Common Hope Familias de Esperanza hosted its annual golf tournament, the HopeMasters, on Monday, August 28th, 2023. The tournament, hosted at the Minneapolis Golf Club delivered amazing views, stunning greens, and a wonderful golf scramble dedicated to driving change. Thanks to our incredible sponsors, donors, and golfers, $137,000 was raised to provide safe and secure housing for students and families in Guatemala. What a hole-in-one! The contributions made by our 120 golfers and guests has a significant impact on families’ lives by making their dream of a secure and safe home a reality. Josue (left) and raffle winner. Common Hope’s Director of Operations, Josue, flew in from Guatemala to give exclusive updates about the housing program and was the keynote speaker of the event. Josue shared that housing is essential for all people and that a home creates the foundation of our social and emotional life. “Close your eyes for a few seconds, think about your home, and think about what it makes you feel. When I think about my home, I feel proud. When I asked some families, they expressed different sentiments because of inadequate access to housing caused by lack of funds,” shared Josue. Many Guatemalan families face challenges in accessing the formal financial system. As a result, banks are hesitant to provide them with loans, and government initiatives don’t exist to assist families in securing housing funds. Common Hope Familias de Esperanza’s housing program helps families and communities acquire secure and dignified homes, allowing them to break the cycle of poverty. A home creates a more stable home environment so families can focus on their goals and their children can focus on education. Thank you to the five golfers who sponsored students! “I have personally witnessed the life-changing impact of Common Hope’s work on countless children and families over the years. I have many friends who thanks to the support received, can now go in search of their dreams. I feel very honored to be able to serve my community and others around, thank you,” continued Josue. We are grateful to all our golfers who participated in the tournament, dedicating their day to contribute to Common Hope’s housing initiatives. By doing so, you are driving change and making a significant impact on families’ lives, helping them achieve their dream of a secure and safe home. We hope everyone had a blast, and we can’t wait to see you next year! Click here to see photos from the event.

Dear friends, In 2004 I took a leap of faith and after 18 years left my corporate career to explore what the future might hold.  That journey led me to Common Hope – and the more I learned, the more committed I became.  What I found here was a collection of people who had faith in the future, regardless of the challenges or barriers that may be presented along the way.  That by providing opportunities to overcome these challenges life would be better for those we serve, and unexpectedly, life was better for each of us, too.   For me, our common hope is the product of a much deeper belief – one of faith.  Faith in humanity; faith in the resiliency of the human spirit; and faith that Common Hope is bigger than any one of us. Recently my good friend and colleague Pablo Cermeno asked what my favorite memory from my time at Common Hope has been.  After 18 years it is impossible to limit it to one.  But it is possible to say that my memories are filled with the love, compassion, friendship, and generous human spirit that we have shared over these many years – whether tragic, triumphant, deeply moving, or so hilarious it knocked us off of our chairs laughing.  I believe that people enter our lives for a reason, and I am eternally grateful that each of you have entered mine as you have enriched my life beyond measure. This Apache prayer best describes how I feel in this moment: Looking behind I am filled with gratitude, Looking forward I am filled with vision, Looking upward I am filled with strength, And looking within I discover peace. After 18 years, it is time for me to sail away and explore, dream, and discover the next leg of my journey. Front row, from left to right: Belle, Shari Back row: Patty, Alma, Lys, Pablo, Elaine Thank you for your love for Common Hope, and for the incredible memories we have made along the way. I look forward to many more, as our family will still be part of this incredible organization, returning to where we began – as sponsors and volunteers, amazed at the incredible impact demonstrated for one child, one family, and one generation at a time. I cannot say goodbye, because I know that I will see you all again, but simply will say ‘until next time’. Please join me in celebrating all we have accomplished together in the past 18 years, and all that is yet to come. Abrazos, Shari During her 18 years of service, Shari has had a significant and lasting impact on our families, staff, and donors at Common Hope. Her leadership has been greatly appreciated, and we are proud of her achievements. Under her guidance, a strong foundation of hope has been established with an enduring impact. 