ODIM Guatemala Annual Report 2023

ODIM ANNUAL REPORT

2023 IMPACT

CONTENTS HOW WE WORK .............................................................................................. 3 A LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ....................................................... 4 HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE ............................................................. 5 OUR IMPACT — 2023 YEAR IN REVIEW ............................................................. 6 THE DENTAL CLINIC THAT CAME AND CHANGED OUR PERSPECTIVE ............... 8 LOOKING FOR NEW DIRECTIONS .................................................................. 10 #GIVINGTUESDAY EMPOWERS EQUITABLE CARE ............................................11 OVERVIEW OF PROGRAMS .............................................................................12 TRANSFORMING HOMES FOR HEALTHIER FUTURES ........................................16 WHY SHOULD YOU COME TO GUATEMALA? ..................................................17 WHY DO WE BECOME AMBASSADORS? WITH SANDY DAVIS........................ 18 ODIM AMBASSADORS ....................................................................................19 ULTIMATE GUATEMALA CHALLENGE .............................................................. 20 WHERE YOUR DONATIONS GO ......................................................................21 SPECIAL THANKS: ........................................................................................... 22

HOW WE WORK At the Organization for the Development of the Indigenous Maya (ODIM), we provide community-driven, high-quality, and cul‐ turally competent health and education services to the indigenous communities of San Pablo and San Juan la Laguna, in Guatemala.

Our comprehensive medical services include two clinics that are staffed by highly trained nurses and a local physician, who are fluent in both Spanish and Tz’utujil, as well as a dental clinic. Our team of professionals is committed to providing expert and com‐ passionate care to every patient who seeks our services. Addition‐ ally, ODIM offers five community health and education programs to prevent ill health and promote an elevated quality of life. Our programs endeavor to be evidence-based, culturally aligned, and multi-faceted.

At ODIM, foreign and local staff work side by side, committed to improving the lives of the people we serve. We employ 34 staff in the three neighboring communities of San Pablo, San Pedro, and San Juan La Laguna — 23 full-time employees and 11 part-time.

88% of our staff are Tz’utujil Maya, 6% are Guatemalan nationals (but not Tz’utujil) and 6% are foreign. 76% of our staff are women.

Vision: To be a nationally and internationally recognized leader in healthcare and preventative health education.

Mission: To enable access to primary health care and preventative health education for the population, with equality, honesty, and confidentiality, that is focused on programs that promote the development and empowerment of the communities of San Pablo and San Juan La Laguna.

TO MAKE A DONATION ONLINE: www.odimguatemala.org/donate CHECK PAYABLE TO ODIM, MAILED TO: Martha Stowe 1527 Waterside Ct. Dallas, Texas 75218 Contact us at executive.director@odimguatemala.org or communications.manager@odimguatemala.org

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor: Vanessa Hernández Graphic Design: April Hull Photos: Kincho Films and Christopher Edmonstone A special thank you to our printer Ralph Myers at Mpress © ODIM GUATEMALA 2023 3

A LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR With great pleasure, I stepped into the role of Interim Executive Director (ED) for the last few months of 2023.

Having previously served as ODIM’s ED from 2017–2021, I took over from América Castro who was moving onto new horizons, and I got the chance to temporarily jump back into the communities of San Pablo and San Juan whilst ODIM began its executive search.

So what struck me most after two years away?

1. Collaboration: ODIM’s leaders work with a truly collaborative approach. I love this team!

Decisions are made ensuring that the right people are involved, with representa‐ tives from San Pablo and San Juan, and with the right expertise and perspectives.

2. Innovation and Cultural Sensitivity: I was thrilled to learn all about ODIM’s Women’s Health Program, which focuses on the prevention of cervical cancer. This disease has a mortality rate six times higher in Guatemala than in the United States due to a lack of facilities and cultural beliefs around cervical screening.

ODIM staff has developed ways to address the difficult topics so that we are able to push boundaries, problem-solve, and innovate within a Maya Tz’utujil context in rural Guatemala.

3. An incredible opportunity for visitors and volunteers: San Pablo and San Juan are such magical places, and supporting ODIM really offers an amazing oppor‐ tunity for volunteers from other parts of the world to learn from the Maya people and to participate in creating positive change. This is such a rare opportunity, with so many lessons to offer.

Volunteer teams work on the fabulous HIHI program (page 14), which has a domino effect on health, economics, and the environment.

Individual volunteers can spend longer periods in our communities if they have a specific skill and a commitment to helping us raise funds.

As we shift into 2024, we are all excited about cele‐ brating our 2023 accomplishments and seeing what this small but powerful organization can achieve next.

Best Regards, Amy Holly, Interim Executive Director 4

HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE Empower someone with the gift of a healthy life!

