People for Guatemala Inc

I served on the Board of Directors so I've seen first hand the impact this organization makes on individuals and families living in extreme poverty. Lois & Ken Werner volunteer their time to manage activities in Guatemala. They stay true to their core values and mission: To promote human advancement by engaging people with low resources in rural Guatemala through health, education, and community development initiatives to effect long term change. Their well-trained employees are all locals so they understand the culture and know the daily struggles people living in extreme poverty endure. Giving people an opportunity to help themselves makes their work meaningful and sustainable.

People of Guatemala has the biggest heart of all charities with whom I have worked and known! They carefully evaluate and address the needs of the people living in extremely remote areas, offering medical, educational and vocational opportunities. They work cooperatively with villagers and offer assistance with big dollar water as well as sanitation projects. They instill worth and love within the people and community. I heartily endorse the combined efforts of the staff in all they do and I support all their efforts. I have visited their schools, the medical/vocational center, and have seen a room of proud villagers working on and taking ownership of a project, pride glowing on their faces. People for Guatemala is helping to build a future for so many. Well done to all the staff!

For over two decades my work focused on sending teenagers to under-resourced communities in North and South America, multiple countries in the Caribbean West Indies, and to Southeast Asia. Youth lived for 4-6 weeks in host communities, accomplishing construction and social service projects, working at least 65% of their time. The communities with whom we collaborated identified their needs and designated the projects.

This experience informs my highest regard for People for Guatemala, to which I've contributed since its inception and have followed closely over the years. It is a remarkable organization.

There are many testimonials with rich details on this Review page that attest to and verify this fact.

A written mission statement is one thing. Countless organizations have compelling missions. It is altogether very different to realize the mission day-to-day, on the ground, dynamically, so that stakeholders on every level understand clearly the mission and are thus fully engaged to create palpable outcomes. People for Guatemala keeps learning and growing wiser, and because of this, as well as the fine people at its core, People for Guatemala achieves life-changing outcomes in the communities it serves. To sustain this quality of mission is exceptional.

I know, too, that my donations go directly to the work, not to a 'top heavy' administration. People for Guatemala is The Real Deal--a stellar nonprofit.

Joanne Pinaire
(former Director, VISIONS Service Adventures)

This organization is all about helping people grow and educate. It's not just an organization that donates and then leaves.

They train the locals to be self sufficient, educates them to really work and earn money.

They have been helping for years and are an integral part of the community.

I know that money that I donate goes directly to help!

I have worked with this organization as a volunteer in some of its activities and the experience has been very positive, I have been able to verify its high organizational level and the achievement of its objectives. Another aspect that I have been able to confirm for several years is the high quality of the services they provide to people in need.

People for Guatemala has had a truly measurable impact over the years in the communities where its education and health projects are developed, especially in San Marín Jilotepeque. All People for Guatemala staff, from their leaders, fundraisers, facilitators, etc. They are committed to improving the quality of life of the indigenous communities in Guatemala and that, as a Guatemalan, is greatly appreciated.

People for Guatemala is a non-profit that works hard to improve the lives of the people of San Martín Jilotepeque, Guatemala. They offer health services and a variety of educational programs, including a school. They reached out to me to help improve the educational quality of their Middle School. I have been impressed with the staff's eagerness to learn and with the leadership's dedication to the continual improvement of the organization so that the youth can truly benefit from their programs.

People for Guatemala is always looking to collaborate to improve their craft or offer better services to the families they work with. The are also community based with a good awareness of the sector where they work.

I have been working with People For Guatemala for almost 3 years now and love many areas of my job as their Development Director. I believe that their community development projects which are all run by locals are truly life changing for many people in the area. Its staff never stops to amaze me with their creativity, energy and dedication. This is one of the NGOs in Guatemala that really makes a difference in peoples´ lives.

For the past several years I have supported People For Guatemala both financially and emotionally. Through their health, education, housing, and community building programs they have empowered an underserved population. The organization directs its funds, labor and energy to the greatest needs that are expressed by the local community. The focus and stewardship has reaped dividends and success. The local population does not simply receive gifts, they receive hope. The medical clinic, school, community learning center, scholarship programs, clean water program, nutrition is the beginning of a long list of positive initiatives the organization has developed. Just as impressive are the local individuals that have have furthered their education and training through support from People For Guatemala and chose to returned to help and serve their community. A remarkable organization!