18 years of impact: 2005 – Shari joins CH staff as Development Director 2005 – New Hope School opens 2005 – First Common Hope Holiday Open House 2006 – Shari becomes Executive Director of Common Hope, Common Hope 20th Anniversary 2007 – Common Hope launched partnership with new community San Rafael 2009 – Common Hope launched Partner Schools in Guatemala and the Partner School Campaign in the U.S. 2010 – University of Chicago Impact Study 2010 – Common Hope launched partnership with new community San Miguel Milpas Altas 2010 – First Common Hope Golf Classic presented by AbeTech 2011 – Common Hope celebrates the 1000th high school graduate, Common Hope 25th Anniversary 2014 – Ball Court Built at Antigua Site 2016 – 30th Anniversary of Common Hope 2017 – Common Hope celebrates the 2000th high school graduate (just 6 years after the 1000th!) 2017 – Renewal of the University of Chicago Impact Study which showed that students partnering with Common Hope are graduating at three to four times the national average. 2018 – Volcán de Fuego eruption in Guatemala 2020+ – COVID-19 Pandemic 2020 – First Common Hope Walk for Hope (and it is virtual due to the pandemic!) 2021 – 35th Anniversary of Common Hope 2022 – Hurricane Agatha in Guatemala In Shari’s Tenure 12 Consecutive Years of a 4-star rating on Charity Navigator Growth from $3.3M to $4.7M (41%) in revenue from 2006-2022 Over 500 houses built in Guatemala Common Hope celebrated the 3,000th graduate 17 Noche de Colores Minnesota events ¡Gracias Shari!

Fernando (left), Josue (Right) The Common Hope housing team is currently experiencing an exciting and innovative time with numerous pilot projects underway. In 2021 with the help of the social work team, they surveyed families to identify current needs. This survey provided crucial information for the housing program, as it identified families’ concerns. Feedback from families helps the housing program create solutions specially tailored to their needs. Installation of an energy-saving stove. The survey affirmed that many families still lacked sufficient living space, live in homes with unhealthy air pollution due to cooking over open flames, and had no designated area for their children to study and complete homework. Because of this result, they have been testing new materials, and home layout designs, and have invested in 45 desks that will be installed in the homes of families with the most need. Leading these efforts are Josue Sican and Fernando Santos, who have worked at Common Hope for over 18 years. Fernando shared that as a program, it is crucial for them to seek out ways to enhance the living conditions of families. They prioritize finding solutions for any issues that may inconvenience families to create safer, more stable homes. Fernando and Josue live in San Juan del Obispo, a community that is also home to Common Hope families. Assisting their local community has significant meaning for the duo, as they have witnessed firsthand the positive effects that housing has had on their neighbors and friends. Vision Team volunteers will help put together the desks that were recently delivered. “Some of Common Hope’s programs take many years to see impact, but the impact of the housing program can be instantaneous. In a week we can build a house and that can provide immediate relief for families,” shared Josue. More than 25% of Guatemalans live on less than $2/day, so improving their housing situation can be challenging. Often, families must prioritize other essential expenses like food, clothing, or rent. But through Common Hope’s support, families can put their children’s education first by having a safe and secure place to call home. “In our program, tears of frustration and sadness are transformed into tears of happiness,” said Fernando. A safe and dignified home can truly change everything

2023 Gala Recap On Thursday, May 11, 2023, our annual Gala came to life, gathering over 400 people at the Saint Paul RiverCentre to celebrate, “Noche de Colores—A night in Antigua.” The evening transported guests to Antigua, Guatemala by featuring delicious food, custom cocktails, a market, games, and a live auction. We were honored to have the support of our Common Hope community to toast to today’s students and Guatemala’s future leaders. Thanks to our incredible sponsors, donors, and guests, $301,000 was raised to benefit the students and families we serve. The extraordinary generosity shown by our guests helps provide programs that help students develop and strengthen skills that will make them strong candidates in Guatemala’s competitive job market. The future of Guatemala is now. With Common Hope’s Support, students are graduating at 3 to 4 times the national rate. Resources like the computer lab, library, homework center, and programs like robotics, English, music, math, and graduation workshops ensure that students have access to educational opportunities that give them a competitive edge after graduating. Common Hope Board Member and sponsor of Lesly Zuelata, Marlene Lopez Ibarra, was the emcee of the evening. Marlene shared how Common Hope impacts generations and how being a sponsor has impacted