Statement of Faith
The ultimate basis of our beliefs is the Bible, God’s infallible written Word, the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments. We believe there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. We believe Jesus Christ is the perfect Son of God who came into the world fully God and fully human.
We believe Jesus Christ lived a perfect, sinless life and that he was crucified, died and was buried in accordance with the Scriptures. And that on the third day, God raised Him from the dead, defeating sin and death. We believe that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God but those who confess in the Lord Jesus Christ and believe in their hearts that God raised Him from the dead will be saved.
Mission
Dunamis is a non-profit organization in Quito, Ecuador serving underaged girls who have been rescued from sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and violence. We aim to teach them life skills while providing a Christ-centered environment focused on restoration to enable them to reintegrate into the world as healthy young women.
Vision
Our vision is to be a model in Ecuador first, and then Latin America in providing a safe place for girls who have survived sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and violence, and be a tool for transformation in their lives through Jesus Christ.
History
Dunamis started in 2010 with the mission of helping under aged victims of sexual exploitation, abuse and violence. During this period of time, we have worked alongside our community in programs to prevent such crimes. God has provided us with the tools and the strength to love each of the girls that has passed through our foundation.
Boris and Fernanda Salinas, founders of Dunamis, met in their twenties while volunteering at a camp for children with special needs. From that moment on, they felt God's hand over their future as a couple. They soon got married and made the decision to walk by faith, dedicating their lives to full-time ministry.
They began by serving poor children every Friday in Angamarca, a small city near Sangolquí, about 25 km from Quito, Ecuador’s capital. They shared meals and the Word of God with these children.
Later on, Boris and Fernanda connected with a group of young girls—former members of a local foundation in Quito. These girls were single mothers in financial and emotional hardship. Once a week, the Salinas invited them to their home for breakfast, devotions, conversations, and counseling.
As the Salinas got to know the girls more deeply, they felt called to do more. They envisioned a space where these girls could develop practical life skills. The first initiative was to offer jewelry workshops using tagua seeds—an artisan skill Boris already knew well.
As the project gained momentum, an international Christian organization began supporting the ministry. They purchased tagua jewelry made by the girls and resold it to visiting groups in Ecuador. The funds helped provide essentials for the young mothers, especially diapers for their children.
Eventually, a generous donation from a supporter in the Netherlands allowed Boris and Fernanda to offer a professional jewelry-making course using tagua. This seed, native to Ecuador, has a rough appearance but transforms into something beautiful after refinement—mirroring the transformation the Salinas saw in the girls. Through this process, Boris and Fernanda realized God was leading them toward a bigger mission: to help these girls discover the beauty within themselves.
The jewelry course brought enthusiasm and healing. As the girls developed the skill and saw their creations, their confidence grew and their hope began to rise.
Witnessing the impact, the Salinas knew it was time to create a formal non-profit organization in Ecuador to legally serve these girls and grow the mission. And so, Dunamis Foundation was born.
Fernanda received the name "Dunamis"—Greek for “power”—in a dream. It captured the divine strength driving the mission. After serving just three girls, Boris and Fernanda knew God was calling them to reach many more young women who had suffered abandonment, abuse, and even sex and labor trafficking.
The foundation was legally established, and Dunamis began a new chapter.
Where We Are Now Zoe’s Home & Comprehensive Restoration
Today, Dunamis serves girls who have survived sex trafficking, sexual abuse, neglect, and abandonment.
At Zoe’s Home, they receive
- Biblical teaching and spiritual care
- Counseling and emotional support
- Life skills workshops such as sewing, beauty, and tagua jewelry
- Education, including continued schooling
- Medical and psychological assistance
All of this happens within an 11-acre compound under the care of Boris, Fernanda, and a trained team of professionals—inside a Christ-centered, comprehensive development program that restores dignity and empowers a new future.
In 2024, Dunamis expanded this restorative mission with the official opening of Casa Spates—a legally recognized safe home dedicated to supporting adolescent mothers. With the same faith-driven, trauma-informed approach, Casa Spates offers a nurturing environment where young women can heal, grow, and thrive alongside their children.