$30 Fund a nurse for a day to provide primary care to the community $100 Pay for healthy food supplies every month for one family for a year $250 Make an educational video in Tzʼutujil for the community $350 Cover insulin treatment for a patient with type II diabetes for one year $2,000 Fund staff scholarships to develop local skilled workers $28,000 Fund our Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Project; to include access, education, and fighting taboos FOLLOW OUR QR CODE TO GIVE ONLINE (www.odimguatemala.org/donate) or mail a check to Martha Stowe (see page 3)

5

OUR IMPACT! 2023 YEAR IN REVIEW MEDICAL CLINICS

DENTAL CLINICS

2,576

758

medical services

315 new patients registered in our clinics 2,975 laboratory tests 44 Pap Smear testing 1,427 treatments for diabetes (Metformin/Insulin) 629 antibiotic treatments

dental services

448 patients and program participants served 15 educational workshops for participants 100 toothbrushes donated to patients in need

98 Bach flower treatments 1,910 family planning methods delivered 256 prenatal consultations 13 specialty trainings for medical staff

HEALTHY MOMMY & ME REACHING DREAMS (Scholarships)

17

133 mothers and babies enrolled in the program 919 food vouchers delivered to mothers 77 workshops conducted by our health promoters

STUDENTS IN 2023

7 support group sessions for mothers carried out by our health promoters

76% passed into the next school year

22 mothers and their babies graduated after 1,000 days in the program

1st student enrolled in college 120 trees planted in the community by our scholarship students 10 handcrafts made by our scholarship students were sold

64% of the babies who graduated from our program with a healthy height and weight at age 2 24 follow-up appointments to check the height and weight of babies 330 program beneficiaries

6

LETʼS WALK TOGETHER

ADMINISTRATION

(Diabetes)

6,056

46

DIABETES PATIENTS ENROLLED IN THE PROGRAM

45% of the participants have controlled sugar levels 173 food vouchers delivered to diabetes patients 6 house visits carried out to vulnerable patients 48 workshops carried out by our health promoters 203 program beneficiaries including family members

PEOPLE BENEFITTED FROM OUR WORK ON A BUDGET OF $421,200 • Only 9% went to administration • Promotions were given to 5 employees, and 4 new employees were hired

HIGH IMPACT HOME IMPROVEMENTS

• 24% of our staff members were awarded scholarships in 2023 to support our dedicated team’s career and development in the areas of Nursing, Administration, and Education

70

FUNDRAISING

FAMILIES ENROLLED IN THE PROGRAM

81 water filters & 70 stoves installed

334 individuals obtained access to safe drinking water and clean air 131 monitoring & evaluation interviews carried out 16 water filters donated to schools in our communities 1,680 students benefited from clean water

247

INDIVIDUAL DONORS GAVE $110,400 $82,200 was donated by 5 ODIM Ambassadors

ADOLESCENT HEALTH 47 adolescents, aged 11–13, graduated from our five-month course

$28,700 donated by 13 Churches and Groups $30,000 was received in grants $38,200 was raised by 7 teams of volunteers $8,000 was received in total patient donations

54% of our adolescents were girls and 46% were boys 89% comprehension of health topics at the end of the program (compared to 38% at the start) 111 individuals attended our 6 external educational workshops 7

THE DENTAL CLINIC THAT CAME AND CHANGED OUR PERSPECTIVE WITHIN COMMUNITIES

8

IMPACT

GOALS

Our dental clinic is unique as it is the only one in the San Pablo and San Juan La Laguna communities that offers affordable professional dental treatments, medication, and follow-up appointments with a highly experienced dentist who truly cares about his patients.

We aim to ensure that everyone has equal and fair access to healthcare. To achieve this goal, we are determined to open a dental clinic at our Chuitinamit Clinic, in San Pablo la Laguna. This community faces severe resource constraints, which have led to a complete lack of professional dental care.

As a result, the residents are forced to travel to other places to get dental care services. Can you imagine the difficulty of living without access to dental care?

We help anyone seeking dental attention, no matter their age, gender, or economic status, everyone is welcome to our services!

CHALLENGES Dental health awareness is not very common in our country.

According to Villagrán (2019), an average 12-year-old child in Guatemala has between 6 and 10 teeth with cavities out of the 28 teeth they have and it is projected that in a short time, half of their teeth will be affected, lost, or require fillings due to cavities. These numbers are alarming!

Many individuals living in Guatemala are still unable to access primary healthcare services. This issue has been exac‐ erbated by the global COVID-19 health crisis, which has had significant economic and social consequences for rural communities. Furthermore, the limited number of dental clinics in the country, combined with people's misunder‐ standings about dentistry, make it challenging to maintain good dental health.

ACHIEVEMENTS A significant milestone was achieved with the reopening of our dental clinic, after being closed for approximately 18 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the moment, our dental services were only available when Medical Volun‐ teer Teams were visiting us. But now, thanks to the effort, commitment, and logistics from our staff and supporters, we are thrilled to announce that WE’RE MORE READY THAN EVER to provide comprehensive dental care for the entire population!

Another achievement we take great pride in is being able to change the patients' perspectives step by step. Patients often come to their appointments seeking quick relief by having an aching tooth extracted. However, we have strived to educate our patients about the importance of seeking professional care to effectively restore their oral health. Taking the time to explain the patient's situation and the treatments available before treating them has been essential in our work, as it has allowed people to discover another side of dentistry, which motivates them to return and continue taking care of their teeth. We are proud to be a part of this transformation and to empower our patients to make informed decisions about their oral health!

