Welcome to Blanca Rivera Foundation
THE FOUNDATION
- Blanca Rivera Foundation is a nonprofit organization incorporated and registered with the Puerto Rico Department of State in February 2024. Recognized as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, the Foundation is led by its founder, Blanca Rivera.
- On June 30, 2026, the Foundation was officially registered in the State of Florida as a foreign nonprofit corporation, marking an important milestone in its institutional growth. This registration represents the beginning of the Foundation's program and service development in Florida, enabling it to strengthen strategic partnerships, expand its fundraising efforts, and extend its mission of promoting the well-being of older adults, strengthening communities, and providing emotional support through innovative programs in both Puerto Rico and Florida.
OUR LEADERSHIP
Blanca Rivera
Founder and Executive Director
- Blanca Rivera, Founder and Executive Director of Blanca Rivera Foundation, is a former Certified General Real Estate Appraiser who chose to dedicate her retirement to serving others through community outreach, volunteerism, and faith-based service.
- Since establishing the Foundation in 2024, Blanca has led initiatives focused on improving the quality of life of older adults, supporting vulnerable communities, promoting emotional well-being, and providing assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness. Under her leadership, the Foundation has expanded its community impact in Puerto Rico and has recently established its presence in the State of Florida to continue growing its mission.
- Blanca is an active member of Buena Vista ICDC Church and believes that compassion, dignity, and service are the foundation of every successful community initiative.
"Blanca Rivera founded the Foundation with a firm commitment to integrity, transparency, and compassionate service. She believes that every donation entrusted to the Foundation represents the confidence of the community and must be managed responsibly to create a meaningful and lasting impact."
OUR MISSION AND VISION
- Our primary mission is to impact the social communities with a focus on the elderly and homeless to improve their quality of life. Through the distribution of hot meals, essential groceries, and companionship, we aim to alleviate food insecurity and foster a sense of community among those we serve. Puerto Rico obtained the seventh position number of the elderly population in the world as per Organization of United Nations Organization (ONU) report. The projection for the elderly people in Puerto Rico will increase for the year 2035 by 35% of its entire population.
- Our long-term vision is to create a resilient support network that can respond efficiently during natural disasters, such as hurricanes, storms, and earthquakes, which regularly impact the island, like Hurricane Maria.
- We seek to address immediate hunger needs and build a sense of solidarity and belonging among vulnerable populations. Blanca Rivera Foundation strives to be more than just a food provider; we are committed to fostering community engagement, social aid, and improving the overall well-being of the people we serve.
""Blanca Rivera believes that every act of kindness has the power to transform lives and strengthen communities, one person at a time."
Ivan Ortiz
Board Secretary Director of the Homeless Outreach Program & Executive Chef
- Ivan Ortiz serves as the Foundation's Board Secretary, Director of the Homeless Outreach Program, and Executive Chef. With more than a decade of experience serving individuals experiencing homelessness, he leads the preparation and distribution of nutritious meals while promoting compassion, dignity, and hope through community service.
- As a member of the Foundation's Board of Directors, Ivan also contributes to the organization's governance and strategic planning, helping to advance its mission of serving vulnerable individuals and strengthening communities through outreach and volunteer service.
Giovanna Ortiz
Vice President, Director of Communications & Special Needs Programs Florida Registered Agent
- Giovanna Ortiz has been actively involved with Blanca Rivera Foundation since its inception in 2024 and currently serves as the Foundation's Vice President, Director of Communications and Special Needs Programs, and Registered Agent in the State of Florida.
- She oversees the Foundation's digital communications, social media platforms, and community outreach initiatives. Giovanna also leads the Genoa Rojas Special Needs Program, which was created to assist individuals with disabilities and special needs through the coordination of donations, adaptive equipment, and community resources, subject to available funding.
- Through her dedication, organizational skills, and compassionate spirit, Giovanna has played an important role in strengthening the Foundation's strategic partnerships and supporting its expansion into the State of Florida. She remains committed to advancing the Foundation's mission of serving vulnerable communities with dignity, hope, and compassion.
Our Programs
Elderly - Seniors' Cafe
Canine Emotional Support
Canine Emotional Support
Promoting Connection, Joy, and Active Aging
Seniors' Café was created to provide older adults with opportunities for companionship, recreation, and meaningful social interaction. Through activities such as bingo, karaoke, music, dancing, coffee gatherings, brunches, and special themed events, the program creates welcoming spaces where seni
Promoting Connection, Joy, and Active Aging
Seniors' Café was created to provide older adults with opportunities for companionship, recreation, and meaningful social interaction. Through activities such as bingo, karaoke, music, dancing, coffee gatherings, brunches, and special themed events, the program creates welcoming spaces where seniors can connect, laugh, and enjoy time together.
