Health Care and Education in Guatemala ODIM ANNUAL REPORT 2019
CONTENTS
How we work. ODIM 101 Letter from the Executive Director Our Impact! The Year in Review The year in ODIM. Program by program Healthy Mommy & Me Adolescent Health High Impact Home Improvements (HIHI) Let’s Walk Together (Diabetes) Achieving dreams (Scholarships) Medical Clinics Dental Clinic – Healthy Smiles Volunteer Opportunities Creative Fundraising in 2019 ODIM Ambassador program Ultimate Guatemala Challenge Where your donations go Thank you! How you can make a difference
Photo: Anna Watts
EDITORIAL STAFF Editor: Sarah Labelle Graphic Design: Katja Gryl Cover photo: Anna Watts A special thank you to our printer Ralph Myers, Mpress © ODIM GUATEMALA 2020
TO MAKE A DONATION Online donation: www.odimguatemala.org/donate Check payable to ODIM: Martha Stowe 1527 Waterside Ct. Dallas, Texas, 75218 Feel free to contact Amy Holly at executive.director@ odimguatemala.org or Sarah Labelle at communications.manager@odimguatemala.org
HOW WE WORK. ODIM 101 At Organization for the Development of the Indigenous Maya (ODIM) we provide community-driven, high quality and culturally competent health and education services to the indigenous communities of San Juan and San Pablo La Laguna in Guatemala. Our services include two medical clinics staffed by bilingual Spanish/ Tz’utujil speaking nurses and a physician local to the community, as well as a dental clinic. With the intention of preventing ill health, an elevated quality of life and creating sustainable change, we also have five community health and education programs. Our programs endeavor to be multi-faceted, evidence-based and culturally-aligned. At ODIM foreign and local staff work side by side, committed to improving the lives of the people we serve. We employ 45 staff in the two communities of San Pablo and San Juan La Laguna – 20 full time employees and 25 part-time. 82% is made up of Tz’utujil Mayan staff, 13% are Guatemalan nationals (but not Tz’utujil) and 5% are foreign staff. 83% of our leaders and coordinators are women.
We are proud to be growing in popularity in our communities‌ but with more patients, we need more funding! To make sure we never have to turn a patient away, please consider making a donation; Cover the complete costs of one patient $10 Cover the costs of our prenatal nurse for a week $150 Become an ODIM Ambassador and support the costs of both clinics for 1 complete month $7,000
A LETTER FROM
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dear Friends of ODIM, 2019 was a fantastic year at ODIM, though not without its challenges. ODIM’s dedication and ability to combine local knowledge with international expertise is second to none, and for me it was a huge blessing this year to watch our incredible local staff team grow in ability and confidence and for ODIM to shine under their guidance. At the beginning of the year, we became concerned about funding when our major grant with GBGM came to an end. It was a challenging day for me to start planning what budget cuts would look like and we carefully watched every cent as we doubled our fundraising efforts. I am pleased to say that we did not cut any activities and incredibly our donations this year were higher than ever before, largely thanks to individual donors and the committed churches and teams that give so generously. A new adventure for ODIM and I was the Ultimate Guatemala Challenge in November in which we hiked, climbed and paddled through diverse landscapes of Guatemala. I certainly had a few moments in which I thought I must have completely lost my mind; mostly when we were knee deep in jungle swamp and using a machete to hack our way through the vines!!! With extreme highs and lows, it really was the adventure of a lifetime and we raised over $24,000. What a result!
As I think back over the year, it is the stories of individuals that really had the biggest impact on me; the mother who told me about how she had to divide a single egg between her children before receiving her ODIM food voucher, the diabetes patient who received emergency ODIM support when diagnosed with gangrene and nearly didn’t survive; the young girl who boldly told me “I know I have a right to education and I don’t have to stay home” after her Adolescent Health class; the local staff member who broke down in tears of joy when she was promoted. I want you, the reader, to know that we were only able to do this thanks to your involvement. Our growing ODIM family is making amazing things happen and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. On behalf of all of the team Amy Holly
We will be running the event again in January 2021, should anyone be interested in seeing some of the most beautiful parts of this country, and raising money for a great cause. More info is on page 29-30. 4 3
2019
OUR IMPACT!