I offered an idea concerning menstruation products, since Period Poverty is a real problem.

What they ended up doing was above and beyond. They created an entire way for the girls in the village to actually design and make reusable menstruation pads.

I contributed to the project several times, and it is now something that is a sustainable business.

this organization isn't only about giving, it's about creating dignified work, education and so much more.

I donate to many different organizations, but this one was definitely one of the best that I have worked with.

I love working for People For Guatemala. It is an ever thriving organization with a great mission and dedication to really support the families that most need it. I personally have grown a lot through my work with them and I am look forward to keep on doing more projects together.

People for Guatemala is an exceptional nonprofit. They help some of the most destitute people on the planet. During Guatemala's lockdowns amid covid, people were not allowed to move around or work. Without PfG families would have starved. PfG delivered food to families that were without basic needs.

PfG also helps with medical care. They have built medical centers that aid locals with basic care. If patients have more advanced needs PfG helps the patient travel to the Capitol to diagnosis and treat their disease.

Educational needs are also delivered to the locals. Elementary education is offered to the villages youth right up to those that want advanced education. There are many proud nurses, teachers, and other professionals graduating through help from PfG.

My preferred nonprofits are environmental however People for Guatemala is so exceptional that I donate more to them than any other individual nonprofit. They are tremendous stewards of the funds they receive.

People for Guatemala is an INSPIRATION!!! Founders Ken and Lois are real-life change agents. Their commitment and ongoing work for the people of Guatemala is nothing short of heroic. The team at PFG works tirelessly with those in areas without plumbing, schools, or healthcare in many cases. They have built a healthcare clinic, provide instruction to adults and children alike, and improve communities with safer cooking and plumbing equipment. I had the pleasure of visiting their organization in Guatemala in 2014 and was just taken aback with what Ken and Lois have dedicated their retirement lives to - their love, laughter, and compassion are what make the world go round. I wholeheartedly support and recommend PFG as a model of an EXCELLENT non-profit both in mission and execution.

I have worked with People for Guatemala for about 10 years as a volunteer, grant writer and a donor. The founders and the Guatemalan ED and staff work tirelessly to build capacity in rural villages in San Martin Jilotepeque. They first teach residents to collectively prioritize their needs and to develop proposals including the contributions the residents will make. PFG provides health care, public health interventions and education, as the villagers develop and request these resources. PFG follows through with all their programs to assure their success.
I have visited many of the villages and seen this progress first hand. They are small and flexible and have been able to meet specific needs through the pandemic. Your support definitely improves lives.

I have engaged with and supported various organizations doing extraordinary work in my native Guatemala. The one closest to my heart is People for Guatemala. Their mission of promoting advancement through health and community development, in my opinion, moves the needle the most in supporting the neediest. They lift entire communities by leveraging resources to educate, engage, and support families for the long term. People for Guatemala did a heroic job during the pandemic. I have witnessed the positive impact they have made in empovireshed villages and I am proud to support this organization. I am committed to continue my contributions towards their efforts, and I am thankful for their dedication and transparency towards donors.

I have been to Guatemala three times to work with this organization. I am always impressed by the way their initiatives are led by the villagers who are taught to community organize and have a stake in their own improvements. I have helped build kitchens at schools and install highly efficient and safer family cooking stoves. I have toured water projects, the health clinic and learning center. I have been moved to support students by way of scholarships and have worked to raise money in the United States to support the efforts of People for Guatemala.

People for Guatamala is a nonprofit organization that has been in my heart for many years - starting with the stories I had heard from our dear friends who are co-founders. I saw photos and heard about their experiences and just admired their efforts from afar!

Then . . .three years ago my husband and I had the opportunity to go to Guatemala and get some first-hand experience! I'm not sure words can adequately describe what we felt, especially when we visited the homes and villages. I saw the excitement and the smiles when we were able to tell the families of the education opportunities we were offering them . . . not to mention the opening of a medical clinic and a dental clinic. We were able to watch the expressions on the women's faces when they were given the opportunity to upgrade their stoves . . .taking them away from open fire cooking that actually would singe the hair from their arms.