her life. “As sponsors/padrinos and madrinas we can follow the development, read letters, and hear firsthand what keeps the families in the program engaged. It has been a ray of light, a pursuit of hope, and a reminder that a generation can change when the support is there for the family. I’ve always said that Common Hope gives me more than I can ever give to them,” shared Marlene. Thank you Marlene for your warm and thoughtful contributions as emcee. The power of sponsorship. Education is one of the largest hurdles standing between the children of Guatemala and a higher quality of life. Thanks to 16 new sponsors made during the evening, 16 students and their families now have full access to Common Hope’s programs. A sponsor helps support a student’s dreams and guides them on the path to graduation. We sincerely thank all new and existing sponsors for their invaluable support. During the hope-filled night, attendees also got to hear from retiring Executive Director, Shari Blindt. In her 18 years of service as Executive Director, Shari made a lasting impact on thousands of students and families in Guatemala, as well as staff and others who benefited from her leadership. Shari filled the room with exciting news about the future of Common Hope and reflected on the meaningful relationships and experiences she had during her time as Executive Director. “This year’s graduates were in preschool when I joined Common Hope, as were my two kids. They are all adults now. I have shared 18 years – a full generation together with my colleagues, our students, and families, and so many of you.” shared Shari. Shari expressed her belief that where there are opportunities, there is hope, and where there is hope there are opportunities. Using the new strategic plan as a guide, she is confident that Common Hope will have continued relevance for years to come. “Common Hope is strong and healthy, and ready to serve the next generation.  I am confident Common Hope’s impact will continue to grow and evolve through the next generation of leadership,” continued Shari. Thank you Shari for your 18 years of leadership! We are so grateful to everyone who made this evening a success and for their generosity. We look forward to seeing you all again for next year’s Noche de Colores. If you missed Noche de Colores or want to relive the night, click here for the event replay or click here to see photos from the night! ¡Mil gracias!

Photo: The Chacón family, Holy Spirit volunteers, and the Common Hope housing team All families deserve stability and a safe and secure place to call home. Families can focus on and achieve their long-term goals with access to the right tools. Common Hope and an energizing Vision Team from Holy Spirit Lutheran Church from Kirkland, Washington share the same vision––that if a family has a dignified place to call home, they enter a world of possibility. Holy Spirit Vision Team members traveled to Guatemala for a week and volunteered in Common Hope’s housing program. As soon as they landed, they hit the ground running to support the housing team and make a transformative difference in the lives of the Chacón family. The Chacón family. Angela Chacón wanted nothing more than a comfortable and secure home for her son and daughter. She dreamed of having more space where her children could feel organized and focus on their studies. Angela and her husband originally built a small house made from tin with dirt floors. Their kitchen and dining room were located outside, which affected their health and hygiene. They did not have adequate space to feel comfortable. Angela was delighted when she heard she would be receiving a home. This meant security for her and her family. “We were very happy and grateful to benefit from this program; we did not expect it.” shared Angela. During the house build, volunteers and the housing team worked tirelessly to pour concrete, raise the walls, and add the roof to the Chacón’s new home. It was a week-long project that changed the lives of all parties involved, including long-term volunteer, Gabe. “Seeing the faces of the families when we are working and finishing the house– their happiness and gratitude fill my soul. Through volunteer roles, we are becoming agents of change and are contributing to change the life of not just one person but of an entire family and, hopefully, generations to come,” Gabe shared. The volunteers and housing team celebrated the completion of the Chacón’s new home with a special dedication, which Angela and her family consider one of their favorite memories. “Celebrating with the housing team and volunteers was a very joyous and enjoyable time. I am just so happy to have more space to spend time with our children,” explained Angela. “I hope to celebrate birthdays with my children, see my children graduate, and share more wonderful experiences with my family,” she continued. All volunteers play important roles in the success of families like the Chacóns. Thank you for helping build stronger families and communities, one home at a time. Congratulations to the Chacón family on their new home; there are countless memories to be made.