YEAR IN REVIEW
HEALTHY MOMMY & ME 96 workshops carried out by our Health Promoters 470 mothers and babies benefited 1,372 sessions of weighing and measuring babies 1,210 food vouchers delivered to moms 44 moms/babies completed 1000 days in the program
HIGH IMPACT HOME IMPROVEMENTS
120
COMPLETED1000 DAYS
FAMILIES BENEFITTED
102 stoves installed 93 water filters installed 612 individuals obtained access to safe drinking water and clean air 454 monitoring & evaluation interviews carried out
1,395 Family planning methods delivered 2,287 Prenatal consultations made by our prenatal nurse 1,689 Dental consultations carried out by our dentist 5,927 Labatory tests 10,636 Total medical and dental consultations 56 Bach Flower Treatments were prescribed 920 new patients were attended
A total of 85 students graduated from the program aged 11-15. 42 from San Pablo and 43 from San Juan.
ADOLESCENT HEALTH
FUNDRAISING
10,636
MEDICAL AND DENTAL SERVICES
417 individual donors donated $110,000 6 churches donated $17,500 We received approx. $66,000 in grants 11 teams of volunteers raised $65,500 6 ODIM Ambassadors gave $87,500 Patient donations totaled $18,000
DIABETES LET’S WALK TOGETHER
52%
of the participants from San Juan and 45% from San Pablo had their sugar levels controlled
313 people living with diabetes reached 64 diabetic patients enrolled in our Let’s Walk Together Club 130 people attended the Health Fair organized in San Juan. 3 workshops were conducted in both communities where 61 people attended the events
ADMINISTRATION
5,111
people benefitted from our work on a budget of $365,000. Only 10% went to administration. 10 new employees hired Promotions were offered (and accepted!) to Stephany to become Director of Programs, to Melyna as Community Health and Education Programs Manager and Domingo as HIHI Coordinator. 5 staff scholarships were provided in 2019 to help support our dedicated team’s career development in Nursing, English and Gender Studies.
SCHOLARSHIPS ACHIEVING DREAMS 15 students from San Pablo had access to full time education and tuition through our program 6 promising new students were recruited for 2020 1 student graduated Primary School 1 student graduated High School
15
STUDENTS ENROLLED
NEW EMPLOYEES
+ THREE PROMOTIONS AND FIVE SCHOLARSHIPS TO STAFF
THE YEAR IN ODIM Program by Program
Photo: Sarah Labelle
The year according to our Community Health and Program Manager My name is Melyna Cholotío and I’m from San Juan La Laguna. I was just promoted to Community Health and Education Programs Manager which I’m thrilled with! I’m fortunate to be able to work in Tz’utujil, and get a better understanding of my communities’ needs. My greatest personal achievement in 2019 was to participate in the Ultimate Guatemala Challenge where I was able to prove my leadership once more, as a Mayan woman. Regarding our achievements in 2019, two new Healthy Mommy & Me promoters received training to conduct research in our “Healthy Thinking” project. This new initiative implemented by the University of Denver aims to detect mothers with post-natal depression symptoms and to provide psychological support. Overall, I was very proud to see how our team took care of the participants in each program. In
our Diabetes program, educational sessions, support groups and cooking classes were always given with respect, empathy and confidentially by our promoters. Our Adolescent Health team took part in various round-table discussions regarding sexual and reproductive rights. We also filmed a short video in Tz’utujil about gender equality which was later published on local TV. In November of 2019, two of our Scholarship students graduated. Through our new HIHI program, we empowered many families about health-related subjects with hundreds of people benefitting from the work of our volunteers and staff. All these achievements were only made possible thanks to the generous support from our donors. We can’t thank you enough!
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Photo: Anna Watts
Healthy Mommy & Me Budget: $34,300 Staff: Rosario Leja (Coordinator), Antonieta Cholotío, Sofía García, Cecilia Vásquez, Juana Piy, Yolanda Poron, Alicia Ixcayá, Estela Ujpan, Patricia Mendoza (Health Promoters). About the program: Guatemala has the highest rate of chronic malnutrition in Latin America & the Caribbean. Among children under five years old, only half of Guatemalan babies have a normal height and weight. This is not surprising when statistics show that two-thirds of the overall population live on less than US$ 2 per day. To tackle this issue, our Healthy Mommy & Me program is founded on the principles of the worldwide movement, The First 1000 Days. Studies prove that by bolstering nutrition, education and health practices from conception to a child’s second birthday, children can develop physically and mentally for healthy futures. There are four intervention methods involved in this program: healthcare, education, supplementation and support groups.
ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2019 This year we focused on addressing the chronic malnutrition that continues to plague our communities. We found many babies who had an appropriate weight for their height (ie they do not have acute malnutrition), but who would be classified as having chronic malnutrition (their height was stunted). We increased the support that was given to those mothers with supplemental food, nutributter supplements and an integrated plan with the medical clinic and the HIHI program. The results of our efforts were clear; 96% of our babies were born with a healthy weight and height and 96% of our 2 year olds also graduated with a healthy weight and height.