We were there for two weeks and we rode into the villages and climbed the terrain to reach them. My lasting impression will always be the smiles on their faces. It is such a rewarding feeling to know that we can help.

People for Guatemala is an excellent organization which provides many services to the indigenous poor in the Department of Chimaltenango, Guatemala. I have had the pleasure of working with them as a volunteer on various projects over the last 7 years. My experiences have included assisting with projects such as the installation of vented woodburning stoves, the building of homes and helping to raise money for the building of schools in communities where none had existed. I have also served as a Spanish/English Interpreter on various occasions in the health care setting as well as in educational settings. I love working with the Guatemalan people. I have been humbled many times seeing how so many of the people live, getting by with so little. They are so appreciative of opportunities that are offered to them through People for Guatemala. I personally have given monetary support through the years, and continue to do so. I am currently sponsoring a student who is studying to become a nurse. I have supported her through completion of her public high school education and now at the university level. I feel blessed to be able to help in this way. There are so many ways that People for Guatemala reaches out to the communities around San Martin Jilotepeque in Chimaltenango. They offer medical and dental clinics at their Health Center. There is also an Educational Center where many courses such as computer skills, cooking and sewing classes, English classes are taught, as well as holding special workshops on many topics and skills. Scholarships are available to students who are seriously wanting to receive an education in order to pursue their academic dreams and life long goals. These are just a few things that describe the many programs that this amazing organization has to help improve the lives of the "poorest of the poor" in this part of Guatemala. I am pleased continue my support of People for Guatemala, and look forward to more volunteer opportunities in the future with them in Guatemala.

"People for Guatemala" is a 501c3 that helps people help themselves. By working with community-based organizations, this non-profit is more effective in making a long-term impact than most organizations. The community members make the decisions and hold each other accountable. By requiring community members to decide, to invest, and to manage, "People for Guatemala" uses discipline to maximize the impact of outside investment.

Ken and Lois balance their care for people with fiscal discipline. Graceland University's students have learned effective community development because of the wisdom, methods, and commitment of People for Guatemala. Thank you Lois and Ken. Max P. - Sponsor of Graceland University's Community Development Club

In 2012 I traveled to Guatemala to engage in some volunteer work for Lois and Ken Werner and the organization they run, People for Guatemala. I was impressed by the enormity of their mission, at that time focusing on education, women empowerment, healthcare and safe home environments (replacing indoor fire pits and its toxic smoke with clean fuel-efficient wood burning stoves). I spoke with several Guatemalans during my stay, including women who have assumed leadership roles in their communities, and young teenagers excited to pursue degrees of higher education made possible by scholarships awarded by People for Guatemala. I am very impressed by the great outreach this organization provides - I have seen it first hand - and I will continue to support it.

I meet the founders Lois and Ken over 10 years ago and at that time became a supporter of projects they were developing.... I have made a number of personal visits to the communities they are involved in providing a broad range of services from a fully equipped and staffed medical and dental clinic with local professionals educated and trained through scholarships provided by this nonprofit. Most recent is a fully equipped and staffed training center offering classes in sewing,cooking,cosmetology, English and technology to increase economic opportunities. I am impressed with the focus in the villages of San Martin developing partnerships with families and communities seeking help, teaching them responsibility, life skills working together to accomplish change. I am impressed with the way funds I have donated to specific projects have been matched in different ways to effect maximum effect. Knowing Lois and Ken living in Guatemala and personally committed and involved in the transformation of these communities has been a gratifying experience for me and members of my Family Foundation. Neal Carson Founder President

I can say without a doubt many hundreds of Guatemalans living in the small villages served by People for Guatemala have been saved from disease and malnutrition. Their Clinic and Dental locations make it easier for rural villagers to receive treatment.
I am proud to be a volunteer for this award worthy organization.

