About Caridad Inc.

God will lead the way

About Caridad Inc.

Caridad, founded in 2002 by Carmen Schloner, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization registered in Maryland and North Carolina. The name Caridad, meaning “helping others,” reflects Carmen’s immigrant roots and her deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. She chose to keep the name in Spanish as a testament to how an immigrant like herself can step forward to support both Americans and fellow immigrants in finding pathways to thrive in the land of opportunity.

Born in Costa Rica, Carmen came to the United States in 1973 with a heart full of dreams and a desire to give back to the country that gave her so much. This vision inspired her to create Caridad, an organization now devoted to empowering single mothers. Through Caridad, Carmen provides these women with the tools, resources, and support they need to achieve self-sufficiency. She firmly believes that with hard work, resilience, faith, and a positive mindset, dreams once thought unattainable can become reality.

Caridad’s journey began in Maryland, where it was brought to life with the generous support of Jerry Van Winter, the owner of Computer Packages Inc., who funded the organization for years. After Jerry’s passing, Carmen relocated to Leland, North Carolina, where she reignited Caridad’s mission with the support of her neighbors and friends in Brunswick Forest. Together, this community of passionate volunteers has transformed Caridad into a beacon of hope.

Under Carmen’s leadership, Caridad has grown exponentially, going from helping five families in 2021 to serving 46 families in 2024. The organization’s impact is deeply personal, offering hands-on, one-on-one support with love and encouragement. Carmen and her team work tirelessly to empower single mothers to build better futures….furthering their education, starting their own businesses, owning their own homes, and raising their children in safe, healthy, and nurturing environments.

Caridad’s story is a powerful reminder that with compassion, community, and a shared vision, lives can be transformed. Carmen’s unwavering belief in the potential of others continues to inspire everyone she meets, making her journey one of resilience, gratitude, and boundless hope.

Helping Single Mothers
Achieve Self-Sufficiency

Great Support

(301) 312-3435

Email Us

singlemothernc@gmail.com

Donate

Remembering Jerry Van Winter

Caridad Inc. would like to honor the memory of Mr. Jerry Van Winter for the humanitarian and financial support he gave our organization for the first 12 years of its existence. Jerry Van Winter was the owner of Computer Packages Inc., the company Caridad’s founder, Carmen Schloner, worked at for 30 years.

Jerry had a passion for helping those who needed it the most—the sick, the poor, single mothers, immigrants. He firmly believed in giving people opportunities and the necessary tools to get ahead and fulfill their dreams.

Jerry’s formula for success was: Education + Hard Work = Success. This mission drives our organization forward to this day.

Caridad thanks Jerry Van Winter for all the help he gave us. Without him, we would not be in existence today. We continue to honor his legacy by working hard and helping others.

Si se puede! Yes, we can do it!