MEET DOMINGA A Healthy Mommy & Me and HIHI Participant Dominga is 32 years old and lives in San Juan La Laguna together with her husband, two children, sister and mother. Dominga is a great example of how ODIM works with participants in an integral way. She started attending ODIM’s Healthy Mommy & Me program, and later signed up for HIHI to improve the standard of living for her and her family. Dominga entered the Healthy Mommy & Me program when she was pregnant with her second baby Pedro. Pedro is now 18 months old and has just started to walk by himself. During the interview, Dominga told us: “The program is wonderful, it helped me and my family so much. There’s information about pregnancy care and how to best feed your children. So, when the time comes to give birth, you feel confident and at ease. In my case, my daughter was eight years old when I gave birth to Pedro. And as the years went by, I forgot so much. The Health Promoters refreshed my memory, but I also gained a lot of new knowledge, for instance about how to take care of a newborn, how to change their diaper and keep them clean. Now I am confident that my children are growing up healthy.”
“I WILL MISS ATTENDING THE CLASSES AND PLAYING WITH THE KIDS WITH OTHER WOMEN, BUT I FEEL POSITIVE ABOUT PEDRO AND HOW HEALTHY HE HAS BECOME.“
Our Healthy Mommy & Me program includes a variety of services: from information sessions to medical appointments, psychological support groups, cooking classes and food vouchers. The program lasts until the baby is two years old and we aim to support the participating mothers as best as we can. We keep track of the babies’ development through measuring and weighing them every month to make sure we can respond quickly and effectively to
signs of malnutrition and stunting. When we asked Dominga about her experience regarding one of the program classes, she told us: “The informational sessions are a great chance to meet up with other mothers, relax and have a good time. We play, sing and dance with the kids to stimulate them. When I asked Dominga how she perceived the future and if she had any doubts or fears about taking care of her baby after graduating from the program, she told me: “I will graduate in June. The program lasts two years and it has flown by. I know how much I will miss attending the classes and playing with the kids with other women, but I feel positive about Pedro and how healthy he has become. Dominga is also a participant in ODIM’s HIHI program. When we asked about her experience, she told us: “This program is important; most of us use traditional stoves and have to pay for safe drinking water. I enjoyed the hygiene classes. I’ve learned that we have to keep our environment clean in order to keep ourselves healthy too. I learned to take care of my water filter and how to give it maintenance every six months. At the moment I’m buying bottled water for me, my husband and my children. The ecofilter will be of great improvement for the house, but also a financial help. The program has also taught me how to clean my stove, keep the ember going and cook safely.” Since the time of writing, Dominga has received her new stove and water filter. 10
Photo: Anna Watts
Adolescent Health Budget: $20,400 Staff: Betty Perez (Coordinator), Judit Mendoza, Ana Silvia Sosa, Antonio Ixcayá, José Mendoza (Health Promoters) Photo: SdA replica About the program: Our Adolescent Health program is designed to empower youth with knowledge about puberty, sexuality, contraception and gender equality. There are high rates of teen pregnancy in our area, and sex education is very much seen as a taboo topic. The program is designed to empower youth to not only make sensible decisions about their bodies, but to become peer educators in their communities.
ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2019 The Adolescent Health team gave workshops to parents and local teachers as well as students with the goal of breaking the many taboos surrounding sexuality, reproduction and contraception with adults in the community. We educated two different age groups; 13-15 year olds and 11-13 year olds. This year our youth received their own text book, designed by ODIM and featuring culturally appropriate illustrations which represent Mayan girls & boys. In 2019, we organized two Health Fairs, one in each community, reaching a total of 201 people. We also created two videos in Tz’utujil which were shown online and on local TV channel; “The Rights to My Body” and “Gender Equality”. We were proud to have received support for this program from The British Embassy.
Photo: Anna Watts
“Filtered water is guaranteed bacteria-free. And my ecofiltro turned out to be a great economical advantage too.” - Monica Lejá
High Impact Home Improvements Budget: $36,000 Staff: Domingo Tzaj (Coordinator), Candelaria Sojven, Domingo Xajil, Juana Ujpán, José María Vásquez (Health Promoters).
ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2019 After one year since inception, we are seeing the program flourish. We changed our stove design, formalized our system for recruiting families and improved our curriculum. The vast majority of the families helped are also participants of our other programs; ensuring at-risk families are able to obtain life changing interventions. All of this work was only made possible with the help of volunteering team visits throughout the year. Thanks to the many contributors who helped build the stoves, participating families are now living in a smoke-free environment and are less prone to contracting waterborne diseases.
