My Nonprofit Reviews

Family Promise of Grayson County is a non-denominational, non-profit 501(c)3 organization for families (with children) that are experiencing homelessness. It is part of a national network that includes over 200 affiliates. Over 4500 congregations and over 180,000 volunteers make up the network. Host congregations provide overnight lodging, meals and hospitality to guests for a week at a time, three or four times a year. The Day Center provides shower and laundry facilities, and the guests can receive assistance with budgeting, job skills, transportation, medical and dental services, daycare or summer programs, and other social services. Family Promise works closely with other area social service agencies. All of these services are critical in a county that has a severe problem with homelessness.

Mission Guatemala fills real needs, rather than imposing its own agenda on the people of Guatemala. It values all people and respects local customs and traditions while helping to better the lives of others. I have participated in two mission trips with Mission Guatemala. In the first (2013), a group from my local (Texas) church helped build a bathroom for a school in Caliaj. In the afternoons, we did VBS type activities with the children. We also changed water filters for a community dependent on filters for clean water. In the second trip (2016), we helped add on a floor to Tat-Loy Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation center. In both trips, we had very comfortable accommodations, were fed very well, and were given opportunities to learn more about the Mayan culture. There was a nice mix of work and leisure time. Most importantly to me, the people involved--cooks, translators, drivers, construction workers, staff, etc.--were all SO kind and engaging. I feel like I have friends in Guatemala now, and I'm looking forward to my next trip!