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Hope for a Family program impacts lives in Guatemala

The most extensive outreach of any CFCA Hope for a Family program is in Guatemala through two projects, both based in San Lucas Toliman. The Hermano Pedro project, CFCA’s largest, serves sponsored members in eight diverse geographic regions of the country, and the Atitlan project serves members primarily in and around San Lucas. Hermano Pedro’s regional office also serves as a retreat and resource center for families served through the Hope for a Family program as well as sponsors and other visitors.

Empowering indigenous people

Once part of the Mayan empire, today some 99 percent of Guatemalans are of either Mayan or mixed Mayan and Amerindian heritage (known locally as "ladino"). CFCA has a long, rich history of working with the Mayans of Guatemala.

"Through the years, we have witnessed both the tremendous suffering, and the enduring strength, nobility, gifts and potential of the Mayan people and culture," said Paul Pearce, CFCA director of international programs.

Hope for a Family programs work to empower indigenous people to make choices that help them maintain their cultural identity while participating in modern life.

Helping families create a path out of poverty

Throughout Guatemala, livelihood programs help families on the path to self-sufficiency by providing seed capital or livestock and equipment for:

CFCA provides grants through Hope for a Family programs according to the needs, desires and resources of each community. As part of their benefits, some families may choose to receive start-up money for an income-generating activity.

Scholars provide valuable service

CFCA provides scholarships to more than 2,000 Guatemalan students to help them finish high school, college or vocational school.

Projects select scholars based on their economic need and their individual spirit of service. In return, scholars help families and communities served through the Hope for a Family program to raise livestock, grow vegetables and plant trees. The scholars also serve as role models for sponsored children, helping them write letters to their sponsors, assisting with birthday parties and supervising sports activities.

Housing program offers home ownership

Since 2006, CFCA has constructed more than 3,200 houses for families in Guatemala.

"You cannot imagine the happiness these families experience," said Brother Jorge Armas, Hermano Pedro project coordinator. "We see anew how we bring to life the dignity of the person now that they have a dignified house and can live as God wants them to live."

Mothers and fathers beam with pride as they walk through the thresholds of what is for many the first house they have ever owned.

"The biggest difference in these families is the pride of ownership," said Bob Hentzen, CFCA president.

Home to CFCA's co-founder and president

San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala, is home to CFCA's co-founder and president, Bob Hentzen, and his wife, Cristina. The couple settled there after Hentzen completed an eight-month walk covering more than 4,000 miles (6,437 km) from CFCA’s international headquarters in Kansas City, Kan., to Guatemala. He walked in gratitude for all that the poor have taught him, and to show his love for them.

In December 2009, Bob embarked on a second walk, called Walk2gether. The 8,000-mile walk through Central and South America will take him through CFCA communities from Guatemala to Chile.

Sponsor a child in Guatemala

Read a letter from Federico Guarcas B., Atitlan project regional coordinator.

Sources:

World Factbook