Common Hope News

Greetings! 

We hope this finds you well and settling into fall and the new school year. Below we have a story of a recent grad for whom doors have opened thanks to his education, supporters who have raised funds and enthusiasm, and two children who are still striving to stay in school. Thank you, as always, for opening doors.

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News from Guatemala
Jose Luis
New staff member Jos� Luis volunteered for nine months after his internship.
Hardworking intern and volunteer now on staff    

Jos� Luis Vasquez, an accounting intern last fall, had a hard time leaving Common Hope after his 200-hour internship was complete. Soon he was back at Common Hope volunteering, which he continued to do for months while he looked for paid work.

"I liked getting up early every day, coming to work, and accomplishing what needed to be done," he says. He volunteered in November and December, thinking that after the holidays he wouldn't come back. But he was drawn to Common Hope again in January, even as he started night classes in auditing at the University Mariano Galvez.

Jos� Luis's commitment and work ethic paid off -- an accounting position opened up this year, and he got the job. He couldn't wait to start work; he says it was hard for him to stay home until his official start day in September.

The first week on the job was an easy transition for Jos� Luis, since he already knew so much from his volunteering. He made a personal goal for himself to start and understand the job quickly. After a few days, he was already doing things on his own.

Jos� Luis says he likes working for an organization that invests in education, because it will make a better future for the children we help. If he could give a piece of advice to kids studying, he would recommend they take full advantage of this opportunity to get an education, because it opens a lot of doors and makes it possible to reach the goals you have for your life. Jos� Luis is living proof. Congrats to him, and welcome!

Supporters in action
Golfer
Tournament participant Kate Erickson competes in Closest to the Pin Prize Hole.
Thousands of winners at our golf tournament

Our golf tournament to drive out poverty set new records for attendance and funds raised. This year, 103 golfers played in the tournament, raising $21,688 for Common Hope programs, an increase of 25% in participation and 55% in money raised as compared to last year!

 

Many thanks to AbeTech, event sponsors, and volunteers who made the event a great success. For more info, including a list of prize winners, event sponsors, and volunteers, visit our blog

Deb and Julia
Party planners Deb Jones and Julia Hennelly.
Events over Guatemalan Independence Day weekend

Supporters held events large and small over the Guatemalan Independence Day weekend that helped spread the word and find new sponsors.  

 

Julia Hennelly in Downers Grove, IL organized a "fun-raising" party with 70 friends and family attending. With two sons adopted from Guatemala, Julia and husband Pat have a special connection to Common Hope's work. The Hennelly family has traveled back to Guatemala and had a chance to meet their sponsored student, Alma. Julia and friends donated nearly $3,000, and four students were sponsored by the end of the evening.

Jane Murphy and a group of friends gathered at a park in Iowa City, IA to celebrate. Jane brought a backstrap loom kit and said the event was much enjoyed by all ages. Events were also held in Pueblo, CO, Naperville, IL, and McFarland, WI.


Give to the Max Day

Support Common Hope on Give to the Max Day 

Common Hope is proud to participate again in this great online giving event, which is fast approaching. This year, Give to the Max Day will be held on Thursday, November 15.

A fun competition for nonprofits and supporters like you, Give to the Max Day offers special incentives and prizes for giving. Each hour, one donation is selected at random to receive a Golden Ticket -- if your donation is selected, an additional $1,000 will be given to Common Hope!

Nonprofits earning the most donations will receive prize grants of up to $12,500. Last year, we were surprised and delighted to finish #11 -- can we make the top 10 this year?

Here's how you can help: give to Common Hope at givemn.org on November 15, anytime between 12:01 a.m. and 11:59 p.m., and encourage family and friends to do the same. Any amount helps; you just might get a Golden Ticket! 
Miguel and Maria
MIguel and his sister Maria Angelina need sponsors.

Brother and sister need sponsors 

Miguel, age 13, and Maria Angelina, age 9, live with their parents and younger brother and sister in a small sheet metal house. The San Rafael family earns a very limited income from their father's work as a farmer. Both of their parents have attended school only through first grade. A sponsor can help ensure their family can afford to keep Miguel and Maria Angelina in school so they can learn a skill or trade that will earn a better wage.

If you can sponsor Miguel and/or Maria
, please contact Jessie Szopinski via email, call (651) 917-0917, or sponsor Miguel or Maria online. Thank you! 

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San Rafael Academic Competition

Notes from the Field 

Want to have a closer look at what's happening in Guatemala? Check out our blog, Notes from the Field, where recent stories include an academic competition at San Rafael, a gymnastics tournament at New Hope School, and more. 
Vision Team Photo

Openings for Vision Teams 

Interested in planning a vacation with a vision? In 2013, we have the following openings:     
  • April 13-20 - New opening! 
  • Aug 25 - Sep 1
  • Now booking for Sep 2013 on! 
You can check out the trip calendar on our website. Talk to your friends, family, and co-workers, and start planning your trip of a lifetime.
Legacy Circle Logo

How to leave a legacy 

Please join us for an information session on how you can leave a legacy for future generations of Guatemalans, regardless of your means.

Common Hope Board Chair Kathy Longo of Accredited Investors, Inc. will review some of the most commonly-used vehicles for planned giving as well as creative ways to give during your lifetime.

This online webinar will be held on Thursday, November 29, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. CST. To register, contact Peg Fourr� via email or (651) 917-0917. 
Pencils

School supplies needed 

We need school supplies in preparation for the 2013 school year. If you can help collect, please visit our website for our list of needed school supplies. Thank you! 
Brianna

Openings in Guatemala 

We have a number of long-term volunteer openings in Guatemala! These positions come with a living stipend and additional benefits. Long-term volunteering can be a great way to experience life in another country, contribute to a cause you believe in, and gain valuable job experience after college.

Details and requirements here.