My wife and I have been supporting an organization in Guatemala that educates Mayan native girls, largely abandoned by their government, through high school and stressing English as a second language. They are then placed in high paying jobs using their English skills. While visiting that organization we took a side trip into the mountains to check out People For Guatemala. We were truly amazed! In 10 short years Lois and Ken Werner have created an unbelievable organization that has helped to develop drinking water systems for numerous remote native villages, expand and create schools for those villages, provide health care and more importantly health education for these poverty stricken native villagers. People For Guatemala's recently completed medical clinic is a truly fully staffed medical center providing primary medical care, optometric and psychological services by licensed doctors. On our first visit 3 years ago they were building a brick vocational education building which was completed and operating on our visit one year later. Unfortunately the Covid19 pandemic prevented our visiting this year. In spite of the pandemic, People For Gautama staff has been doing all that is allowed by the Government during the mandated shutdown, supplying vital food supplies to the starving natives.
What impressed us with the Foundation is the fact that your donations go to the impoverished population. And more importantly, aid is not given as a handout. The recipients must attend school to earn it. Also as a donor you can direct where you would like your donations applied. While in the mountains we met a family of 6. They lived in a cornstalk house. Yes, a two room house constructed of walls made from dried cornstalks lashed together. The father has an epileptic condition requiring daily medication to control the seizures. The seizures prevented him from working in the coffee fields. Their infant had pneumonia and the government would not provide health care. We are able to specify that some of our contributions go to this family to provide the needed medications so the father can work to support his family. The entire family has put in the sweat equity needed for solid walls for their home. The open cooking fire that was in one of the two rooms is now a proper wood stove in an outside covered cooking area. This is just one story in the thousands People For Guatemala help each year.
The founder, Lois Werner, is truly the most caring person I have ever known. We can not speak more highly of her and Ken's Foundation.

I had the pleasure of working with People for Guatemala this summer. This organization does not work in the large towns and cities of Guatemala, but rather théy work in thé small villages up in the mountains. The needs of thes people are great, and many, if not most of their needs are addressed by this nonprofit group. Education (scholarships for high school and college) health (!physical, dental and mental) computer classes, English classes, as well as life skills classes. All this is accomplished by a small group of very decicated and capable personnel. All of the personnel are Guatemalans helping other Guatemalans. The fund raising is done by the founders, Ken and Lois Werner, who work tirelessly from their Guatemalan home to provide the funds necessary for the services so badly needed by these people. The group operates as a family and I felt honored to be a part of this family.

I participated in a 2 week service project in Guatemala and People for Guatemala was so prepared and they were not afraid to get down and dirty to help the people of their country alongside everyone in my team.

Working with the People for Guatemala was an amazing experience and one that I will never forget. The two weeks that I spent in the community of Pacoxpon were definitely not wasted and we have this organization to thank for that. They made a point to make sure that my group and I were comfortable, and understanding of everything that was going on. They are extremely organized, kind, and I loved working with them! They really went out of their way to ensure our happiness while we were serving. Things like getting us peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch (something we were all craving), working along side us, and throwing us a very nice and beautiful goodbye dinner on our last night.

This organization and everyone is involved is AMAZING. When I went on a service trip to Guatemala, they were the whole reason it was able to happen. They coordinated everything in country, got translators, worked with the village, and made it all possible for us. They work so hard to change the lives of the Guatemalan people and it's beautiful.

I did a humanitarian trip this past summer with Youthlinc. People for Guatemala were amazing in helping us to know what the village of Pacoxpom really needed and helped us schedule and plan so that we could make things happen. We could not have completed as much work as we did without them communcating and helping us plan while we were in the US. They are an amazing organization doing amazing things in Guatemala!

People for Guatemala has coordinated for the student based non-profit I work for. We send them teams of about 40 people every summer and they do an amazing job planning extremely sustainable and meaningful projects for our team! They are so well organized and they really care about sustainability and making a difference. This is such a wonderful organization!

People for Guatemala is an incredibly well-run non-profit. Their focus is centered on community involvement and ownership to assess and define problems and actively participate in developing and implementing creative solutions. Members from surrounding communities come to People for Guatemala for project support after they have done their groundwork. This approach leads to communities being personally invested from a grass roots level and thus promotes capacity building and deep project sustainability. People for Guatemala’s approach helps to minimize outside bias and personal agendas from outsiders dictating the community projects.