At ODIM we firmly believe that prevention is the key to changing people's perspectives about dentistry. However, there are still many misconceptions about dental health that need to be addressed, and to that end, we are fully committed to spreading awareness about the importance of dental health. Keeping that in mind, we are working on the "Healthy Smiles" initiative which focuses on promoting pre‐ ventive actions in the community. We are also partnering with like-minded organizations and individuals who share our vision and mission. We have been working on this initia‐ tive for quite some time now, and we are confident that we will achieve our goal soon.

HEALTHY SMILES Now you're probably wondering, what is the “Healthy Smiles” initiative? The Healthy Smiles program builds on the existing work of the dental clinic but focuses on education and preventative care. Our primary goal is to provide educa‐ tion to all ODIM participants and children in our communi‐ ties while developing a public dental health policy for the community.

The main idea is to implement a preventive intervention that will directly impact people's dental health. We aim to achieve a state of health where people not only seek to fix their aching teeth but also possess the knowledge to prevent such prob‐ lems themselves before the aching starts. Thus, we aim to promote the necessary care and conditions so that people do not have to come to ODIM for extractions but only for cleanings and preventive care.

Our goal is to visit schools and public centers and educate children and the community about the main dental care they should take to live a healthier and pain-free life. We would like to focus on children between the ages of 6–12 years old, as they are the ones in the process of changing their teeth, pre‐ paring them for proper preventative care in the future.

If you'd like more information about volunteering in our dental clinic please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer.coordinator@odimguatemala.org

9

LOOKING FOR NEW DIRECTIONS In an exclusive interview, ODIM's dynamic directors discuss the future of the organization with great passion and enthusiasm. Dr. Andrea Garcia, the newly appointed Executive Director, shares her exceptional journey and the strength of ODIM's team with Interim Executive Director, Amy Holly. Join us on this insightful journey as we explore the new horizons that ODIM is passionately pursuing.

10

Amy Holly: Andrea, could you share a bit about your journey that eventually led you to take the helm at ODIM?

to program and service quality, making ODIM a beacon of help and guidance for the communities we serve.

Andrea Garcia: Certainly, Amy! My journey has been guided by a passion for helping others. Initially drawn to Medicine, I soon realized it was more than just a career choice—it was my means of purposefully restoring health and well-being. Studying food insecurity sparked a realiza‐ tion of the urgency for education and preventative health.

Amy Holly: And would you like to share with our sup‐ porters, what strategic vision guides ODIM into 2024?

Seeking growth, I embraced responsibilities beyond the hos‐ pital, venturing into Guatemala's rural communities. The challenges forged strong relationships, honed effective com‐ munication, and fostered collaboration. In 2020, I moved to Sololá, where the call to join ODIM resonated two years later.

Aligning with ODIM's mission, my love and commitment harmonize with my childhood passion for aiding others.

Amy Holly: From your perspective, what stands out the most about the ODIM team?

Andrea Garcia: Diversity is our strength. With over 80% of our team being native Tz'utujil, working in rural communi‐ ties sharpens our organizational mission and vision. As a leader, the perspectives of my diverse team are invaluable.

Our team represents different countries and towns, enriching our work immeasurably. I feel honored to be part of this tapestry, working collaboratively for the equality of Tz'utujil communities.

Amy Holly: Now, how do you perceive ODIM's impact on the communities of San Juan and San Pablo la Laguna?

Andrea Garcia: We are proud to say ODIM's impact is gener‐ ational. From educating 11-year-olds on sexual and reproduc‐ tive rights to aiding 60+ year-olds with type II diabetes, our pro‐ grams have touched numerous households. In regions where primary healthcare is scarce, ODIM fills a crucial void. The trust built over the years stems from our relentless commitment

Andrea Garcia: Of course! ODIM aspires to become a nationally and internationally recognized leader in commu‐ nity-driven healthcare and education. We aim to foster better relationships and communication skills, providing compas‐ sionate, high-quality medical and dental services, health edu‐ cation, and scholarship programs to the indigenous Maya communities. Collaborating with volunteers, donors, and allies sharing our vision, we empower communities to reach their full potential and enhance their quality of life.

Amy Holly: Finally, we already talked about our strengths, impact, and vision for the future but that is not all. For you, what challenges does ODIM anticipate in 2024?

Andrea Garcia: In 2024, we face challenges such as limited resources and new funding opportunities to provide compre‐ hensive healthcare and education services. The repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, extreme weather events, and political instability also affect the region's socioeconomic con‐ ditions. Addressing these challenges locally is our fervent goal, but we seek increased support from local and foreign volun‐ teers, donors, and allies to realize our vision of a better world.

Amy Holly: Any final words you would like to add?

Andrea Garcia: I'm filled with gratitude for the unwavering support, dedication, and tireless efforts of our supporters. To all of you: THANK YOU! Your unwavering commitment to our cause is truly inspiring. Together, we are making a pro‐ found impact on our communities and paving the way for a brighter future. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Amy Holly: Thank you so much, Andrea!

#GivingTuesday Empowers Equitable Care for All in Rural Guatemala This year, ODIM launched a compelling #GivingTuesday campaign focused on empow‐ ering women and fostering healthy communities to support our Medical Clinics.

As a part of our campaign, we showcased patient testimonials highlighting how our clinics have positively impacted their lives. Additionally, we shed light on the challenges faced by our population daily due to limited access to healthcare services in our rural communities.

