Mayan Families
Invite reviews
Our Men's group collects money each month when we get together to support the excellent work of Mayan Families. Their impeccable organization puts families first and they are unflagging in their efforts, care, compassion and energy.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Guatemala
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Nothing comes to mind.
Recently visited and volunteered with Mayan Families for 2 weeks. Going out with the staff on the Elderly Feeding Program and visiting the preschools. I also sponsor a student in one of the preschools thru Mayan Families. This is a great organization. Can't wait to work with them again very soon.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have not personally experienced the results of this organization but I have witnessed people being helped and lives changed by this organization
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
none
Working with Mayan FAmilies was great. They were very informative and guided us every step of the way. They are doing a great service in Panajachel and the surrounding areas. Can't wait to go back and work with them again.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I witnessed lives being changed by this organization first hand for 2 weeks.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Don't think I would make any changes to this organization
I'm currently a volunteer at Mayan Families, and will spend about three months working here. I've been working with the Family Aid program, interviewing families in crisis and then writing content to help raise donations to help them. I've gotten to see firsthand the customs, living situations, and problems of the indigenous communities in this area. It has absolutely been a life-changing experience -- volunteers looking to get real experience working with the people of Guatemala would do well to consider coming to work for Mayan Families. There is no shortage of work, no matter what field you specialize in (or even if you don't specialize in anything in particular!), and this is an area with a true, desperate amount of need.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Bringing clothing, food, and even shelter to families in real crisis. This includes bringing food and beds to families living in shantytowns after their homes were destroyed by storms, fundraising to bring medical attention to patients in desperate need of prohibitively expensive treatment, and bringing food donations to families currently going without.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
hire more staff or long-term volunteers.
I've been hearing about the work of Mayan Families from my niece, who is a volunteer there this month. I'm so impressed by the variety of efforts they make on behalf of the sick, the hungry, the aged, the children and the homeless in their community. A wide variety of services helping destitute people. Thank you, Mayan Families.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The photos and blog of Stephanie Wolf and Micromundo.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
not change anything.
I have been following the stories of individuals and families posted on the Mayan Families website. My daughter went to Guatemala to teach English so the children would have a better chance of employment and self-sufficiency. A worthy effort, but the people in the region served by Mayan Families are struggling just to SURVIVE. Children can't stay in school because the $.50 a day they might make is needed by their family. They have one of the highest malnutrition rates in the world. I recently donated to help a young mother with 4 children, abandoned by her husband (an all too common occurrence) have a house built. This can be done for $750 !!! This was a very small home on a tiny rented lot -- but it is a palace to this family. Mayan Families has proven themselves to be one of those organizations completely devoid of 'fluff'. You can be confident that your donations are making a huge difference in these families' lives.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My daughter is currently helping Mayan Families. She has no time or tolerance for organizations that don't have their 'stuff' together. She should have left this region and moved on over a month ago, but the needs are so pressing that she's staying.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
For all of Guatemala, I'd like to find a way to safely (without it costing $100's) get donations and supplies into the country. There's so much here (U.S./Europe) that could and would be donated if only we could get it there.
I have spent the past two months as a volunteer for Mayan Families, and I've seen firsthand the importance of their role in Panajachel and the surrounding towns. Since I've been here, I've seen more than one life saved, and many made much better, by the work that this organization does. You can be sure that any support sent here will be quickly put to great use by a very dedicated staff.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
We've been able to get one young single mother and her children out of an abusive housing situation by building them a house, and get essential emergency medical care to countless people who otherwise would have had to go without it. I've also had the pleasure of meeting dozens of the some 1500 students that are sponsored through Mayan Families. These students would otherwise not have the chance to study, and they are thrilled to be able to stay in school.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Get them more long term volunteers, or a few more staff members. Most of the staff are doing at least a job and a half.
Working with Mayan Families was a rewarding and life changing experience. They were very helpful in attempting to direct our efforts and expertise to help the most individuals that were in the most need. They made us feel extremely welcome, and appreciated.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I had face to face contact with the people of Panajacho, Guatemala by going to their homes and working side by side with them.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I feel the organization is fantastic, but they need to limit the scope of what they try to accomplish instead of trying to do a multitude of different things in different directions.
These people are really amazing. Seem to be very active, with a lot of direct involvement both in and from the communities around Lake Aititlan that they serve. I had a terrific experience working with them and would highly recommend them to anyone interested
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
no entry
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
no entry
I had the opportunity to work with Mayan Families for a few days in October as we distributed aid to families affected by landslides and flooding. They are helping in such a huge range of different ways it is staggering - this is one of the most proactive charities I have ever come across. Witnessing what they do first hand I can only admire their commitment, optimism and pragmatism in the face of a challenging situation. They were so helpful in helping us acheive our goals during our short time in Guatemala.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Several small villages in the lake Atitlan region of Guatemala
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Change the logo. But they already know that ha ha ha.
More feedback...
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Likely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I have always enjoyed my time with this great group of individuals. They are truly committed to helping better the lives of those most in need. I have worked with them once a year since they started, and have seen them grow exponentially in size. Their employees mainly consist of local Guatemalans who use their intimacy with the community to discover those most in need of aid.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
watching the numbers of children sponsored grow, and the care and consideration for each child is amazing.
More feedback...
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
Filter by reviewer role:
- Volunteer172
- Client Served1
- Expert5
- Public14
- Board Member3
- Donor110
- Advisor1
Support This Nonprofit
Help this nonprofit get more reviews
5 tips for getting reviews