My Nonprofit Reviews

I just returned from another fabulous experience with Xela AID Partnerships for Self Reliance. This was my third trip with Xela AID and I was so looking forward to seeing my Guatemalan friends and doing my small part to improve the lives of the people and community of San Martín Chile Verde. My favorite activity is delivering water filtration systems to families and teaching them how to use and maintain the systems. I believe that clean water is the basis and foundation of health and life so it's vital to enable families to have pure water. At one home, a small girl asked Leslie, the founder of Xela AID, with wonder - "Clean water, every day, for free?" Nothing makes my heart sing more than seeing how small acts of kindness make a huge impact. I highly recommend taking a service trip with Xela AID - it will change you forever by filling your heart and mind with the love of a beautiful country, people, and culture.

I recently returned from my second trip with Xela AID Partnerships for Self Reliance. Of all the trips one could take or experiences one could have, Xela AID surpasses all expectations. The leaders and organization create profound impact both in the work they do and the friendships built between volunteers and with the community. This year I brought my young adult children and we all benefitted from contributing to the community through teaching art in the preschool and holding a sports day for elementary school students. I don't know who had more fun - the kids or the grownups! My son gained construction skills working on the Rotary Club sponsored clean water project building bathrooms in the local schools and he also learned how small acts of kindness - smiles, high fives, and hugs - have lasting impact on the giver and the receiver. The care and feeding (always eating!) of the volunteer group that Leslie (founder) and Mel (partner and CFO) provide create lasting relationships and meaningful group dynamics. I highly recommend going on a trip. It will change you for the better and make life immensely better for the people of San Martin Chile Verde.