Thanks to the unwavering support of our patients, the dedication of the Board of Direc‐ tors, and the generosity of our network of donors, we are excited to announce that this campaign raised over $24,000. These funds will be instrumental in ensuring continued access to primary healthcare services for those who need them the most.

11

OVERVIEWof PROGRAMS The Organization for the Development of the Indige‐ nous Maya, or ODIM Guatemala provides communitydriven healthcare and education in the indigenous towns of San Pablo and San Juan La Laguna.

ODIM operates two medical clinics and offers an array of services to patients including, primary care, prenatal care, diabetes treatments, medication, family planning, and laboratory testing.

Patients pay a nominal fee (about $3), but no patients are turned away for lack of funds. Our clinic provides more than 3,000 treatments a year to patients, many of whom would otherwise not be able to afford treatment.

ODIM also operates a dental clinic, providing patients with cleaning, fillings, and extractions. To date, it remains the only dental clinic of its kind in the region to provide affordable care. In addition to operating medical and dental clinics, ODIM runs five community pro‐ grams addressing a range of community needs including childhood malnutrition, scholarships, adolescent health, diabetes education, and safe stoves and drinking water. These programs are both evidence-based and cul‐ turally aligned and are led by members of the commu‐ nity in both Spanish and the Maya language of Tz’utujil.

Reaching Dreams/Alcanzando Sueños BUDGET: $29,620 INTERIM COORDINATOR: JULIETA TZAJ ODIM’s first community education program, “Reaching Dreams/Alcanzando Sueños”, was founded in 2008 with the goal of breaking the cycle of poverty for children in San Pablo La Laguna through educational scholarships.

Four out of 10 children in San Pablo are not in school, and 80% of those who are, drop out before 6th grade. The majority of families list “lack of funds” as the principal reason for not being able to continue their child’s education.

Each year, this program helps promising junior high and high school students reach their academic goals by offering scholar‐ ships, funded by generous sponsors, to cover their school tuition, books, supplies, and uniforms.

ODIM scholarship students also receive supplemental tutoring by ODIM promoters as well as complimentary access to primary medical and dental care in our clinics. To give back to their community, students organize monthly community service projects that support local environmental and conser‐ vation efforts in their hometown.

12

Achievements in 2023: We are thrilled to share that one of our scholarship students graduated from high school with an accounting diploma. This marks a milestone as it is the first time a member of her family will be attending college, which is the core mission of our program. Also, thanks to the gen‐ erous support of our sponsors, ten scholarship students will be able to continue pursuing their academic goals. We salute the hard work and dedication of these students and the support from their families and sponsors.

For just $95 a month, you can sponsor one of our students in the scholarship program.

Let’s Walk Together/Caminemos Juntos BUDGET: $31,945 COORDINATOR: KELLY MENDOZA CHOLOTÍO Diabetes is a widespread health issue in Guatemala that affects 30 % of men and 27% of women nationally.

ODIM’s “Let’s Walk Together” diabetes program provides education about living healthy with the disease, exercise, cooking classes, and bi-weekly support groups. The program aims to empower participants to take control of their health and live the healthiest life possible. Participants also receive health consultations, house visits, regular glucose and A1C checks, and extremely low-cost monthly medicines (at approximately $1.50 per month).

treatment, in order to achieve the desired glucose levels. We have also welcomed new patients and their families to join us in support groups, exercise classes, and follow-up appointments.

Additionally, we provided several clinical workshops and medical appointments facilitated by excellent foreign doctors.

You can sponsor a participant in Caminemos Juntos for $35 a month.

Each year we help patients with diabetes manage their symp‐ toms and live healthy lives.

Achievements in 2023: We made it our priority to support the 30% of diabetic patients who were unable to control their glucose levels despite following the treatment. Our primary goal was to encourage them to continue following the

Healthy Mommy & Me/Mamá y Yo Saludable BUDGET: $46,710 COORDINATOR: ROSARIO LEJA ODIM’s “Healthy Mommy & Me” program was founded in 2015 as part of the global movement: “1,000 Days to Change the Life of a Child”. Each year we work with at least 120 mothers and their babies. Guatemala has one of the highest rates of malnutrition in the world, with 47% of children

under age 5 suffering from chronic malnutrition. The longterm consequences for their physical health and intellectual development are devastating.The program includes four methods of intervention: prenatal and postnatal healthcare for mothers and infants up to two years of age, education focused on child development and healthy nutrition using local food sources, a monthly distribution of nutritional sup‐ plements, and monthly support groups.

Achievements in 2023: ODIM health promoters con‐ ducted 12 height and weight sessions, fostering the healthy development of children in both towns. We celebrated the graduation of 22 children and their mothers from the program, while also welcoming 34 pregnant women.

Remarkably, 64% of the children achieved appropriate height and weight for their age, with the remaining 36% progressing towards this goal. Over the year, we provided 919 nutritious food vouchers, prenatal vitamins, and supplements for chil‐ dren with growth issues to all 133 participants.

For just $55 a month, you can sponsor a mother and child in this program.

13

Adolescent Health/Salud del Adolescente BUDGET: $32,544 COORDINATOR: BETTY PÉREZ

of sex is a taboo subject in households of the communities where we work.

