Friends of Portugal was organized in 2012 by a group of North American and Portuguese leaders committed to assisting ordinary Portuguese people who are facing many systemic, structural and economic challenges. The global economic crisis which has hit Portugal especially hard has resulted in significant and rapid rises in unemployment coupled with large cuts in social services. The purpose of Frien
ds of Portugal is to provide support to specific projects in Portugal which will assist Portuguese in a variety of areas including life skills and coaching, entrepreneurship and job preparation, meet basic food and clothing needs for families, ministry training and faith-based assistance, and other areas that would assist the Portuguese towards economic, spiritual and community growth in positive and uplifting ways and practices. Friends of Portugal seeks to work collaboratively with all existing social, missionary, non-profit and for-profit organizations and individuals operating in Portugal, partnering to further common goals and interests to serve the Portuguese. It also seeks to support these existing organizations and individuals by providing support and assistance coverage where gaps have developed, partnering in positive ways wherever possible. Friends of Portugal is nondenominational, nonsectarian, and non-political and is not restricted or affiliated with any particular religious sect, school, or party. The Board of Directors and North American Director of Friends of Portugal all serve without compensation or remuneration.
