My Nonprofit Reviews
Ruth
Review for Mission Guatemala Inc, Indianapolis, IN, USA
I have worked with Mission Guatemala several years, and I am always learning something new. Working on projects that are needed in the rural areas are always satisfying and rewarding. Tom and Dave maintain their focus on education , health, and nutrition, and it shows. I like that they involve people of the areas to be involved in the projects as this gives ownership to the people and not to us outsiders.
Review for Mission Guatemala Inc, Indianapolis, IN, USA
Our group cleaned & painted at a clinic and preschool facility; built tables and benches for a feeding center; and started building a house for a Mayan family. We were also able to participate in presenting water filtration systems to displaced families that have lived in tents since last fall (2010) when they had to leave their village because of mud slides.
The best part of the experience was that we were working side by side with the people we were trying to help. We were learning from each other. It was a lot of manual labor that took a lot of time and many hands.
Tom and David have their hands full managing the groups that come in to do projects, but I think that is why they have gotten so much done in the short time since the mission work began. Not many organizations can get a building, doctor, dentist, and preschool going in less than a year. They keep a handle on what needs to be done to add positive quality to community life inspite of the difficulties the people face.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I experienced a different culture and worked with people outside my comfort zone. I was able to get back to a basic and simple lifestyle which we all need to do at times. I was amazed at the giving and the receiving on the part of everyone, which just goes to show that we all have somethng to share. I really feel I got more than I gave.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
A knowledgeable errand person for Tom and David would be helpful, but I know how it is. When you start a business, the manager does it all -- even run to Walmart to get important papers like TP. A tool to assess the talents and abilities of the individuals that are coming in to help might help organize the projects although Tom does have a priority list in mind. I was surprised how we all fell into teams to get the projects done or started the week we were there.