Guatemala has one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancy in all of Central America. 84% of women in Guatemala have their first child before they reach age 20, often earlier. Mean‐ while, the public school curriculum often truncates or omits topics on sexual education, and discussion regarding topics

ODIM’s Adolescent Health empowers youth in San Pablo and San Juan la Laguna through comprehensive sexual health education. Participants learn about gender equality, consent in relationships, human rights, sexual orientation, birth control methods, physical development, and mental health. Plus, they become peer educators in their communi‐ ties. We also provide education for parents, family members, and teachers.

Achievements in 2023: Forty-seven adolescents from the two communities graduated from the five-month course. In San Pablo la Laguna, the participants increased their knowl‐ edge, as measured by pre and post-tests, from 38% to 97%. In San Juan la Laguna, the increase was from 38% to 80%.

ODIM promoters also led 6 workshops in schools about Sexual Rights with a total of 22 teachers and 89 students, to teach the community about family planning methods, consent, and sexual harassment.

High Impact Home Improvements (HIHI)/ Vivienda Saludable BUDGET: $45,959 COORDINATOR: JUANA UJPAN Founded in 2018, ODIM’s High Impact Home Improve‐ ment program aims to improve the health of low-income families in San Pablo and San Juan through impactful home interventions. Families in our program receive efficient, wood-burning stoves that reduce or eliminate smoke in the homes and Ecofiltro water filters, which reduce and eliminate the number of bacteria in drinking water. These two home interventions combat the prevalence of respiratory and intestinal illnesses caused by toxic smoke inhalation and con‐ sumption of contaminated water. Each family also receives six educational sessions to learn how to use and maintain these interventions as well as strategies to maintain the overall health and hygiene of the home.

Achievements in 2023: A total of 70 households in San Pablo and San Juan received stoves and Ecofiltros. This sur‐ passed our initial goal of 47, all thanks to the dedication of our volunteers. As a result, 334 individuals in our communities 14

have directly benefited. Furthermore, our health promoters conducted 131 monitoring visits to households that had previ‐ ously received stoves and filters to ensure sustained benefits.

Additionally, ODIM and Ecofiltro jointly donated 16 water filters to schools in both towns, impacting over 1,600 students and promoting access to clean drinking water.

For $470 you can provide an Onil stove, Ecofilter, and classes for one family!

Medical Clinics BUDGET: $79,227 ADMINISTRATOR (Medical and Dental): MELYNA CHOLOTÍO Our two medical clinics provide high-quality, culturally com‐ petent, affordable primary health care to the populations of San Pablo and San Juan la Laguna. The providers include bilin‐ gual Spanish/Tz’utujil-speaking nurses and a physician local to the community. Patients usually pay a donation of $3, though no one is turned away for lack of funds.

Achievements in 2023: This year, we provided over 2,500 medical consultations to more than 315 new patients in both our clinics. This highlights the growing need for accessible primary healthcare services in our communities. We also achieved a significant milestone by putting into action our Women's Health Initiative, which included conducting 44 successful pap smear tests — a service previously unavailable in our communities. Along with these screenings, we also focused on educating women about the importance of early detection in preventing cervical cancer.

Dental Clinics BUDGET: $31,167 Dentistry in Guatemala is characterized by being expensive and difficult to access. Our dental clinic remains the only one of its kind within San Pablo and San Juan la Laguna commu‐ nities, providing cleaning, fillings, restoration, pulp therapy, and extractions services to all people. Our main goal is to teach people that it is better to take care of their teeth than to try to fix them. Many patients come to have their teeth extracted and are very surprised when we show them that our job is the opposite: Strive to save them!

Achievements in 2023: During the year we conducted over 400 consultations and administered more than 700 treat‐ ments including cleaning, filling, restoration, extractions, pulp therapy, and fluoride application. One significant achievement was organizing dental care workshops for partic‐ ipants of all ages in our programs, which emphasized the importance of preventive measures and regular check-ups to improve their oral health.

15

BEFORE

AFTER

TRANSFORMING HOMES for Healthier futures

Let us introduce you to Maria Xajil. She was born and raised in San Pablo la Laguna, where she still lives with her husband and children. Maria is a kind and loving woman dedicated to taking care of her home. Her husband, Juan Cuc, works as a laborer, toiling in the fields day in and day out. It's a job that demands strength and long hours, but he does it to earn enough daily income to feed his family. Unfortunately, they belong to the 85% of the population living in poverty in San Pablo la Laguna.

Maria and her family have been using open fires to cook for many years, which has resulted in them inhaling smoke daily. In Guatemala, over half of the population uses firewood, and most of them do so over open flames. Open fires have very harmful effects, not only on families' finances due to the cost of firewood but also on the environment due to deforestation. However, their biggest impact is on people's health. Smoke, according to the World Health Organization, increases respiratory illnesses by 31%, which in Guatemala is the leading cause of mortality in children under 5 years old.

But this year brought a big change for Maria and her family! All thanks to our invaluable volunteers and the High Impact Home Improvements (HIHI) program.

Founded in 2018, the HIHI program aims to improve the health of low-income families through impactful home interventions.