About the program: High Impact Home Improvements (HIHI) aims to prevent health problems caused by contaminated air and water by providing access to interventions for a healthy home environment. The program addresses two recurrent issues we see in the clinic; respiratory problems and diarrhea which causes malnutrition. Families are provided with water filters and safe, smokeless and environmentally friendly stoves, and participate in informative workshops about Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) as well as practical advice on how to care for their equipment.
Photo: Emma Marshall
Photo: Anna Watts
Photo: Sarah Labelle
Diabetes Program Let’s Walk Together Budget: $18,500 Staff: Julieta Tzaj (Coordinator), Olinda Lejá, Armando Petzey, Pablo Sosa, Kelly Mendoza, Dominga Quic (Health Promoters) About the program: In Guatemala, more than 25% of the indigenous population suffer from type II or pre-diabetes because of their genetics, diet and lifestyle. Unfortunately, as a consequence of high levels of stigma, lack of education and scarce economic resources, the disease is often left untreated. Our Let’s Walk Together club provides education, exercise, cooking classes and support groups for those living a life with diabetes. The club’s goal is to empower our participants into taking control of their health, and living the healthiest life possible. Participants also receive health consultations, house visits, glucose and A1C checks, and extremely low-cost monthly medicines (at approximately $1.50 per month).
ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2019 This year, our #GivingTuesday Campaign was a huge success: 45 staff and program participants hiked up to Cerro de la Cruz and thanks to our incredible donor base, raised over $16,000. Our team organized fun and informative community workshops, health fairs to reach a wider audience, whilst giving 64 regular participants weekly house visits, cooking classes, workshops, exercising sessions and monthly check-ups.
MEET HECTOR Hector is 53 years old and is from San Juan La Laguna. Hector has been part of the Diabetes program since 2010. “The program is a huge help for those, like me, who can’t afford our treatment. With the diabetes program, I get access to my life-saving medicine in exchange for a very small donation. I can’t afford to go to a regular pharmacy in San Juan, but with ODIM I receive substantial support, allowing me to take care of my health.” There are no other NGOs offering this kind of diabetes program around Lake Atitlán. This is an issue because often, people with diabetes are unaware of their illness or they refuse to seek treatment. There is very little education and accurate knowledge of diabetes among our communities. People tend to see diabetes as a death sentence, with no way to fight it. Moreover, the scarce economic resources and poor dietary habits are important factors influencing the rates of type II diabetes. ODIM’s Caminemos Juntos program offers affordable access to treatment and a variety of activities to encourage self-care and medical treatment. When I asked Hector about the program activities, he told me: “Every Friday, from 9-11 AM I go to my informational session. During our class, the promoters teach us about medication and how to maintain a healthy diet, they show us how to exercise and how to cook. Later, we can practice at home what we’ve been taught. It doesn’t get boring even after 10 years! Hector paused and then said: “IF THE ORGANIZATION DIDN’T EXIST, NO ONE WOULD HELP US: WE’D HAVE NO MEANS OF FIGHTING THIS ILLNESS.”
“When I was told that I had type II diabetes, my dad took me to various hospitals in the bigger towns which are an hour or more away. But the Sanjuanerita clinic has everything my body requires and the clinic is precisely 3 minutes away by foot from my house. When I was traveling to the other hospitals far away, I had to take a few days off work.”
Hector makes a living by laboring in the mountains nearby. Most of the time, he grows and harvests coffee cherries, beans, corn and tomatoes. Hector also works as a bee keeper and honey maker in San Juan La Laguna. Hector told us: “We truly received God’s blessing in San Juan La Laguna with this clinic. And not only San Juan, but also San Pedro, San Pablo, Santa Clara, Santa Maria. People from all around come to visit the ODIM clinics. I am so grateful I received this help.” He then added: “In July, I had a bad infection. When the pain started in my belly, my daughter took me to a doctor in San Pedro. There, I received many shots and was prescribed antibiotics by the doctor who told me the infection would go away. I went back home and the very next day, the pain came back stronger. My children passed by the pharmacy and bought all the medicine they were told could help me. However, nothing was working and eventually they took me to the hospital in Sololá. There, the results of the tests indicated a bad intestinal infection with gangrene. They had to take out parts of my intestine to save me. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to cover the costs of this procedure so I was sent back home. Then, my whole family, parents, siblings and children, decided to give money to help me pay for the surgery. I had lost consciousness already; I was taken to a private clinic in Quetzaltenango and my life was seriously in danger. ODIM heard about what was happening and helped pay for the surgeries with an emergency fund. I received 5 surgeries and stayed at the hospital for 37 days.”
