For over eighty years the NGO Roblealto has served children-at-risk in San Jose, Costa Rica. Its business segment operates a profitable business-as-mission model called La Granja (The Farm).
La Granja combines creative entrepreneurial practices with a missions focus to build profitable businesses which provide resources for marginalized families. Last year they contributed $400,000 from business profits. Each year approximately 1,000 children and their families receive assistance through Roblealto children’s programs. Former business executive Steve Mean is a UWM missionary and business advisor to Roblealto.
UWM talks to Steve about his role and perspectives in this successful international business that serves the poorest of the poor.
UWM: Where do you live, and what do you do?
My wife, Denise, and I serve in Costa Rica, the Central American country located between Panama and Nicaragua. Although Costa Rica is known for its lush jungle and beautiful beaches, it is also a country with stifling slums, generational poverty, and child exploitation.
I work with a ministry called Roblealto. It is a child advocacy ministry which cares for the physical and spiritual well-being of children. We work to bring hope to the impoverished. Through Roblealto’s daycare centers, school, residential shelter, feeding programs, and health clinics, children are healed and loved. They provide an opportunity to find the only true hope: the love of Christ.
UWM: What makes Roblealto unique?
Any faith-based NGO that has stayed true to its principles and survived for over 80 years is special. Since its inception Roblealto has held to Christ as its foundation. Healing and changed lives are only possible through God’s love and mercy. Another distinctive is Roblealto’s intentionality to remain sustainable. It operates several profitable businesses in the agricultural industry to help support the ministry efforts.
UWM: Tell us more about the business.
The farm first started with a few cows to supply milk for Roblealto’s hungry children. The business has evolved, and now its principle activity is poultry genetics. We hatch and sell day-old baby chicks which are used for both egg production and for chicken meat. It is an integrated business which sells nationally and abroad. The Granja is run by an energetic group of professionals under the stewardship of a Board of Trustees composed of respected local businessmen. The farm is operated and led by Costa Rican nationals. Last year we sold over 15 million birds and employed approximately 250 employees. We also operate a feed mill and a small dairy. Perhaps my favorite part is a specialty cheese factory where we craft artisanal cheeses and ice cream. In the past five years the Granja has enjoyed strong profits and has made constant donations to the children’s programs.
UWM: Can you give us some specifics about what you do?
My role is a business advisor and coach to the farm business. While my official title is member of the Board of Trustees, that is a little misleading. I am more like a cheerleader or an advocate. I care about the Granja, its leaders, and the children we serve. Roblealto is a remarkable place of miracles and healing. I enjoy my role in the ministry. Every day is different. For example, one day I may get to visit a daycare center to see a kid’s drama performance and the next day I may huddle in a conference room with team members, drinking coffee and hammering out a marketing strategy for a new business segment. It is interesting work and worth doing.
UWM: How does UWM fit into this?
The UWM partnership fits well on several levels. First of all, the work at Roblealto is consistent with the UMW ethos of supporting and encouraging local leadership in ministry. Secondly, UWM’s understanding of context and culture along with its focus on long-term relationship allows for service that is relevant and strategic without being overbearing.
UWM: Anything else you want to add?
I am grateful to be able to be a part of all this. I give thanks for our UWM family who supports and prays for us as missionaries and for the children of Costa Rica. Please continue to pray for us and that the children of Roblealto find the hope of Christ.