Families enrolled in our program receive efficient, wood-burning stoves that reduce or eliminate indoor smoke. In addition, they are provided with water filters that eliminate or reduce the number of harmful bacteria in drinking water.

16

Maria was excited to join the HIHI program. She went to all the training sessions, learned, and waited eagerly for the volunteer team to arrive. A couple of months later the team installed the Onil stove and her dream became a reality.

Now Maria and her family have an efficient stove with a chimney that significantly reduces the amount of smoke indoors, improving the quality of air that they breathe. This is especially important as it lessens the risk of respiratory diseases and burns. Moreover, the stove has resulted in a 70% reduction in wood usage, which has helped their household economy.

But that's not all!

Thanks to their new water filter, the family is now able to consume safe water all the time. They are extremely happy because the filter eliminates 100% of bacteria, parasites, and solids, as well as 100% of chlorine, which reduces the risks of waterborne diseases. With the help of this water filter, they are now able to purify rainwater and water from other sources for free. This not only helps to ensure unlimited access to safe water but also saves them valuable economic resources since they no longer have to buy weekly water bottles for cooking, drinking, and other purposes.

The generosity of our incredible volunteers and the hard work of our HIHI team have made a significant impact on the lives of Maria, Juan, and their children. Thanks to their efforts, the family is now able to live a healthier life, something that once seemed out of reach. Seeing how small acts of kindness can make a big differ‐ ence in people's lives is heartening. The family expresses their deep gratitude to all who supported them through the program, with a meaningful "Maltyoox" ("Thank you" in T'zutujil).

WHY SHOULD YOU COME TO GUATEMALA? PLAN YOUR TRIP & GIVE US A VISIT Life is an exciting journey that we embark on through our experiences. If you think you have already experienced nature and culture to the fullest, then you need to visit Guatemala! Here, you will find everything — from mountains, volcanoes, blue lakes, and beautiful sunsets to delicious traditional cuisine and friendly families who will remind you of the warmth and kindness that connects us all.

WHAT'S NEXT? We know your desire to come visit us, which is why we have created new personalized volunteer opportunities! Whether you are visiting alone or with a group, this experience is sure to change your life and impact the lives of the families we support. Your help is vital!

ODIM will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of everyone involved while car‐ rying out community support actions that have a real and sustainable impact on families. But that's not all! If you are adventurous you will have the opportunity to explore Lake Atitlan by kayaking, hiking, weaving, birding, visiting art galleries, learning about coffee or bees, and par‐ ticipating in a Mayan Ceremony; that allows you to experience nature or culture on different levels. At the same time, you will learn about the challenges faced by local rural communities and have the opportunity to generate social impact through ODIM programs; of course, side by side of the Mayan community!

Home Improvement Volunteer: Build a better life for families …literally! As a Home Improvement Team member, you and a group will install stoves and provide water filters for MayafamiliesinSanJuanandSanPabloLaLaguna.Thesehigh-impactinstallationsarecriticalin reducing respiratory problems and digestive problems caused by contaminated air and water. We are counting on you to provide life-changing effects for people in our communities. Our typical construction teams build between 10 and 16 stoves a week, giving you the opportunity to be of maximum service! The best part: you don’t have to have any prior construction experience. Our trained staff will teach you everything you need to know and get you into homes to make lasting, long-term changes.

Medical Volunteer: Help us bring high-quality healthcare to the communities! Our medical volunteers are the epitome of the phrase “life-changing”. ODIM runs two medical clinics and a dental clinic. All our clinical services are designed around the needs of the community members, many of whom struggle with many chronic health issues. Whether you are working in a group or alone, you will get to use your medical expertise in a way that gives back and heals those who need it most. You will work in our clinics, alongside our supportive local staff who will be eager to learn from you. You will almost certainly be touched by the genuine warmth of the people you encounter.

Professional volunteer: We are happy to welcome volunteers who can join us for a day, a week, or even several months. At ODIM, you can develop your skills while enjoying the scenic beauty of Lake Atitlán. All while making a positive impact on the community by partici‐ pating in our different programs. If you can speak Spanish and have the desire to make a differ‐ ence, we would love to have you on board! To participate in this opportunity, you will need to raise $1000 during your time with us, this will directly help the program of your choice. But don't worry, we will provide you with all the necessary assistance to help you achieve this goal.

TO START ORGANIZING YOUR NEXT TRIP TO GUATEMALA, GET IN TOUCH WITH US VIA EMAIL at VOLUNTEER.COORDINATOR@ODIMGUATEMALA.ORG

17

Why Do We Become Ambassadors?

With Sandy Davis

1. Could you please share a bit about your journey with ODIM, from your initial involvement as a volunteer to eventually becoming an Ambassador?

My husband Phil and I have always been strong advocates for volunteer work. He has encouraged and supported me to volunteer for missions, both locally in the US and abroad. Over the years, I've represented our family on several mission trips, including those accompanying youth (including some of our children) in First UMC in Martin, Tennessee on their mission trips.

We lived in Tennessee for over 40 years and even when we moved back to Colorado to be closer to our extended family, our commitment to service remained unwavering. Phil's encouragement led me to ODIM Guatemala with the Father Dyer UMC Team, even when I was already committed to another mission trip. Since then, I've visited ODIM several times, contributing to projects like building homes and setting up efficient stoves and water filters. It has been a privilege to connect with the people of San Juan and San Pablo.