“If the organization didn’t exist, no one would help us: we’d have no means of fighting this illness. In the name of God, I thank you.” 16
Scholarships Achieving Dreams Budget: $15,000 Staff: Paulina Quiacain (Coordinator). Promoters: Monica Lejรก. About the program: Our scholarship program targets children from San Pablo La Laguna, where 80% of children drop out before sixth grade. Our students are selected based on financial need and academic ambition, and receive a scholarship to cover the costs of their education. However, children are often times not given the guidance or time needed in the home and in the schools in order to truly excel. Therefore, ODIM provides promoters to provide tutoring and enrichment classes to the children involved.
ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2019 Filomena graduated from high school with a specialization in accounting and computer sciences. Francisca graduated from elementary school. By the end of 2019 we had found sponsors for all of our scholarship students which is key to the long term sustainability of the program. The novelty this year was a special workshop organized to teach the high school students how to construct a good CV. We also welcomed two volunteers to help with English and Maths.
Photo: Anna Watts
MEET FILOMENA María Filomena is 18 years old. Last November, María Filomena graduated from high school and consequently graduated from ODIM’s scholarship program “Alcanzando Sueños”. Filomena has been part of the scholarship program since she was in 1st grade. “I AM PROUD TO BE THE FIRST IN MY FAMILY TO GRADUATE FROM HIGH SCHOOL, AND I AM EXCITED ABOUT WHAT THE FUTURE WILL BRING.”
Her family was one of the first families selected due to their scarce economic resources, and Filomena has always maintained an impressive dedication to her studies. “The scholarship program was a huge help. ODIM covered the costs of my tuition fees and school supplies. The 3 last years of school are quite hard, that’s when you need all the help one can get. The last year is the toughest.”
Since graduating high school, she is currently working at a restaurant as a cook in San Marcos La Laguna. “My goal is to find an office job in the long term. This would allow me to earn a bit more. Cooking is very hard physically…but I am happy to have found a full-time job and I can finally contribute to my family´s income. My family did everything they could to earn enough money so that I could graduate. I plan to work this year, to put money aside and then I want to go to university. I am proud to be the first in my family to graduate from high school, and I am excited about what the future will bring.” 18
Our Medical Clinic Budget: $98,000 Staff: Yaneth Cholotío (Administrator.), Dr. Georgina Monzón (Physician), Rebeca Álvarez (Nurse), Gloria Mendoza (Pharmacy and Bach Flower Remedies), Josefa Ixcayá (Laboratory), Concepción Ixcayá (Prenatal Nurse), Mónica Lejá and Aracely Mendoza (Receptionists). Our Services: Our two medical clinics provide high quality, culturally competent, affordable primary health care to the populations of San Pablo and San Juan La Laguna. The providers include bilingual Spanish/Tz’utujil speaking nurses and a physician local to the community. Patients usually pay a donation of $2.50, though no one is turned away.
ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2019 Our major achievement in 2019 was the significant increase in numbers of patients in both communities: we recorded a total of 920 new patients during the year. This shows ODIM’s popularity, good reputation for the quality of its services and affordable prices. Two of our local nurses, Josefa and Concepción, received scholarships to complete the next level of their nursing degrees. We were also able to purchase a new A1C machine thanks to a generous donor at the end of the year.
MEET JOSE Jose is 46 years old and is a recent addition to our Diabetes Program. When Jose first came to the clinic 6 months ago, he was in a critical state: severely underweight, and unable to walk unaided. Because of his condition, Jose was not very active and he needed a walking cane at all times. The doctors eventually said Jose could never walk without a cane again. This was until December 3rd, for ODIM’s #GivingTuesday fundraising event, when Jose decided to take part in the hike, along with the other diabetes program patients. “I thought I wasn´t going to be able to take part in this walk. But since I started coming to the clinic, my health is really improving. I have noticed a huge change since I started taking medication, it’s a big help.”
Photo: Anna Watts
Jose surprised everyone, including himself in his effort. When we reached the top of the hill (el Cerro de la Cruz in San Juan La Laguna), Jose took a well-deserved break and told us more about the program. He said:
At the end of the interview, I asked Jose why he was so eager to share his experience with us that day, and he concluded: “In the support group at the Diabetes Club, I get to listen to tips and advice from others. I have benefited so much from hearing other people’s experiences, and this time I wanted to give back and share my personal story. As Jose and the 40 others celebrated reaching the top of the hill, our donors in the US and beyond were busy giving vital funds. The event raised a total of $16,000 and inspired our donors and our community.
