2020 ANNUAL REPORT
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Trae Holland
Executive Director - Head of School The last year at Camino Seguro has been a time of immense emotion, uncertainty and fear, but also a season of incredible fortitude and affirmation. The impact of the virus continues to make itself known in our community; from a recent surge in COVID cases, to continued government-mandated school closures, and increased economic hardship and societal stress in the neighborhood around the garbage dump. Yet, what all of us share - students, families, staff, donors and stakeholders alike - is the united conviction that our years of history and the bonds between us have sustained us during the crisis, and ensured this incredible organization not only survives, but thrives. Our financial health remains strong, staff were effectively retained and supported through additional training, creative solutions for distance learning and nutritional support have continued, and facilities upgraded and expanded in preparation for our students’ return. When we receive the joyful news to open our doors again, our students will find an even stronger learning community awaiting them. I invite you to join us in taking stock of the incredible success of our organization over this last year, as evidenced in this annual report. And be certain that these victories are yours as well, for all we do is only possible through the ongoing generosity and loving care embodied in your support. When we look back on this pandemic, it will be with the knowledge that we did this together, as one global family. Warmest wishes to you all, Trae Holland
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Carolyn Johnson
President - Board of Directors Who would have believed, a year ago, that Safe Passage students would not be attending classes today? The ever-changing government restrictions to opening schools in Guatemala have been frustrating, but bright spots emerged among the challenges. Safe Passage is actively and purposefully maintaining connections: regularly, families come to school to receive learning packets along with needed food. Amazingly, more than 90% of students complete and return assignments, a significant indicator of the value families place on education. Enough can’t be said about the commitment of our teachers, creating engaging assignments and projects that can be done independently, and communicating (teaching!) through video and WhatsApp. It has been a time for re-learning, creative problem solving, and teamwork. Our Safe Passage team has shown they are up to the challenge! We are ready to reopen, when conditions permit, offering new classrooms created out of shared spaces, a STEM lab, a beautiful new playground and fine arts area as we move closer to realizing our Basico Innovative Learning Center. None of these accomplishments would be possible without our dedicated staff and loyal donors and supporters. Next year, I look forward to sharing stories of joyful children attending class daily. But today, I’ll offer a heartfelt note of appreciation to all who keep the promise of Safe Passage alive - offering Hope, Education, and Opportunity. With gratitude, Carolyn Johnson
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OUR PROGRESS IN 2020 Expansions & Upgrades We expanded our fullday middle school to include 8th grade in January 2020.
Teachers developed a distance learning model and prepared for the addition of 9th grade in 2021.
Student & Staff Successes Despite the pandemic, our students’ advancement rates were almost 100%.
We also maintained a 99% retention rate for staff and faculty.
Technology & Partnerships We received 30 new laptops and utilized cellular technology to enhance curriculum.
We formed 13 new corporate partnerships, providing food, medicine, water, hygiene, and school supplies.
*For more from 2020, you can view our Annual Update, which was released in November 2020.
DONATE www.safepassage.org/donate
SPONSOR www.safepassage.org/sponsor
HANLEY’S HELPER www.safepassage.org/recurring-giving
Our Inaugural 8th grade class (Group A)
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
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We officially changed from a fiscal year of July - June to a calendar year in 2020. This more closely matches the Guatemalan school year. The data below is from January - December 2020.
Use of Funds† 75% Program 17% Fundraising 8% Administration †For operating purposes. Data sourced from IRS 990.
Program Breakdown 31% Education 27% Support Services 18% Adult Education & Creamos 12% Family Services 8% Nutrition 4% Health & Wellness
Sources of Operating Revenue 57% Annual Campaign 21% Student Sponsorship 11% Grants 4% Endowment 4% In-Kind Donations 2% Events 1% Support Teams
Safe Passage is a U.S. registered 501 (c)(3) organization. Camino Seguro is a Guatemalan registered non-governmental organization. View our Financial Statement and IRS 990, audited annually by Wipfli LLP of South Portland, Maine by visiting www.safepassage.org/financials.
OUR MISSION Safe Passage works to transform lives by providing students in the Guatemala City garbage dump community with an excellent education, a higher quality of life, and pathways to a job with dignity so they can achieve a better future for themselves and their families.
United States
Guatemala
49 Farm View Dr
6a. Avenida 11-95 Zona 7
Suite 302
Colonia Landivar
New Gloucester, ME 04096
Ciudad de Guatemala
(207) 846-1188
(502) 2240-4388
www.safepassage.org | info@safepassage.org