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�Feliz Febrero! This February, we are giving thanks for all of the incredible gifts our supporters share with us. Your enthusiasm, your time, your talents, and your monetary support - all of these are critical assets to the organization. But perhaps the greatest gift of all is the love you share for the children and families in Guatemala. Con mucho cari�o, thank you for all that you make possible!
 
Below you will find the story of Jose, a young man who has stayed in school despite difficult neurological issues and a tribute to Kathie Amble, who has helped develop and fortify our Healthcare Program since the early 1990's. 





NEWS FROM 
GUATEMALA
 
Young man with neurological disorder receives specialized care, stays in school


Jose Israel was born with Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome, a neurological disorder that causes limited movement of the spinal cord. When Jose was 4 months old he received an operation to repair the spinal cord, but this caused secondary symptoms of other neurological issues, including deformations in his legs and feet.
 
Read how Dr. Walter Estrada and the Common Hope Healthcare Program helped Jose stay in school to pursue his dream of becoming an agricultural engineer.





SUPPORTERS 
IN ACTION
 
Kathie Amble, a tribute to more than two decades of volunteer work 


Kathie Amble is one of Common Hope's longest-standing volunteers. Starting in the early 90's, Kathie has given her support and her heart to Common Hope's mission both in St. Paul and in Guatemala. She has used her knowledge and skills as a nurse practitioner to aid in the development of our Healthcare program, and she has raised awareness of our work in her community and in healthcare organizations around Minnesota. "And it all started by accident," she says.

Visit our blog to read more about Kathie's story and how she helped enhance and fortify Common Hope's Healthcare Program!





YOU CAN
CHANGE A LIFE 
 
Help a young woman, her sister, and her mother during a time of desperate need 


From the very beginning, Common Hope has been committed to walking alongside families. Sometimes this commitment means making exceptions in situations of desperate need. This was the case for Mar�a Cristina, her sister Sandra and their mother, who were not affiliated with Common Hope at the time we began helping them. 

Looking for better opportunities for their children, Mar�a Cristina's family emigrated from another department of Guatemala 15 years ago. But her father left the family three years ago. Since then, Mar�a Cristina and Sandra have worked to help their mom make ends meet while also trying to go to school. 

Right now, the girls and their mother don't have any income and their housing conditions are poor. Mar�a Cristina and Sandra are both in the 8th grade.
 
Mar�a Cristina's dream is to graduate and buy a piece of land to build a home of their own. You can sponsor Mar�a Cristina and help her achieve her dream! Contact Teresa Hermodson-Olsen or click here to complete your sponsorship!


 
ANNIVERSARY EVENTS
THROUGHOUT 2016
 
 
Here is a quick look at our scheduled anniversary events in 2016. Check our website for more information on each celebration or contact Michelle!

February 18, 2016 | Full Heart Honorary Breakfast for 5+ year child sponsors

May 20, 2016 | Noche de Colores �Treinta! All are welcome

August 1, 2016 | 7th Annual Common Hope Golf Classic 

August 2016 | Kickin' it for Common Hope Kickball Tournament 

November 2-6, 2016 | Special Anniversary Graduation Trip 

December 2016 | 30 Years of Holiday Cheers Celebration



 
EXPERIENCE GUATEMALA
ORGANIZE A VISION TEAM
 

It's MORE THAN a volunteer abroad trip. It's a life-changing experience. Do you want to make a real difference in someone's life? Start here!  
 
OPEN VISION TEAM DATES

April 10-17, 2016 (open to individuals to join)
May 15-22, 2016
May 28-June 4, 2016
September 4-11, 2016
November 20-27, 2016 

 
 




 
WE'RE TAKING DONATIONS
OF INSECT REPELLENT & SUNSCREEN
 
 
We have a need for in-kind donations of insect repellent and sunscreen. Our need for bug repellent has increased in order to prevent the spread of Zika virus. CDC recommends using an EPA-registered repellent, and a list of approved products can be found here. If you have insect repellent or sunscreen that you would like to donate, please drop it off or ship it to our St. Paul office.

Zika virus is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. About 1 in 5 people infected with Zika virus become ill. The illness is typically mild with symptoms lasting several days to a week. Pregnant women should take special precautions when traveling to areas with Zika. For more information about Zika virus, visit the CDC website.



 
SEND US YOUR BOX TOPS, MILK MOOLA, LOAVES 4 LEARNING & MORE!
 
 
DID YOU KNOW that Common Hope collects Box Tops, Labels for Education, Milk Moola, and Loaves 4 Learning? All you have to do is collect and send them to our office!

This year, we have already received nearly $600 from Box Tops alone. Imagine how much we could earn if everyone participated in these programs! It's an easy way to support the students in Guatemala!

To find out more about participating brands and to download easy collection sheets, visit the links below. Then simply send us your clippings, caps, and bag tops!



 
NOTES FROM
THE FIELD
 

Visit or subscribe to our blog for more in-depth stories about programs, supporters, and activities in Guatemala. 

This month we are featuring a story about the District 5950 Rotary Clubs who visited Guatemala on a Vision Team in January and awarded Common Hope with a grant that provided math workbooks and instruction guides for teachers in five public primary schools.
 




 
PHRASE OF THE MONTH
EN ESPA�OL
 
"Feliz d�a del Cari�o"
  
(fe-lease-dee-ah-dell-ka-reen-yo)
  
Happy Valentine's Day

Fun Fact: In Guatemala, they use this phrase rather than 
Feliz d�a de San Valent�n.
  


  
EDUCATING
CHILDREN
EMPOWERING
FAMILIES

Common Hope was established in 1986 to bring hope and opportunity to families living in poverty in Guatemala. Since then we have grown to serve more than 11,000 children and adults as they work toward their goals of a better life. 
 


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