The staff in Guatemala is from Guatemala. The staff’s knowledge of the country, its history, and its barriers leads to deepened compassion as well as creative problem solving. Their projects include: running a clinic in San Martin (an under-resourced community where the large majority are living at or below poverty) that offers medical, dental, psychological and pharmacy services, constructing community centers, school kitchens, stove installations with efficient externally vented stoves designed by one of their employees, community water projects, educational opportunities for children and adults, and more. Groups from other countries also come to help participate in project activities. The running of the projects is well organized and people who come leave with a sense of meaningful contribution to the country. The project impact and collaborative efforts, including working with other NGO’s, are first rate!

As a volunteer and a donor, I LOVE "People for Guatemala". The leadership is amazing and the impact on small communities is inspiring. Needs are identified and fulfilled in a way that promotes self-reliance. It's an organization that promotes partnership and buy in rather than dependency and "hand-outs" . This group of philanthropists really make a difference in this world through their support of education and community outreach. It is an organization I plan on always supporting. I may not have a lot to give, but I will find ways to help knowing that many hands and many small donations can, do, and will continue to make a difference!

I worked with this nonprofit the last time I was in Guatemala to help in building stoves. They were more than accommodating with our schedule and needs during our visit. They were so welcoming and interested in teaching use about the culture in the area. I had not worked with a nonprofit before so it was important to me to learn as much as I could. Lois, Ken, and Amilcar were wonderful to work with!

People for Guatemala
I have been working with People for Guatemala for several years. I have personally been involved with projects where we built 3 school kitchens in Pacjo Tres Cruses, Cruz Nueva and San Jose de Las Roses; a medical clinic in Candeleria; installed Chapina Stoves; provided laptops for their teacher training program and provided medical care to local villagers as well.

People for Guatemala is the most professional and efficient mission group I have ever been involved with. Their model of receiving a request from a village, pre-planning, on site management and follow up is the key to their great success. Their focus to work in San Martin, Jilotepeque allows them to build close relationships with surrounding communities to build a synergy that continues when the project(s) are complete. Their partnership with Hombres y Mujeres en Accion creates a level of trust and confidence with the villages/villagers that allows the on-site work to go smoothly and allows us to build a relationship while we are there. I always tell my friends, “We do it with them, not for them”

Although I have only been a small part of the equation, if you look at the total impact People for Guatemala has made from 2010-2015, I believe you will agree with me when I say, “They have literally changed the trajectory of a generation of Mayas by providing them with the tools to break the vicious cycle of poverty and malnutrition while at the same time providing a pathway for a better life through education.”

Respectfully,
Jack L. Coleman
Harrodsburg, Kentucky

I have been involved with People for Guatemala since its inception and am truly amazed at what has been accomplished in that time---water projects, stoves, medical and dental clinics, educations projects and much more. In every project the recipients are expected to be involved in the planning and implementation of the project and to give back in some way.
My involvment has been in the area of education. I have developed a kindergarten teacher training program and reading and math curriculum. Currently 40 teachers have/are being trained. Kindergarten students in rural villages are being taught to read and perform higher level math skills. The teachers are thrilled to have materials and to be able to teach kindergarten children more than just social and fine motor skills.
People for Guatemala is an outstanding organization which I highly recommend to anyone who wishes to contribute or be involved in some way. You can be certain that whatever is contributed will go directly to its designated project.

I have been privileged to work with People For Guatemala for the past two years. I have brought a total of over fifty nurse practitioner and graduate nursing students and nursing professors from Florida Atlantic University for a cultural immersion in primary care in this region of Guatemala. Through the seriously hard-working efforts of the entire staff of PFG we have been able to assess and treat over a thousand patients on each trip. The trusting relationship that Ken and Lois and their staff have established with these underserved communities has been our "gateway" into the lives of the indigenous Maya population. It would have taken us years to build that relationship on our own. We are deeply indebted to PFG for their passion for bringing access to health care and education to these communities. I hope to spend the rest of my life helping them. All of my students state that they are "forever changed."

Our foundation Nursing Heart Inc is a proud associate of People for Guatemala. Without them, the nurses and doctors who come to Guatemala could not bring their care. People for Guatemala and their sister organization, Hombres y Mujeres en Accion do the development for the projects that we carry out in Guatemala. I cannot thank them enough for the kind of assistance that they have provided our organization by preparing the communities that receive our care. They are FIVE stars!