Lea en español a continuación. For nearly 18 years, Shari Blindt has been a leader and friend to all of us engaged in Common Hope’s work. With the adoption of a new Strategic Plan for 2023-2026, Common Hope is embarking on an exciting path that includes a vision for the evolving needs and opportunities in Guatemala. Confident that Common Hope’s team is well positioned to achieve the goals of the Strategic Plan, Shari Blindt is planning to retire from her role as Common Hope’s Executive Director on June 30, 2023. Shari’s retirement will mean that Common Hope will need to find a new Executive Director to lead this incredible organization into the future. The Board is very appreciative of Shari’s leadership and contributions throughout her nearly 18 years of service as the Executive Director of Common Hope and extends Shari an enthusiastic “thank you” for all that she has done. Shari led the organization to a place of financial strength, with engaged, committed donor relationships, top ratings from nonprofit evaluators, clean audits, and demonstrated impact for graduation at 3-4 times the national average with better life outcomes for graduates. She also helped us navigate the pandemic for our students, families, and supporters, and most recently helped in developing an exciting new Strategic Plan. Common Hope will find the next great leader to build upon the sophistication and relevance of our approach for the students, families and communities we serve. We are happy that Shari has agreed to help us with the initial stage of this transition. Common Hope will first retain an Interim Executive Director and, after that person is on board, will assess our leadership and organizational opportunities. This will afford us sufficient time to conduct the type of thorough search needed to find the right person to be the next Executive Director. Please join us in wishing Shari Blindt the very best upon her retirement. Sincerely, The Common Hope Executive Board of Directors Durante casi 18 años, Shari Blindt ha sido líder y amiga de todos los que participamos en el trabajo de Common Hope. Con la adopción de un nuevo Plan Estratégico para 2023-2026, Common Hope se embarca en un camino emocionante que incluye una visión para enfocarse en las necesidades y oportunidades cambiantes en Guatemala. Con la seguridad de que el equipo de Common Hope está bien posicionado para lograr los objetivos del Plan Estratégico, Shari Blindt planea retirarse de su cargo como Directora Ejecutiva de Common Hope el 30 de junio de 2023. La jubilación de Shari significará que Common Hope necesitará encontrar un nuevo Director Ejecutivo para liderar esta increíble organización en el futuro. La Junta está muy agradecida por el liderazgo y las contribuciones de Shari a lo largo de sus casi 18 años de servicio como Directora Ejecutiva de Common Hope y le extiende un entusiasta “gracias” por todo lo que ha hecho. Shari ha llevado a la organización a un lugar de fortaleza financiera, con relaciones de donantes comprometidos, calificaciones máximas de evaluadores de organizaciones sin fines de lucro, auditorías limpias y un impacto demostrado para la graduación de 3 a 4 veces el promedio nacional con mejores resultados de vida para los graduados. También nos ayudó a navegar la pandemia para nuestros estudiantes, familias y apoyantes, y más recientemente ayudó a desarrollar un nuevo y emocionante Plan Estratégico. Common Hope necesitará encontrar otro gran líder que desarrolle la sofisticación y la relevancia de nuestro enfoque para los estudiantes, las familias y las comunidades a las que servimos. Estamos felices de que Shari haya aceptado ayudarnos con la etapa inicial de esta transición. Common Hope primero contratará a un Director Ejecutivo interino y, una vez que esa persona esté a bordo, evaluará nuestro liderazgo y oportunidades organizacionales. Esto nos dará tiempo suficiente para realizar el tipo de búsqueda minuciosa necesaria para encontrar a la persona adecuada para ser el próximo Director Ejecutivo. Por favor, únanse a nosotros para desearle a Shari Blindt lo mejor en su jubilación. Atentamente, La Junta Directiva Ejecutiva de Common Hope

