My Nonprofit Reviews
Linda60
Review for Fundamaya, San Diego, CA, USA
I have worked with the Fundamaya organization since 2008 by going down to Guatemala to volunteer and sponsoring students. The entire staff at Fundamaya is caring and goes to a great effort to assist people in their community who are in need. This has never been truer than in the past couple of years with the devastation the pandemic has brought to their community. Many many people, even many outside their formal program, received life-sustaining food during this difficult time from them.
In 2018, I started a nonprofit that to this day works with Fundamaya to improve lives in Guatemala.
Review for Natün Guatemala (formerly Mayan Families), Laguna Beach, CA, USA
I've been working with Mayan Families since 2008. Their consistent service and attention of goal setting, of educating, and of helping families succeed is remarkable. Since I go there and see first hand what is being accomplished through excellent management, targeted goals, and extremely hard working employees, I can say without reservation, Mayan Families is one of the best places to make a difference in this world.
Review for Natün Guatemala (formerly Mayan Families), Laguna Beach, CA, USA
My Children and I started working with Mayan Families in 2009 and have been back twice including this last summer for a month. One of the things that sets this organization apart from other good ones in the Lake Atitlan area is that they truly make use of the resources that are offered. They don't charge you to work for them and they operate on a shoestring (even for Guatemala) and work very hard. I have seen their growth from a relatively small NGO to being a Major Provider of services to those who have no safety net. They are forward thinking an their focus is on education. They start with the youngest, most at risk children and help them to be successful in school. Their primary purpose is to educate. To do this effectively the people they service need help with food, shelter, and health. They do their best to "teach a man to fish and feed them for a lifetime" but sometimes during the process help is needed to continue the process.
Another significant part of this organization is that two of the directors and most of the employees are indigenous and understand the culture and needs of the served population. This allows them to better monitor who really needs help, how they need help, and who is trying to play the system. Sharon, Dwight, and Patti have worked very hard to make their corner of the world a better place and to allow other who want to help and participate the means of doing so.
I couldn't possibly give enough stars to Mayan Families because "far exceeds expectations" does not even begin to explain how I feel about their ethos and efforts. I will continue to work with them for years to come and recommend to anyone I know who is willing to make a difference that they consider doing the same!
Review for Natün Guatemala (formerly Mayan Families), Laguna Beach, CA, USA
My son did his eagle project through Mayan families. They were very good to work through. We went down to Guatemala and saw first hand how they are helping people help themselves.
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?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012