I was referred to Lois by the Executive Director of my organization because I am trying to build an effective community health program. Not only are Lois, Ken and Amilcar exceedingly kind and generous but the work they do is an invaluable example of how development and aid by non-profits must be undertaken in developing-world countries. In the day that I spent with them, observing, I watched as they guided and empowered multiple communities to think critically and cohesively about mobilizing various projects that would provide the community access to basic necessities. I was shocked to learn that there are entire communities of people without any access to water. I cried when board members of one community entered to personally thank Lois and Amilcar for their aid in their community water project. Each man's voice shook with emotion as they expressed their initial doubts in Amilcar, their satisfaction with the completed project and their gratitude for their support. People for Guatemala not only delivers justice to people by supplying basic necessities but also creates stronger communities. I was amazed and moved.

I was blessed to go with Lois and Ken (People for Guatemala INC) and some of their staff to several of the villages they serve. Their compassion, understanding, care, expertise and knowledge, love, dedication, and great resourcefulness have aided many. They work under the principal of letting the people help themselves, by providing them the tools and knowledge. I saw the village people deeply respected and loved and genuinely cared for by all the staff. I was able to see them helping "in action", and will forever be blessed by that experience. Thank you, People for Guatemala INC for all you do for those that so need your help! You make the world a better place!

Lois and Ken Werner are doing amazing work in several Villages in the San Martin area of Guatemala outside of Guatemala City. They are involved in health clinics, clean water projects, education, installing cooking stoves and many other worthwhile efforts. They formulate a plan by asking the women in the villages their needs according to their priority and work along with them to make their needs a reality.

Excellent organization! They involve the people in their communities in both the decision making and the problem solving and they are ultra good stewards of the donor resources. They know how to make a little bit go a long way and they know how to get at the heart of the problem. As a long time volunteer and neighbor of the organization in Guatemala I see the work that they are doing every day and greatly admire them.

This is a very special charity! The leadership has focused on the needs of one community in Guatemala, working with citizens there to bring better education, clean water, health care, and many other contributions to living a productive life. The model of participation and commitment from members of the community is the glue that makes this one of the best non-profits in Guatemala.

When I moved to Guatemala several years ago I volunteered with People for Guatemala. I was very impressed with the dedication, passion, and commitment of the staff. But what I like most was the way they approached the communities and how they solved problems. The staff involves the community and encourage community members to find their own solutions. With this approach the community feels empowered, accountable, and are truly invested in the project, thus creating sustainable and permanent change!

People for Guatemala is a great organization because the work they do provides much needed assistance while teaching the people to solve their own problems and empowering them to become their own leaders. They are great people!

I have twice visited Guatemala and seen first hand the work of this organization. Here is some of what I have observed:
Men from a village working hard to dig a trench, several miles long, for a water pipe to bring clean water to their village
Women from a village being trained in how to construct stoves to replace smoky open air fires in their kitchens
A dirt floor being replaced with concrete
A man talking about how a well-constructed compost latrine built with blocks gave his family dignity when it replaced the open pit latrine they had been using
Women in a literacy class
Talking with scholarship students whose lives were being changed by the gift of continued education
Old tires holding dirt for gardens to provide fresh vegetables
People waiting for the health clinic with a caring Doctor and a well-stocked pharmacy
Elementary school teachers receiving training in teaching techniques
School students receiving supplies
Teachers receiving supplies
New classrooms
Computer rooms in several schools
A tutor to help the children learn about computers and other educational needs
This organization gives a HAND UP not a hand out

My family and I had the privilege of spending some time with the people of this incredible organization while we were in Guatemala. We spent a day with them in a remote village helping them install some new stoves designed by Imilcar, one of the dedicated staff. The small group is making miracles happen in the villages by empowering the woman and working with them to make their lives better. Some of projects have included new stoves , running water for the villages and their latest undertaking building a medical clinic. What I like about this group is that they do not just hand things over to the people of the village. They work with them. It is a real community effort and the great partnership is evident when you spend time with them. I can;t say enough about this group and the selfless work they are doing for the Mayan communities that they work with.