“Let us show that being a woman doesn’t limit us in what we can achieve, on the contrary, let us show that we are capable of excelling in everything we set our minds to. But above all, be happy, and let everything you do come from your heart.” – Jenifer Hernández Jenifer Hernández, Education Facilitator Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate women’s social, economic and cultural achievements and to be inspired by female leaders—including Common Hope staff—who are transforming and improving communities in Guatemala. Meet Jenifer Hernández, an inspiring educator who is taking action to make education possible for all and encouraging women to chase their dreams. Jenifer has worked at Common Hope for two years as an education facilitator; a vital role. She supports students of all ages in their educational journeys, but she specializes in tutoring students who are pursuing accounting degrees. Jenifer helps shape students into becoming the future leaders of tomorrow. We want to thank Jennifer for her outstanding work! For Women’s History Month, we asked Jennifer some questions about empowering women through education. Q: What makes you feel empowered? A: I feel empowered when I develop my skills and abilities. I feel like I can do that in my role at Common Hope as I am constantly learning alongside students while growing professionally as well as personally. Q: How do you think your work helps empower women? A: Through my work, I support students by providing a safe environment for learning where they can develop their skills. In our safe learning environment, I teach students about equality and work on strengthening each of their unique abilities. Many of the girls I instruct tell me their dreams of one day being established professionals and it fills me with pride as many of them look up to me and see me as an example. Q: Why do you think it is important to celebrate women? A: I think men and women should both be celebrated since we are all equal and capable of creating remarkable things, but I know that historically women’s achievements were not as recognized as they are now. I think that in today’s world, it is important to show how valuable women are and that we can fulfill all the dreams we set out to achieve. Jenifer shares that her mother, Olinda Garcia, was a strong female leader and the most empowering woman in her life. Her mom believes that education opens doors and offers new opportunities and thanks to that line of thinking, Jenifer and her brothers were able to graduate high school. Jenifer wants to duplicate her mother’s role in her life in the life of other students. She reminds us that we all can make a difference in the world by being a source of guidance and hope to others. She shares the following message with female students: “Fight for your dreams, even if the mountain looks huge and you stumble on the way, get up with a stronger desire to move forward. Dedicate yourself to your studies because education opens thousands of doors. Let us show that being a woman doesn’t limit us in what we can achieve, on the contrary, let us show that we are capable of excelling in everything we set our minds to. But above all, be happy, and let everything you do come from your heart.” Thank you, Jenifer, for sharing the power of education with young women, thereby giving them the possibility for a better future. Your work, leadership, and success gives women the confidence to chase their dreams.

Family playing board games in Common Hope’s library. The school year has officially started for students in Guatemala, and everybody is happy to be back in school! Common Hope wants to ensure students stay excited about learning all year long. A fun education festival was hosted February 21-22 to share more information about the programs offered to students of all ages and their families. For students to be motivated learners, they need to feel supported and valued. Common Hope’s Education Support Programs create friendly spaces outside the classroom where students can address points of confusion that they may not have felt comfortable addressing in class and dive deeper into certain subjects or topics. These programs can be accessed by all students in a family, not just the student receiving tuition support. And, support programs are available to the littlest learners–– from age 0 in the Early Stimulation Program––all the way to students finishing their final year of high school with graduation and career workshops. Learning spaces like the homework center, computer lab, and library are available as a place students can go when they need extra support or a quiet place to study. These spaces create a fun atmosphere where students can receive one-on-one homework help and master new skills. Robotics program leaders tabling at the education festival. This year, Common Hope is offering Music, English, and Robotics courses so students can explore new interests, meet other students, and have productive time outside of school that will help them gain crucial skills. Equipped with information about available programs, students now know where to turn if they face academic obstacles, are seeking social learning environments, or want to explore areas they are passionate about. There is so much for students to achieve, and Common Hope’s educational support programs are there to help students reach their full potential.