2. What have been the most rewarding aspects of becoming an Ambassador?

ODIM holds a special place in my heart because of its empowering model. Seeing locals hired and given opportunities for advancement within the organization is truly inspiring. Moreover, witnessing leadership positions being held by members of the Maya community has been incredibly rewarding. It's a testament to the organization's commitment to inclusivity and community development.

3. How has being an ambassador impacted your family and personal life?

Community programs have always been close to my heart. For nearly 50 years, I've been involved with La Leche League, sup‐ porting women in breastfeeding and promoting good nutrition for children and parents alike. Additionally, as a former runner, biker, and walker, I understand the importance of physical and mental well-being through exercise. Being an ambassador for ODIM has allowed me to integrate my passions for community service and health advocacy, enriching both my personal and family life.

4. What would you say to someone reading this who may be considering becoming an ambassador for ODIM? During my visit to ODIM in December 2022, it became evident that they needed ambassadors for the upcoming March. Phil and I coincidentally celebrated our birthdays in March, so it felt like a meaningful way to honor our family while supporting a cause we deeply believe in.

Having had access to healthcare and education throughout our lives, we recognize the importance of extending these opportu‐ nities to others, especially to the children, youth, and adults of San Juan and San Pablo la Laguna. We are grateful for the ability to financially support ODIM at this time, and I encourage others who are able to do the same. The impact of ODIM's work on the community is truly remarkable, and every contribution, big or small, makes a difference in the lives of those they serve.

18

ODIM

$7,500

Spon

AMBASSADORS

sor o one ur clinic mon s th

Our Ambassadors are our most precious donors. They make a significant financial commitment to support the work of ODIM by pledging to donate $7,500 a year to cover the complete cost of our medical clinics for one month. Our Ambassadors give us the opportunity to successfully plan for the future, safe in the knowledge that we will have funds for medical staff salaries, medicine, lab testing, and enough to pay the electricity bill!

ODIM CLINIC AMBASSADORS 2023 JANUARY

KAY SOETAERT

FEBRUARY

WE NEED YOU!

MARCH

PHIL AND SANDY DAVIS FAMILY

APRIL

PAUL COPPING, RIM ENTERPRISES

MAY

PAUL COPPING, RIM ENTERPRISES

JUNE

WE NEED YOU!

JULY

WE NEED YOU!

AUGUST

ANONYMOUS

SEPTEMBER

CHRIS, MICHELLE & THE FORTNER FOUNDATION

OCTOBER

CHRIS, MICHELLE & THE FORTNER FOUNDATION

NOVEMBER

CHRIS, MICHELLE & THE FORTNER FOUNDATION

DECEMBER

WE NEED YOU!

WE STILL HAVE 3 MONTHS OPEN IN 2024!

Please get in touch if you or your company can sign up to support our work within the communities.

19

ULTIMATE GUATEMALA CHALLENGE

The Adventure of a Lifetime Can you imagine being a tourist while your adventure advocates to prevent malnutrition in rural areas in Guatemala? This is your opportunity!

Picture yourself on a trek through cloud forests, coffee groves, and rural vil‐ lages; or get to see the sunrise from the top of one of the highest volcanoes in Central America… Not your style? What if we add a dip into fresh water from the most beautiful lake you’ll ever see? Sounds like out of a magazine but it’s our ULTIMATE GUATEMALA CHALLENGE! The Challenge is our annual fundraising event which takes participants through three incredible challenges (hike up a volcano, city-to-lake cross trek, and paddle boarding across Lake Atitlan) during an intense week that stays with you forever.

Why should you take part?

By taking part in this event, you will be funding the participation of more than 100 mothers and their babies in our “Healthy Mommy and Me” program. This program could not be more relevant in Guatemala, where the rates of chronic malnutrition are some of the highest in the world and the highest in Latin America and the Caribbean.

How does it work?

The total cost of each participant is $700, which covers hotels, tour guides, food, and transportation. We ask each challenger to try to fundraise an addi‐ tional $3,500 to support the “Healthy Mommy and Me” program. If you achieve your fundraising goal, ODIM will cover part of your registration, which means you only have to pay $500 to participate!

To take part, you need to be in good physical shape… but you do not need to be an athlete! This is a rewarding way to give as it allows you to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a tangible social impact.

WE CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR FROM YOU! EMAIL US AT FUNDRAISINGMANAGER@ODIMGUATEMALA.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION! 20

WHERE YOUR

DONATIONS GO TOTAL REVENUE

For the fiscal year ending December 31st 2023 $353,977 Donations from Patients 2% — $8,008

Donations from ODIM Ambassadors 23% — $82,203

Donations from Individuals 31% — $110,459

Donations from Fundraising Events 1% — $4,215 Donations from Grants 8% — $30,005 Donations from Volunteer Teams 11% — $38,249 Donations from Corporations 1% — $5,266

Donations from Campaigns 7% — $26,128 Donations from Sponsors 6% — $20,729 Donations from Churches/Groups 8% — $28,716

EXPENSES

For the fiscal year ending December 31st 2023 ($421,251) Administrative 9% — $39,395

Healthy Mommy & Me 11% — $46,710

Facility Care & Mgmt.

