Our Global Community

Our Global Community

In this time of geopolitical uncertainty, it is imperative that we focus on what brings us together, listen actively, and invest in our relationships globally and locally.

We know you care deeply about our mission, so it is important to let our broader community know about the local impact of the US administration’s policies in the communities Salud y Paz serves in Guatemala.

In Guatemala, outbound migration is strongly correlated with poverty. The department of Quiche – where Salud y Paz’s central clinic and school is located – reported the third highest number of returned immigrants in 2025 alone. The ripple effect on remittance income – which represents one fifth of the country’s GDP – is significant. Now, people are afraid of what is going to happen to their families, to their income and to jobs.

Cancelling the world’s largest foreign aid agency and largest contributor of foreign aid to Guatemala has resulted in more than seven hundred million dollars in programs cut in Guatemala. This affects not only the communities that benefit but also jobs and contracts for local workers. People have lost trust.

Guatemala has rebounded from one crisis to another in recent years. Salud y Paz has stood by its communities throughout it all. In the pandemic, supporters sent funds so we could continue local programs when our service teams could not come. During the Guatemalan political protests, our local communities said they would lift the road blockades so our teams could get through to the patients in need.

Let’s continue to be the steadfast, reliable partner we have been for our communities. Let’s be their anchor in this storm. Let’s be someone they can trust.

With the people of Guatemala.

Laura Shearer, Executive Director

Healthy Smiles at Colegio Susanna Wesley

We believe that a healthy smile starts early and prevention is key!

We recently conducted our annual dental evaluation for the students at Colegio Susanna Wesley. With parental permission, 43 of the 45 students were examined, with the goal of assessing their dental health and creating personalized treatment plans for the year ahead.

Each child received a dental check-up, along with individualized instructions on how to better care for their teeth based on their diagnosis. Among the students—22 girls and 21 boys, aged 5 to 7 years—the evaluation revealed:

• 215 teeth with cavities, most with a good chance of being saved through restorative treatment.
• 67 teeth requiring extraction due to severe decay or obstruction of permanent teeth.
• 77 teeth with minor cavities, eligible for preventive sealing treatments.

In addition, all students will be scheduled for their next dental cleaning and fluoride application to protect their teeth for the long term.

The results remind us how important it is to maintain strong dental hygiene habits from an early age. While some extractions are still necessary, the focus remains on prevention and restoration—clear signs that our efforts are making a real difference!

Moving forward, we plan to reintroduce weekly fluoride rinses and continue encouraging families to support healthy eating habits and better oral hygiene at home.

Together, we are helping our students grow up with bright and confident smiles!

The Power of Appreciated Stock

Do you own stock that has grown in value over the years? Are you looking for a meaningful way to support Salud y Paz and its important work?

Consider the power of donating appreciated stock!

Why Donate Stock?
Guy Griswold, Salud y Paz Board Chair, Service Team Leader and long-time supporter, shares why he donates stock:

“My gifts to International Hands in Service regularly include stock that I have held for a long time. These stocks often have a cost basis a fraction of their current market value.”

Donating appreciated stock offers a unique opportunity to multiply the impact of your generosity:

Maximize Your Deduction: You can claim a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the donated stock on your income taxes, potentially lowering your tax bill even further.

Avoid Capital Gains Tax: When you sell appreciated stock, you typically owe capital gains taxes. Donating the stock directly eliminates this tax burden, allowing more of your donation to reach those in need.

We’re Here to Help!
Donating stock is a simple process that can be handled between your brokerage firm and ours (Edward Jones, Inc).

Make a Difference Today!
By donating appreciated stock, you can make a significant and lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.

Ready to Get Started?
If you’re interested in learning more about how you can donate appreciated stock, please contact Laura.

We’re here to answer any questions you may have and help you maximize the impact of your generosity.

Thank you for doing this important work with us!

Building Connections Between Home and School

We know that the partnership between home and school is important to a child’s success. This month we launched our “Escuela de Padres” (Parent School) to strengthen that connection and support parents in their important role in their children’s education.

Focusing especially on parents of kinder and first-grade students—where reading, writing, and early math skills are first built—the program offers workshops and conversations designed to equip families with practical tools for learning support at home.

Led by a professional specialized in parent education, the first session, “Family and School,” received a good response. Parents participated actively and shared how much they value the school as a second home for their children.

Throughout the year, our Parent School will continue to address important topics, including:

• Family roles
• Communication between home and school
• Responsible use of technology
• Study habits and techniques
• Teamwork and family engagement activities

These are the planned topics to guide the year’s activities, but the program remains flexible, ready to respond to the emerging needs of the families we serve.

Breaking the Cycle: Menstrual Kit Distribution

We have launched a new initiative to empower women and girls through the distribution of reusable sanitary pads—an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution that helps address menstrual health equity in our partner communities. This initiative has allowed us to reach hundreds of women and girls.

This effort has been made possible thanks to the generous donation of menstrual kits by a member of the Lions Club service team, who also serves as an ambassador for the organization Days for Girls. Their support has allowed us to reach dozens of women and girls with supplies and education on reproductive health.

In January, twelve mothers of our students received 24 kits. The response was positive, with the women expressing gratitude and interest in continuing to use this sustainable option.

In February, the program expanded. A total of 233 kits were distributed to women receiving care at the Camanchaj and Urbina clinics. Each recipient received individual guidance on proper use and care to ensure long-term durability.

In March, 66 reusable kits were distributed. Kits were given to students at the local elementary school of Camanchaj. An educational session was held to explain menstruation and the correct use of the pads, using visual materials to support the learning. For many students, this was their first exposure to accurate, supportive information about their bodies and cycles.

In April, 172 kits were distributed. 60 kits were delivered to students at the local secondary school of Camanchaj, where the educational session included the support of a sign language interpreter to ensure inclusion of students with special needs. 112 kits were distributed at the clinic with a one-on-one explanation focusing on the practical use of the kits and the environmental and economic benefits.

The goal is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of women and girls—breaking taboos, promoting dignity and offering a sustainable option for menstrual health.