Photo: Izzie (Isabella Ferrando) on the left,  JJ (JJ Ham) on the right, both 15 Sweethearts, friends, gift givers, and changemakers give a gift that transforms lives with a purchase from Iz and JJ’s Bracelet Fundraiser! Izzie and JJ, two friends from New York City, don’t wait for special occasions like Born in Guatemala and raised in the U.S. for most of their lives, the friends say that Guatemala holds a special place in their hearts. They felt called to make a difference for a cause that is deeply personal to them. “Guatemala is my birthplace, I would do anything to help the people and the country,” shared JJ. “I was fortunate enough to have the chance for a good life and a good education, and I want to give someone else a chance, even if it is a little one,” she continued. Izzie and JJ are busy with school, extracurricular activities, friends, and family, but they still make time to help those who don’t have the same educational opportunities that they do. “In school, they encourage us to volunteer and try to better the lives of people less fortunate than us. JJ and I live in New York City but were both born in Guatemala, so that is where we wanted to concentrate our efforts,” Izzie explained. Personal, pretty, and vibrant––an idea was born to create and sell custom beaded The girls’ fundraiser has been a tremendous success! JJ shared that one of her favorite moments in their fundraising journey was when they reached $1,000. “It was one of the best feelings, hitting a milestone and knowing it’s doing something good for someone else,” JJ exclaimed. Izzie and JJ’s fundraising efforts are making a difference. According to The World Bank, only 3.3% of the GDP is dedicated to education in Guatemala, the lowest in Latin America. The underfunded education system creates classroom environments where it is difficult for students to learn and stay engaged.  Through their fundraising efforts, the duo is helping Common Hope remove barriers to quality education. To date, the girls raised $2,925, enough to fund a year of programming for three Common Hope students! They plan to keep making their custom bracelets throughout their high school careers and encourage others to fundraise, too, as it can make a life-changing impact. Thank you, Izzie and JJ, for filling hearts (and wrists) with hope one bracelet at a time! You can buy an Iz & J bracelet by shopping their Instagram or click here to make a direct donation to their fundraiser.

The start of a new school year is full of possibility and promise but can also be a little intimidating for students and parents alike. With the anticipation of returning to the classroom full-time after three years of remote learning, there is a range of feelings this year ––shyness, jitters, and excitement. This year, for the first time, fourth graders will attend school in their classrooms. All of these big feelings call for a big occasion—the Common Hope Back to School Festival! Common Hope wants students to have the tools and resources that will allow them to reach their full potential and be excited about the year ahead. The back-to-school festivals are a time when students are welcomed back on-site, school supplies are delivered, and staff share programs and benefits included in their partnership with Common Hope. The annual festival brings people together and builds relationships. The staff has noted over the last two years that they have seen a rise in entire families attending events together. This is a promising observation because when all members of the family are committed to education, it can increase a student’s success. Isabel, Sponsorship Coordinator, taking students’ 2023 school photos. At the festival, families participated in various activities: Group yoga as an ice breaker to help recenter and de-stress. Meeting with a social worker to review and assess their family goals. A preventative health screening for height, weight, vision, blood pressure, and a blood test for diabetes.  (New this year, this activity was added to establish a baseline for each person and appropriate follow-up care by the health team where necessary). Taking a new school photo. Writing a note to their sponsors to kick off the year. Students were excited to update their sponsors on their lives, families, and goals. Sometimes it’s hard for students to know what to write, but the staff reassured them that their updates were worth sharing. “It was awesome to see the students brimming with ideas of what they were going to write to their sponsors,” shared Luis, Scholarships Administrator. Pictured, Common Hope staff welcoming families: Carlos, Virgilio, William, Nidya, and Luis. The back-to-school festivals were an excellent time to connect or reconnect. For many students and staff members, this was the first time they met in person after years of virtual connection!  Many students shared that it was nice to finally put a face to the name of their tutors. One student stopped in his tracks when he heard a familiar voice. Instantly, he recognized the man as the voice behind many of his tutoring sessions. Many of the teachers were excited to see this year’s seniors and have the chance to tell them: “We’ll see you at graduation,” “Good luck in the new school year,” and “Give it all you’ve got; we are here to support you.” Rebecca Sanborn, Country Director, shared that she is most excited to have ALL students return to the classroom. That feeling is mutual between students, parents, teachers, and staff! “As a Common Hope student, you can learn, and learning is something that can never be taken away from you. We welcome you to participate in the activities and programs Common Hope offers and ask you to use the spaces for your continued learning and enjoyment.  We welcome your suggestions for activities and programs that you are interested in participating in and being a part of,” Rebecca Sanborn shared with students. Most students are excited to return to the classroom and after the festival, they are a little bit more prepared to have a great first day of school! In particular, the students set to graduate this year could hardly contain their excitement for full-time face-to-face classes during their last year of studies. Common Hope wishes all students the best of luck and hopes they all have a fun and fantastic new school year!

