ODIM - Guatemala

My experience with ODIM is as a volunteer who lives in one of the two villages, San Pablo La Laguna, where they operate. ODIM has always has the attitude of asking what people want for themselves instead of thinking it is obvious from another perspective. It has been evident to me that ODIM is culturally sensitive and operate on a very local, caring level. One of the obvious proofs is the clinic staff as well as the program staff, speak Tz'utujil, the Maya language that is spoken by the people they serve. ODIM has been ready to meet needs whenever they arise. A fine example of this occurred during Covid 19 when medicine for the diabetic patients was delivered to their homes and other program participants were given food boxes when food scarcity was evident. The youth involved in the scholarship program formulated and distributed hand sanitizer to villagers who were out of running water. In a nutshell, ODIM serves the basic healthcare & educational needs of villagers as they are presented and has done so since its inception in 2009. My role as a volunteer is to share Cultural Contrasts with individuals and groups of foreign volunteers who come to Guatemala to share their talents. I am honored and proud to have been associated with ODIM for many years. JoAna Dwyer

My wife and I were honored to participate in providing healthcare and home building assistance by ODIM. We witnessed firsthand the care and support this organization selflessly gives to an underprivileged community in Guatemala.

ODIM creates a meaningful and palpable difference in the lives of the historically marginalized Maya living around Lake Atitlán. While visiting and volunteering in the summer of 2023, I both witnessed and heard real stories about the ways ODIM has improved the health and wellbeing of many people, particularly women and children. ODIM has two health centers that treat people for little or no cost for things like diabetes and prenatal care. They have programs such as "Healthy Mommy and Me" that provide education on maintaining healthy lifestyles. These programs have shown significant improvements in the lives of children and families. ODIM also stands out as a nonprofit with its incredible staff- many of whom are locals and indigenous. It is so encouraging to see a staff that speaks the local languages, participates in the same cultures, and can truly relate to the people they are serving.

I have volunteered with ODIM Guatemala on several occasions and I am constantly amazed at how much this small nonprofit does for the community it serves--two clinics, health outreach, adolescent education, and support for pregnant women and those who have recently given birth. I worked for more than 20 years in public health and ODIM's public health achievements are significant.

I’m an ex employee of ODIM and have seen inside out the amazing work being done! Best organization I have had the pleasure of being involved with. World class programming in rural Guatemala, with innovative programs that truly challenge some of the biggest problems faced: comprehensive and culturally competent sex ed and malnutrition work are some of the highlights.

I just returned from my 6th trip to volunteer with ODIM. I am continually amazed at the growth they have shown. They incorporate local health providers and seek to preserve many of the local relations. Many people on our team have been 4 or 5 times. As short term volunteers we are well taken care of, everything is very organized and responsive to individual needs. The long term volunteers has mad a tremendous impact on the health and well being of the Mayans and it just gets better every year!!

Just back from a third amazing mission work trip with ODIM. This is an organization of caring people in San Juan and San Pablo La Laguna. They are making a significant difference in people's lives as they build new health clinics, respectable housing, and relationships. Their programs in health care and education are working to fill huge voids in those communities. The ODIM staff is not only caring, but hard working, intelligent, and responsive too. Travel to and around Guatemala, work, meals, cultural opportunities, excursions to other towns on Lake Atitlan, tourist days in Antigua - all set up and managed by ODIM and tailored to our needs. Even the emergency two day extension of our stay in Guatemala due to the ash cloud from a volcanic eruption that prevented jet travel was handled on the fly by our ODIM coordinator. If you want to experience God's work being done on Earth, you should consider a week of service with ODIM.

In the spring of 2015 I led a trip from a local UMC in a week of service with ODIM and was extremely impressed by their work. They tend well to the logistics of travel and provide great opportunities for encounter with the indigenous culture (through visits to co-ops, engagement with local families, and the hiring of and connection with local folks on their staff). If you are involved with a local church or a campus ministry group of some kind and are interested in travel to and service in Guatemala ODIM provides wonderful opportunities!

I served as a long-term volunteer for ODIM for a year and a half (October 2012-March 2014). I came to know ODIM after already having spent two years living and working in development in rural Guatemala and I was immediately attracted to the type of work that ODIM does. They offer much-needed medical services, community health education, and opportunities for locals to learn, grow, and (for some lucky go-getters) make a living helping their fellow villagers better their health.

More importantly, it is the way ODIM goes about its work that was most impressive to me. The long-term volunteers really work with the local staff and volunteer health promoters - as opposed to many other NGOs that don't seem to have the personal ties and strong foundation needed in order to build trust and tackle the big problems that are facing these communities. The short-term volunteers also have an advantage since they tend to come back year after year.

All in all, if you are considering volunteering with ODIM, I would HIGHLY recommend you do so! Or better yet- donate to their amazing cause =)

ODIM graciously hosted a team of graduate students that I volunteered with in Guatemala in 2012. ODIM is an outstanding organization that places the health, autonomy and respect for the local community they serve above all else. ODIM does a great job of building capacity among local community members in a way that fosters growth and independence in the community. I cannot say enough what a valuable experience my volunteer work with ODIM was and I strongly encourage others who wish to become involved to learn more about ODIM's great work and consider how they might be able to contribute.