“THANKS TO THE CLINIC MY LIFE CHANGED COMPLETELY! IT’S TRULY AMAZING HOW I MANAGED TO WALK THIS FAR TODAY. I EVEN SURPRISED MYSELF! THE TALKS AND THE EXERCISING SESSIONS ORGANIZED BY ODIM ALSO HELPED ME FOR TODAY’S EFFORTS.”
“Thanks to the clinic my life changed completely! It’s truly amazing how I managed to walk this far today. I even surprised myself! The talks and the exercising sessions organized by ODIM also helped me for today’s efforts.” When I asked Jose what the hike meant for him, he replied: “For me, this hike represents a sacred Mayan route. But it’s also a good way to exercise and take control of my body again.” 20
Photo: Anna Watts
Our Dental Clinic Healthy Smiles Budget: $22,200 Staff: Melissa Rodriguez (Dentist) and Manuel Gonzalez (Dental Assistant)
ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2019 This year, our Healthy Smiles program was successfully launched and the number of dental consultations increased by nearly 300% compared to 2018. The program builds on the existing work of the dental clinic, but focuses on education and preventive care. The team has developed a curriculum to educate ODIM’s program participants and has carried out a baseline study with 40 three and six year olds. In three years, our goal is to achieve a 50% reduction in cavities in local children. To do so, we are working with local schools on fluoride application and educational interventions.
Our Work: Our dental clinic provides cleaning, fillings, and extractions. Many people are accustomed to coming to a dentist for emergencies only, so we are working to encourage more preventive care, through checkups, cleanings and fluoride application. Our dentists are also collaborating with medical staff to assure that our diabetic patients’ special needs are met.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCES with ODIM
Staff: Marta Xicay (Coordinator)
ACHIVEMENTS IN 2019 We moved away from house construction and started stove construction with our High Impact Home Improvements (HIHI) program in 2019. This new focus is designed to ensure volunteers have a great impact on more local families, helping more individuals and having a long-lasting and significant impact on the health issues facing the populations of San Pablo and San Juan La Laguna. We also started creating new and innovative volunteer experiences that are life changing for both our visitors and our beneficiaries. Our new volunteer programs strive to give volunteers a greater understanding of how best to help projects in a sustainable way, handling and respecting cultural differences, and developing a deeper understanding of the complex problems related to living in poverty. Please contact Marta at volunteer.coordinator@odimguatemala.org to discuss any of the following options, or combining experiences to create your perfect trip. 22
HIHI VOLUNTEER TRIP
WHY?
What is HIHI HIHI stands for High Impact Home Improvements, and is one of ODIM’s new community programs. It focuses on addressing two major issues in our communities; clean air and safe drinking water. See page 12 for more information about the program. Typical volunteer teams construct between 8 and 16 stoves in a week, which can have life changing effects for hundreds of Guatemalan family members, for years to come.
Traditional wood-burning Guatemalan stoves cause extremely bad air quality and lead to significant respiratory problems; which tend to particularly affect women and children. Tap water in Guatemala is full of bacteria and parasites and is extremely unsafe for anybody to drink. However, most families report that they use tap water at least some of the time. This leads to digestive problems, sickness, diarrhea, dehydration and malnutrition. Fundraising for stoves and water filters, and constructing them with local team members has a huge impact on the ODIM community. It gives you the chance to work in typical local households, meet the beneficiaries, and learn about the realities faced by these families. “What a powerful mission to be a part of! Our team was grateful to be educated about the health, economic, and environmental impacts of the stoves. The HIHI experience was a delight as we interacted with various different families throughout the week in both San Juan and San Pablo, seeing how they live and work and play.” Christine Potter, Topeka Countryside Team Leader 23
CULTURAL TRIP What is it? Focused on immersing yourself in the rich and ancient Mayan culture, ODIM’s cultural experience is a one-week long chance to learn local skills such as Guatemalan weaving, cooking, the Naif painting style, the chance to learn about Mayan Cosmology, and the opportunity to participate in some of ODIM’s community programs.
WHY? A great option for teams who want a socially conscious travel experience, this gives your group the opportunity to get up close and personal with a vibrant and magical culture in a way that tour groups cannot. This is also a great option for those who are less interested or less able to help with physical construction whilst still supporting ODIM’s important work. 24
THE CHALLENGE TRIP
What is it? A chance to experience Guatemala’s breathtaking nature; by hiking, paddling and exploring the volcanoes, lakes and mountains that surround ODIM. Each participant is challenged to raise funds by completing several outdoor adventures which we can tailor to fit your team.