Photo: Faith Ralston (top left), Phillips Vision Team, and a Common Hope family) Faith Ralston recently returned from her first Vision Team experience in Guatemala. Before her trip, she set out to raise $1,700––enough to fund a home for a family–through her passion program, Paint with a Purpose. Paint with a Purpose showcased 35 original paintings intended to evoke fond memories of places you love; a hike in the woods, a moonlit beach, a waterfall, or a beautiful vase of fresh flowers. The exhibit ran from January 7- 31 at White Bear United Methodist Church. “I love to paint, but my joy is magnified when I have a purpose in mind,” shared Faith. When Faith was in her twenties, she visited Guatemala and fell in love with the landscape, people, and language. This year she returned to Antigua, Guatemala, on a Vision Team to volunteer with Common Hope. Her hands-on experience building a home for a family strengthened her connection to her Paint with a Purpose fundraiser. “My home is essential to me. It’s the place where I relax and feel safe,” said Faith. “This past week, we built a home for a family with six boys aged eight months to 14 years. They were sleeping on the floor in one bedroom that had a leaky roof. After this trip, I know firsthand what a difference this home will make in their lives.  It was only one week in my life, but it will change their lives forever.” “I wish everyone could witness what a difference their donation can make,” continued Faith. Many of the families that Common Hope partners with do not have a safe, secure, and comfortable place to call home. Faith believes that a home can serve as the foundation that allows a family to navigate their education, work life, and the world with more confidence. “As I was painting, I imagined creating a home for a family in Guatemala. ‘Maybe it will be a home for a single mom struggling to send her kids to school and make ends meet,’ I thought. That’s a BIG payback for an activity that brings so much joy to me,” she said Through Faith’s creative fundraising efforts, more than $2,000 have been raised, and a family in Guatemala now has a place where they can create memories and grow their love. Thank you so much, Faith, for your incredible act of kindness that will help families thrive. Want to visit Guatemala? Click here to learn more about Vision Team and view available dates. Turn your passion into action! Click here to fundraise for Common Hope.

Dreaming for a better future Fredy, 2022 graduate. Keep moving forward. This is Fredy’s message to his peers and those attending Graduation. He is the second in his family to graduate and among the few to graduate from high school in San Rafael el Arado, a small, primarily indigenous community. During his graduation speech, Fredy touched on his successes while reflecting on his struggles. “We have worked so hard to be here today,” said Fredy. “At times, we have faced difficulties — like the challenges of online classes.” Fredy shared how he dedicated himself to persevering, even when it meant teaching himself complex computer applications due to the inability to connect to his online classes. Like many students, Fredy faced the challenge of not spending time with his teachers and classmates, which proved difficult as he didn’t have the opportunity to share stories or receive support from his peers in person. For Fredy, this was not a moment to dwell on difficulties that he and his peers may have had. Instead, he took this time to celebrate that he and his peers made their dreams come true. “The day that we as students have been waiting for is finally here; we worked so hard for this day. This year, I feel thrilled because I worked hard to get good grades and was one of my community’s flag bearers.” Flag bearing is an honor awarded to students by their communities for academic excellence. The future is bright. Fredy thanked all those who assisted him with his education goals. “All these years that I have been in school, Common Hope has helped me reach my educational goals. The visits and letters from my sponsors, the social worker visits encouraging me, supporting me and guiding me to choose my school and my career track,” he said. Fredy graduated with a degree in accounting with computer orientation. He plans to attend university and continue his education, studying business administration. “It is my dream to manage a company that helps my community. I can give back by ensuring the businesses in our community are well managed,” he said. Even better, together. Lorenzo, Fredy’s Father Fredy was honored to share the graduation stage with one of his biggest supporters, his father, Lorenzo. Lorenzo never had the opportunity to study as his family’s finances were limited. Instead of being a student, he had to dedicate his time to the fields, harvesting vegetables, corn, and beans. “I only studied until I was 15 and finished 6th grade,” he shared. “Without the support of Common Hope, it would be difficult to send my children to school, and they may have experienced a similar situation as I did.” Because of his experience working a labor-intensive