SHI is my favorite charity. I heard about them about 10 years ago at a presentation given by Florence Reed the founder. SHe was a Peace Core worker in Panama originally, working with farmers to better their lives and crops. Now SHI works with farmers in 4 countries in Central America, teaching them to grow their crops in a more sustainable way, ie no more slash and burn, use natural fertilizers. The families they work with increase their annual income significantly and they are so appreciate of the help. Also the land is being used in a sustainable way.. I have gone to Belize with them on a Smaller World trip to see the work they do, and volunteered while there and also met many of the families that are helped by SHI. One person's dream and efforts can make a difference in many lives and this happened when Florence Reed started SHI.

My name is Carole Wagner and I have been a supporter of SHI for close to 10 years. I have personally seen the good work they are doing in Belize as I went on a trip with them to volunteer and meet the families I had helped through donations. SHI was working with poor local farmers to change the way they grow crops, without fertilizer and no longer practicing slash and burn methods.The families had increased their annual income and were able to send their children to school, in addition to growing additional fruits and vegetables for their own consumption. The trip was most rewarding, and the families were appreciative of all we did to help them.