WHY? Our Challenge trips give you the best of Guatemala; excitement, relaxation and an incredible sense of contentment by fundraising to have a huge impact on our project.
THE MEDICAL TRIP
What is it? ODIM has two medical clinics, providing primary care for local patients. We use visiting medics to work alongside our local staff members, providing care for our patients and ensuring your medical expertise stays in country long after you leave. We also strive to constantly train our staff members, and we love to tap into the expertise of Doctors, Dentists, and other medical specialists to provide training for our staff members. Our staff has a wide range of education and background and we have a constant need to improve our knowledge over a wide range of topics.
WHY? Visiting ODIM will be a learning experience for a visiting medic, and we hope you will learn as much from the trip as our staff will learn from you. You will be providing essential care to patients who live hours away from a hospital, and who may see your medical attention as a once in a lifetime opportunity. “Volunteering with ODIM reminds you why you went into medicine in the first place. Working one on one with the local physician, staff and promoters to help them best serve their community through their clinic services and health education programs is sustainable global health at its finest.� Teah Caine, MD.
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CAN YOU HELP US FUNDRAISE? There are multiple ways to help us raise funds, and we would love your help! Here were some of the most creative fundraisers from our supporters in 2019
The Ultimate Guatemala Challenge raised $24,000
Annette & Marshall Perry asked their wedding guests to donate to ODIM instead of giving a gift and raised over $6,000
Paula Sauder asked her guests to donate at a birthday fundraiser and raised a staggering $3,537
Ron Wilhelm put on a music event at his church with the band The Connections and raised over $4,000
Dirty Girl Adventures held a variety of events in the leadup to their 2020 trip, including a Harley Davidson Motorbike Ride and raffle and raised over $10,000
Paul Copping challenged the Board of Directors to hit a fundraising target within 5 days and promised to match whatever they raised.
THANK YOU to everyone who raised funds in 2019!
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ODIM AMBASSADORS Our Ambassadors are our most precious donors; pledging to donate $7,000 year on year to cover the complete cost of our medical clinics for 1 month. Our Ambassadors give us the ability to successfully plan for the future, safe in the knowledge that we will have funds for medical staff salaries, medicine and enough to pay the electricity bill! Please get in touch if you or your company could sign up for one of the remaining months.
$7000
Sponsor our clinics for one month
PRESENT AMBASSADORS BY MONTH JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
Kay Soetaert
Paula Sauder
Paula Sauder
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
Paul Copping, RIM Enterprises
Paul Copping, RIM Enterprises
Kay Soetaert
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
WE NEED YOU!
Anonymous
Christopher and Michelle Fortner
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
Christopher and Michelle Fortner
Christopher and Michelle Fortner
WE NEED YOU! 28
THE ULTIMATE GUATEMALA CHALLENGE In November 2019 seven brave challengers took on the adventure of a lifetime; hiking 40 miles through the Guatemalan jungle, climbing a 13,000 ft volcano and finally paddling 8 miles across magical Lake Atitlán. The Ultimate Guatemala Challenge is one week long and takes courage, determination and teamwork. The 2019 team raised a phenomenal $24,313 for the Healthy Mommy & Me program; ensuring that 165 women and their babies have a healthy first 1000 days. “The experiences were amazing! The week was really fun and challenging in all the right ways.”
“What an incredible feeling it was to paddle board into the San Juan harbor to see the community cheering us on as we completed the third and final challenge. That was also the moment I heard that we had hit our target and raised $21,000. I was on top of the world and it made all the blood, sweat and tears worthwhile”
THANK YOU TO OUR HEROES THE 2019 CHALLENGERS! Greg Bachman Karen Bachman Melyna Cholotío Amy Holly Annette Perry Marshall Perry Chris Schoolcraft
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THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS! Restaurante Kacao Stand Up Paddle Atitlán La Iguana Perdida Hotel Barceló Ron W. Wilhelm Ph.D Tropicana Lava Angie Angie Fernando´s Kaffee Posada La Merced Hotel Uxlabil Cafe Sky Jose Guerra TAG Airlines Vida Cocina Creativa
JOIN OUR ULTIMATE CHALLENGE 2021 We are now recruiting challengers for our second Ultimate Guatemala Challenge, due to take place in January 2021. We need individuals who want to come and experience the most amazing parts of Guatemala, who are in good physical shape (although you don’t need to be an athlete) and who are passionate about raising funds to have a long-term impact on the health of moms and babies through our Healthy Mommy & Me program. To find out more or to register, get in contact with Amy on executive.director@odimguatemala.org 30
WHERE DO YOUR
DONATIONS GO REVENUES
For the fiscal year ending December 31st 2019 ($365,351.29) Donation from individuals 30% - $110,123.24 Donation from grants 18% - $66,240.28 Donation from volunteers 18% - $65,488.96 Donation from churches 5% - $17,758.26 Donation from ODIM Ambassadors 24% - $87,612.71 Donation from patients 5% - $18,039.13
EXPENSES
For the fiscal year ending December 31st 2019 ($356,269.83) Medical clinic 28% - $98,049.93 Dental clinic 6% - $22,242.40
High Impact Home Improvement 10% - $35,904.11
Healthy Mommy & Me 10% - $34,291.30
Volunteers 5% - $18,483.24 Fundraising & Communications 7% - $23,678.58
Adolescent Health 6% - $20,469.46
Facility Care 9% - $32,948.81
Diabetes 5% - $18,483.64 Student Scholarships 4% - $14,912.59
Administration 10% - $36,805.77
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HERE’S TO
A special thank you!
