children in urgent medical need:
- Thomas, a young boy with a serious heart condition, is scheduled for surgery in Canada in early 2026. Donations are helping his family navigate the logistics of this life-saving journey.
- Paolita, who suffers from a severe hip and pelvis deformity, is preparing for surgery here in Costa Rica. Contributions are supporting her care and recovery process.
These aren’t abstract causes — they’re real kids, real families, and real futures that are being shaped through our support.
A Celebration of Culture and Resilience
This year also brought unexpected hardship to the Boruca Indigenous community, when flash floods swept through their Territory in southern Puntarenas, destroying homes and belongings. Full Circle CR responded quickly, providing funds for construction materials to help families rebuild.
But it wasn’t all serious — the team also hosted a pool party for 15 children, complete with food, painting activities, music, and gifts. Each child left with new clothes, candy, and soccer balls, and much more was sent back to the Reservation with community elders. It was a moment of light in a difficult year — a reminder that joy and support go hand in hand.
What’s Next: Coming Full Circle
As the program looks ahead, Lilliana and Jim are eager to expand their impact even further — this time with a focus on local elderly care. They’ve begun conversations with a home in Naranjito that supports older adults who are often overlooked in donation efforts.
True to their name, Full Circle, they want to serve people of all ages — from young students to the elders who paved the way.
From the Barones (and All of Us), Thank You
Lilliana and Jim shared that they’re especially grateful this year — not just for the donations, but for the trust, encouragement, and community that make this work possible.
If you’ve ever wondered whether a single donation can make a difference — it can. And it already has. Thank you for being part of this community of compassion.
To learn more about Full Circle CR, or how Tulemar gives back year-round, visit our Community Collaboration page.
See you in paradise — and in the community.
— Jules, Glen, and the rest of your Tulemar team