11% — $46,892

Adolescent Health 8% — $32,544

Communications & Dev. 6% — $24,709

“Letʼs Walk Together” Diabetes 8% — $31,945

Volunteer Coordination 3% — $13,079

“Reaching Dreams” Scholarship 7% — $29,621

Medical Clinic 19% — $79,228

High Impact Home Improvement 11% — $45,959

Dental Clinic 7% — $31,167

21

SPECIAL

THANKS! OUR FINANCIAL PARTNERS Alpine Air Support Switzerland Captain Dre’s City View Foundation Cole Family Foundation Dirty Girl Adventures Fortner Family Foundation Medtronic Foundation MPress Northaven United Methodist Church Mission and Justice Fund RIM Enterprises LLC The Advance | United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries Verisk Analytics WeAssist ODIM ALLIES (MAJOR DONORS) Barbara and Nick Payne Brieanne Kohrt Catherine & Kyle Rutledge Charles Koetting Chris and Michelle Fortner Luerding family Dr. Marty Kanne Father Dyer United Methodist Church Greg Bachman Harvey and Terry Baxter Henry and Mary Ellen Irving Jean and Robert "Bob" Evans Jeannie & Rick Jensen Jeanne Mathiesen JoAna Dwyer Jon Spivak Kay Soetaert Linda Foxworthy Manichanh Ratts Mary and Bob Harris Missy and Hope Nelson

22

Nelma Welch Paul and Julie Copping Peg and Mark Hartung Peter Lewis Phil and Barbara Gibbs Revs. Jack and Marti Soper Robert Evans Ron Wilhelm & Kim Batchelor Ruth Schovajsa Sandra and Phil Davis Sharon Gale Suzanne Brevard Thomas Vickie & Kent Eaton West End United Methodist Church ODIMʼS TEAMS & CHURCHES Café Quetzal Countryside United Methodist Church Dirty Girl Adventures Father Dyer United Methodist Church First United Methodist Church of Denton, Texas Manitowoc Lakeshore UMC Mount Pleasant UMC Northaven United Methodist Church Oskaloosa United Methodist Women Platte Woods United Methodist Church St. Andrew United Methodist Church Trinity United Methodist Church University UMC United Methodist Women Wesley United Methodist Church West End United Methodist Church ODIMʼS LOCAL PARTNERS Alma de Colores Amigos de Santa Cruz Azotea Deli Casa Materna Centro Maya

Cooperativa Nuevo Horizonte Ecofiltro El Directorio Flor Ixcaco Guatemala Ministry of Health and Social Assistance (Public healthcare clinics in San Pablo and San Juan la Laguna) Hospitalito Atitlan House of Jade MAIA Saving Mothers SUP Atitlan Universidad San Carlos de Guatemala Universidad Mesoamericana WINGS Guatemala OUR EXPERTS Alma Pioquinto Amy Holly April Hull Carolyn Boley Dr. Brieanne Kohrt, California State University LA Dunia Lucia Roncal Duque Elaine Bennett, Ph.D Kiana Harish Kim Batchelor, MPH Linda Foxworthy, FNP Manichanh Ratts, PA-C María Alejandra Guizler Bonilla Nicolas Cumez Teah Caine, MD Trey Harrell, MD Vickie Eaton

BOARD Organization for the Development of the Indigenous Maya is a US registered 501(c)(3) Our Board of Directors is responsible for guiding the strategic direction of the organization, and is accountable for our actions — legally, financially, and morally.

The Board of Directors Ron Wilhelm, Ph.D. ........................................President Rev. Jeannie Jensen ..........................................Secretary Jackie Benjamin................................................Director Jeanne Mathiesen .............................................Treasurer Harvey Baxter, J.D. ..........................................Director Paul Copping ...................................................Director Linda Foxworthy ..............................................Director

DID YOU KNOW? LAKE ATITLÁN, where our clinics are located, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Guatemala?

It is even nominated for consideration as one of the seven wonders of the world. This lake emerged around 84,000 years ago after a volcanic eruption and is situated 1,500 meters above sea level. It is 18 kilometers long and reaches depths of up to 341 meters, making it the deepest lake in Central America.

KEY LEADERS Our Key Leader team is responsible for providing effective senior leadership to the organization, by developing our overarching strategy and ensuring its successful implementation.

The Key Leader Team Amy Holly.............................................Interim Executive Director Andrea García .......................................Medical Director Pedro Méndez........................................Financial Manager Ana Silvia Sosa.......................................Human Resources Manager Melyna Cholotío...................................Director of Community & Clinical Programs Julieta Tzaj .............................................Community Health & Education Programs Manager Vanessa Hernández ...............................Communications Manager Cristhian Fernandez..............................Fundraising Manager Vanessa Quesada ...................................Volunteer Manager For individual contact details go to: www.odimguatemala.org/contact-us

23

ODIM GUATEMALA Clínica Chuítinamit, San Pablo La Laguna, Sololá, Guatemala Clínica Sanjuanerita, San Juan La Laguna, Sololá, Guatemala odimguatemala.org OdimGuate guatemalaodim