job, he dreams of a future where his children can access better job opportunities than he did. He wants to see them grow professionally and develop into better people each day. Lorenzo shared how proud he was of the class of 2022. Like his son, he encouraged them to keep moving forward and continue studying because another important chapter continues after Graduation. Graduation is not the end. It is the beginning. “La graduación no es el final, es el comienzo” Graduation is a celebration for the students and the family members, staff, teachers, and sponsors who helped them along the way. Leslie Murga, Academic Strengthening Manager Leslie Murga has worked for Common Hope for 15 years. She has seen that everyone experiences the journey to Graduation differently at Common Hope. The experience leaves its mark on you regardless of if you are staff, an affiliated family, or a student. She enjoyed sharing a few words with the students, family members, and guests at the New Hope Clasura (closure) and Graduation. “I hope that now that you’ve finished your journey with us, life leads you to remember everything we learned together. It is time for other life stages, where you will have to confront many challenges and new experiences but know that the Common Hope will still be with you,” she shared. Leslie encouraged parents to keep supporting their children after each educational milestone because a parent’s interest and encouragement in their child’s education heavily influence the child’s attitude toward school. “Support them, celebrate small successes, and learn as a family from some stumbles,” she said. “Practice everything you learned in school, but especially bring to life the values that we have written here and that the school has formed in you during these years. Be responsible, respectful, honest, and above all committed to yourselves, your families, and your personal goals,” she shared. “Wherever life leads, remember everything we learned together,” she continued. Make your mark. Female graduates earn three times more than non-graduates. For students in Guatemala, education is the key to success and a more optimistic future where they can enjoy a higher standard of living than their non-graduate peers. “You are the future of Guatemala, and you have the opportunity to build something better. I hope that doors will open new experiences and opportunities to serve our country and change our reality, starting with ourselves and our homes,” Leslie told the students. “After today, you will face challenges and new experiences but know that the Foundation will still be with you,” she exclaimed. “Common Hope is a place that you will always be able to call home. A seed that was planted in you a long time ago will bear fruit. This is not the end. It is a new beginning,” she concluded. “Always sow hope, be that hope for others.” Thank you to all parents, teachers, and supporters of Common Hope for making graduation day possible. From kindergarten to high school, we salute the Class of 2022 for making it to this milestone. A promise worth keeping Paige Fleury has been a dedicated supporter of Common Hope for 17 years. Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Antigua on November 5th, she shared that she attended Graduation for many reasons. Still, she is mainly there because of a promise made six years ago to her sponsored student and 2022 graduate, Leiser. Paige, Leiser, & family. “When he was 13 years old, I promised him that if he graduated, I would celebrate with him. This is a promise that I am so happy I had the chance to fulfill,” she stated. Paige has sponsored Leiser for 11 years and has become a crucial part of his support system. During that time, a close relationship was built. She motivated him to continue fighting daily in his studies through letter writing and visits. Because of Leisers’ hard work and compromises, he has reached his graduation milestone. Paige shares how happy sharing this moment with him and his family makes her, as it’s a milestone that only 1 in 5 Guatemalans accomplish. “From here, you have so many opportunities to improve your future and that of your family and community. You may start a business. You may have a career. Some of you may even go to universities and become attorneys, work in healthcare, in the arts…there are endless possibilities.” she shared with the graduating class. Graduates at the Antigua site. A student’s diploma is a physical reminder that they possess the tools they need for this next step in their lives. “Graduates, you have the chance to change the world in big and small ways, thanks to your education. You will inspire others to follow in your footsteps,” Paige reminded the students. “This is the beginning of the future and opportunities you now have the power to create.” Thank you, Paige, for seeing through a six-year promise. Dedicated sponsors like you give our students hope and a world of opportunities. Thank you to all sponsors who believe in and support their students. Your support plays a fundamental role in making Graduation possible. Congratulations to all! ¡Felicidades a todos!