Many older adults live alone or have limited opportunities for social engagement, particularly when their children or close relatives live outside Puerto Rico. Seniors' Café helps reduce social isolation by creating moments of connection, friendship, and belonging.
Canine Emotional Support
Canine Emotional Support
Canine Emotional Support
Creating Connections, Comfort, and Joy Through the Human-Animal Bond
The Canine Emotional Support Program of Fundación Blanca Rivera was created to promote emotional well-being, companionship, and meaningful human connection through positive interactions with specially prepared support dogs.
Led by Galilea and our canine companions, the pro
Creating Connections, Comfort, and Joy Through the Human-Animal Bond
The Canine Emotional Support Program of Fundación Blanca Rivera was created to promote emotional well-being, companionship, and meaningful human connection through positive interactions with specially prepared support dogs.
Led by Galilea and our canine companions, the program brings moments of comfort, affection, joy, and social engagement to children, older adults, and individuals experiencing vulnerable or challenging circumstances.
Through supervised visits and interactive activities, participants are encouraged to connect with the dogs through gentle petting, play, conversation, and other age-appropriate experiences. These encounters are designed to create a welcoming environment where participants can relax, smile, interact, and enjoy the unique bond between people and animals.
Our Mission
Through the Canine Emotional Support Program, we seek to:
- Promote emotional well-being and positive social interaction.
- Provide companionship and moments of comfort and joy.
- Help reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
- Encourage empathy, kindness, and respect for animals.
- Create meaningful intergenerational and community experiences.
- Bring emotional support to children, older adults, and other populations in need.
The program visits senior communities, children's shelters, community organizations, hospitals, airports, and other settings where the presence of our canine companions can create a positive and meaningful experience.
Sometimes comfort comes with four paws. Through every visit, we share affection, connection, and the simple joy of knowing that no one should feel alone. Promoting Connection, Joy, and Active Aging
Homeless Outreach Program
Canine Emotional Support
Homeless Outreach Program
Serving with Compassion, Dignity, and Hope
Since 2024, our Homeless Outreach Program is dedicated to providing freshly prepared hot meals to individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.
Through this initiative, the Fundación Blanca Rivera brings more than a meal to those facing difficult circumstances. Each outreach is an oppo
Serving with Compassion, Dignity, and Hope
Since 2024, our Homeless Outreach Program is dedicated to providing freshly prepared hot meals to individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.
Through this initiative, the Fundación Blanca Rivera brings more than a meal to those facing difficult circumstances. Each outreach is an opportunity to offer kindness, human connection, and a reminder that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion.
Our volunteers collect food and essential supplies, prepare nutritious hot meals, and personally distribute them to individuals experiencing homelessness throughout the San Juan Metropolitan Area.
Our Impact Since 2024-
2026 Hot Meals Served
🍽️ 2024 — 800 meals served
🍽️ 2025 — 1,100 meals served
🍽️ 2026 — 725 meals served year to date
Special Needs Program - Genoa Rojas
Supporting Dignity, Safety & Independence
The Special Needs Program – Genoa Rojas provides essential assistance to older adults and vulnerable individuals facing urgent medical, mobility, or basic living needs.
Through donated resources, equipment, and community support, Fundación Blanca Rivera helps individuals maintain their safety, dign
Supporting Dignity, Safety & Independence
The Special Needs Program – Genoa Rojas provides essential assistance to older adults and vulnerable individuals facing urgent medical, mobility, or basic living needs.
Through donated resources, equipment, and community support, Fundación Blanca Rivera helps individuals maintain their safety, dignity, independence, and quality of life.
Meeting special needs. Restoring independence. Preserving dignity.
Disaster Relief
Preparedness, Support & Hope When Communities Need It Most
Our Disaster Relief Program provides food, emergency supplies, and essential resources to vulnerable communities before, during, and after emergency situations.
As part of our commitment to disaster preparedness, Fundación Blanca Rivera, in collaboration with Fundación Misión con Am
Preparedness, Support & Hope When Communities Need It Most
Our Disaster Relief Program provides food, emergency supplies, and essential resources to vulnerable communities before, during, and after emergency situations.
As part of our commitment to disaster preparedness, Fundación Blanca Rivera, in collaboration with Fundación Misión con Amor, distributes and programs NOAA Midland Weather Alert Radios in senior housing communities and elderly care facilities. These devices provide critical alerts for hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, tornadoes, and other emergencies.
Through preparedness, education, and direct community assistance, we help protect some of our most vulnerable populations when they need support the most.
OUR MISSION IN ACTION !Compassion, Connection, and Hope! -More Views on Impact Page
OUR VOLUNTEERS
Our Partnership and Sponsors