People for Guatemala does exceptional work. Their integrated programs involve community members to provide long-term, sustainable change. I've worked with numerous organizations in Guatemala, and have found People for Guatemala to be run efficiently and competently, with a strong emphasis on helping people to help themselves.

People for Guatemala touches and changes the lives of some of the poorest people of rural, isolated communities in mountainous Guatemala. It empowers the people of the villages to improve their villages, by offering support and materials for obtaining clean water, providing medical clinics, meeting educational needs and far more. The team works tirelessly alongside the people helping them develop an improved standard of living and, more importantly, planting seeds which will flourish, bringing about a people with better opportunities for the future. I have journeyed far into the mountains with the wonderful staff and have seen the reciprocated love and respect with members of the community as they exemplify that they are truly People FOR Guatemala.

Over the past 6 years I have traveled to Guatemala 6 times to support the work of this group and the rural communities that they serve. I could not imagine a more dedicated staff who work diligently to improve the lives of the villagers. Their community development has improved people's lives with concrete floors, latrines, vented stoves, water filtration, kindergartens, water systems, and community buildings. They also care for the medical needs of villagers with monthly clinics, funding specialized testing and care as needed, medications, eyeglasses, and durable medical supplies.
Two additional ways they stand out- As an organization there is willingness to partner with other organizations in Guatemala and outside the country to better meet the needs of the staff and villagers. They have also chosen to support their staff in receiving further education whether it is high school or university training.
I look forward to more visits to support the "boots on the ground".

What I love about People for Guatemala is that they don't give "handouts" to the people they serve. They work with Mayans living in rural villages -- the sort of places tourists would never visit. The people in the communities have to come together as a group and present a proposal for their needs to PFG. By working in this way, the villagers learn how to organize themselves, how to work together, and how to better their lives. PFG will assist them with their needs -- whether it be putting a new roof on a school, installing Chapina stoves, or building a water system for their village -- by providing materials and training, but the people also need to contribute to the project financially and/or by providing the manpower. By being involved in the process, the villagers can take pride in their work and know they made it happen.

I have volunteered with People for Guatemala for the past 3 years. Their focus is to break down the barriers of poverty and help Mayans living in extreme poverty change their lives by teaching them how to create sustainable solutions. Their sister organization in Guatemala is Hombres y Mujeres en Accion. They are well respected in the villages and work tirelessly to assist the families in rural Guatemala. People for Guatemala is currently assisting families in 18 villages with vented and safe stoves, water projects, school construction, computers, and conducting health clinics in 7 rural communities. Their organization is run extremely well and donors can rest assured that their donation is being used where it is desperately needed. The need is very great in this area.

I've personally visited homes/people assisted by this organization. People for Guatemala's aim is to empower the people to help themselves. While visiting in homes, we've heard the testimonies from the Guatemalan women who have the chapina stoves that improve the air they breathe while cooking, lessen the amount of time they have to search for wood, and keep their children safe from open fires. We've met with women seeking the filters for their homes that produce cleaner drinking water. And we've seen the amazing organizating work the group has done to teach and encourage unschooled women to petition for assistance from an all-too-often unresponsive local government and from potential donors. It was most moving and impressive to see the personal and social growth in this group of more than 30 women. Lois and Ken Werner are always willing to have visitors and potential donors see the results of the organization's work, and to hear first-hand testimonies from the men and women who have been helped. It's an organization I endorse totally.

People for Guatemala is doing very important work for the marginalized communities of Guatemala. Their approach is very grassroots and they focus more on quality than quantity. They are in the community working directly with individuals and helping the community prosper one family at a time. They empower the people through giving them an opportunity to participate in their own development and don´t impose outside ideas on the communities, as is so often the case in development work. Their methodology also contributes to the sustainability of the interventions through leaving the capacity installed in the community to carry on into the future.

I worked for People for Guatemala in 2010 as an interpreter. During my time with them I learned a lot about Guatemala, the culture, and the many challenges indigenous communities face. I also learned a lot about community development work, and the many do's and don'ts. I highly admire the staff because of their dedication, passion, and commitment to make a difference in the lives of those who are most vulnerable. It is because of my experience with People for Guatemala that I decided to stay and live in Guatemala, and work in community development.