YOU!
OUR FINANCIAL PARTNERS General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) Northaven UMC Human Development Fund The British Embassy West End United Methodist Church
Diverse, and dedicated, old and new. Our donor base is our lifeblood…. this means you!
OUR MAJOR DONORS Barbara & Nick Payne Bill & Gayle Cole Christopher & Michelle Fortner Harvey & Terry Baxter Jack & Marti Soper Jeannie & Rich Jensen Jeff & Cindy Luerding Jeremy & Emily Johnson JoAna Dwyer Kay Soetaert Martin Kanne Mary & Bob Harris Paul & Julie Copping Paula Sauder Peg & Mark Hartung Ron Wilhelm & Kim Batchelor Suzanne Thomas Henry & Mary Ellen Irving Dirty Girl Adventures PT Associates of Emporia R.I.M. Enterprises LLC
Our ODIM community is beautifully diverse! We are Tz’utujil, Guatemalan, American, British, Canadian, Danish, French and more. We are medics and social workers, pastors and academics, business owners and students. Some of us were inspired by JoAna, ODIM’s Founder, and were part of the original group who got ODIM started some 15 years ago. Some of us worked day and night to renovate Sanjuanerita, and build the Chuítinamit clinic. Some of us have brought volunteer groups to Guatemala year on year, providing an opportunity for inspiring cross-cultural learning and growth. Some of us have just met ODIM, and have been blown away by a small organization, dedicated to creating positive change with the local community. Some of us donate our time and expertise, some of us provide important connections, some of us donate our money. Whatever your ODIM story, we are so grateful for the part that you have played. We have only been able to come this far, because of you.
OUR TEAMS & CHURCHES East End UMC FUMC Denton FUMC Emporia FUMC Topeka Living Water Northaven UMC Topeka Countryside Trinity UMC Father Dyer UMC Wamego UMC West End UMC Worlds of Light HONORABLE MENTIONS Brieanne K Kohrt, Ph.D. & the University of Denver Dr. Grant Ritchey Jr. Dr. Teah Caine 32
HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE Give someone a chance for a healthy life!
$20
$10
Buy a diabetic patient a 2-month supply of metformin and have it delivered to their home
Cover the complete cost of a patient or buy a food box for a family.
$120
Keep a health promoter employed for 1 month, working to give out food supplies
$500
Keep our family planning nurse working for women’s reproductive rights for 1 month
$2,940
$7,000
Buy food boxes for all 280 families in our programs
Become an ODIM Ambassador and support the costs of both clinics for 1 month
Give online at odimguatemala.org/donate or mail a check to Martha Stowe (see page 2)
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 comprises of: Ron Wilhelm, Ph.D. Rev. Jeannie Jensen Jackie Benjamin Jeremy Johnson, D.O. Harvey Baxter, J.D. Mary Harris, Ph.D. Paul Copping Amy Holly
President Secretary Treasurer
Ex officio
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 comprises of: Amy Holly Stephany Girón Pedro Mendez América Castro Kimberly Celada Melyna Cholotío Julieta Tzaj Sarah Labelle Marta Xicay
Executive Director Director of Programs Finance Manager Human Talent Manager Clinic Manager Manager of Community Health & Education Programs Assistant Manager of Community Health & Education Programs Manager of Communications & Fundraising Volunteer Coordinator
For individual contact details go to www.odimguatemala.org/contact-us
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ODIM GUATEMALA Clinica Chuitinamit, San Pablo La Laguna, Sololรก Guatemala Clinica San Juanerita, San Juan La Laguna, Sololรก Guatemala odimguatemala.org OdimGuate