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Kari, member of the Calvary Lutheran Vision Team, learns to make tortillas from scratch.
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 THANK YOU FOR AN INCREDIBLE EVENING!
On May 19, we celebrated Noche de Colores at the Radisson Blue in Minneapolis.
It was a phenomenal night and with your help, we raised OVER A QUARTER OF A MILLION DOLLARS
to help children and families in Guatemala achieve hope and opportunity and
21 students were sponsored!
Common Hope can't do the critical work in Guatemala without dedicated, passionate friends and supporters like you. THANK YOU for your continued generosity!
YOUR FEEDBACK IS APPRECIATED
We have received feedback from many of you who attended the event and your suggestions are what help us improve. We are looking forward to planning an even better event next year!
We will be forming our 2018 planning committee in July. Please email our Special Events Manager, Stephanie Moline, at
StephanieM@us.commonhope.org if you are interested in helping us plan next year's event.
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In Guatemala, one out of every three first graders fails and has to repeat first grade. But at New Hope School, it is rare to see a first grader repeat the year. What makes New Hope School stand apart from other schools in Guatemala?
MORE THAN ACADEMICS
Having taught at New Hope School for four years, Carla Valenzuela explains the secret to the school's success.
"We all work in a coordinated way with a special focus on the students who are struggling and think creatively about the different strategies we can implement both inside and outside the classroom to help those students reach the desired outcomes, not letting any student fall through the cracks."
This comprehensive approach of teachers working alongside Common Hope social workers and psychologists ensures that each student is receiving the support they need to succeed in school.
Carla has been a teacher for 20 years and she understands that the most crucial and influential years of education occur very early in a child's life, which is why she loves teaching younger students. "You can really shape them and clearly see the fruit of your labor," she explains.
Carla also credits the success of her students to an approach that encompasses more than just books and learning. "I love being a teacher. But for me it's more than the academic part. It's so important to support my students by being a good listener, to show them that I care about them, to show affection. Especially for struggling students, if they feel affection the academics will follow."
EDUCATION AS A WAY OUT OF POVERTY
All of the students at New Hope School come from families with limited resources. Carla hopes that through the education they receive at New Hope School, they will gain the tools they need to be successful in life, get a good job, and are able to break the cycle of poverty.
 Dedicated teachers like Carla are living Common Hope's mission every day. Thanks to the crucial support of a United Way Worldwide grant on behalf of the generosity of Target, the work at New Hope School continues to make a real impact in the lives of children in Guatemala.
Target has supported the Early Childhood Initiative at New Hope School since 2008 and we are so grateful for their ongoing support.
Thank you Target for partnering with us! Together, with the leadership and dedication of exceptional teachers like Carla, we are giving students the tools they need to build a brighter future for themselves and their families.
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Do you have kids in school or teach students who want to give back? Do you want your kids to develop international compassion and a global worldview? A Common Hope School Partnership is for you!
Recently, students at Clear Springs Elementary (pictured above) used their Spanish language skills to translate letters from Common Hope sponsors to their students in Guatemala.
The students also learned about Felix, a 4th grader in Guatemala. They connected through comparing their hobbies, their bedrooms, and their schools. The kids were excited to learn that Felix had similar likes/dislikes, goals, and dreams. Next year, some of the students from the Minnetonka district will be traveling to Guatemala.
Clear Springs teacher, Lacy Hladky, explains that these activities are highly beneficial to her students. "As a Spanish Immersion School, through the Common Hope School Community Partner program our students have a meaningful opportunity to use their Spanish to help, but also to understand why they are learning Spanish. They are engaging in a real-world experience which applies to providing them authentic learning. And beyond this, the School Community Partner provides cultural understanding, an area many schools are lacking in, where our students learn and connect with students from a different culture and country."
We are thrilled to have the following schools as Common Hope School Community Partners:
- Clear Springs Elementary
- Minnewashta Elementary
- Deephaven Elementary
- Good Shepherd School
Thank you for your partnership with Common Hope, where together we are helping to break the cycle of poverty for children and families in Guatemala while also raising cultural awareness and global understanding for U.S. students!
We are teaming up with schools in the U.S. to provide service learning activities that create awareness about cultural context.
A Common Hope School Community Partnership can be between one classroom, one club, or an entire school. Students will engage in at least two service-learning activities annually, bringing Guatemala and Common Hope to their classrooms.
Depending on your interests and desired goals, there are various ways for both Spanish immersion and non-immersion schools to partner with us! Below are some of the exciting service-learning opportunities offered.
- Translation parties
- Cultural activities
- Sponsoring a student
- School Supply Drives
- Visiting Common Hope in Guatemala
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As a machine operator and a mason, my parents dream of a better future for me and my siblings through the opportunity to receive an education.
I have not always done as well in school as my siblings, but with the encouragement of a sponsor, I know I can continue moving forward. I am 14-years-old and just started the second quarter of 6th grade in Guatemala.
I have been waiting for a sponsor for four years and would love the opportunity to tell you more about my life in Guatemala and learn more about yours.
If you would like to support Michael as he continues his education, you can become his sponsor by clicking below or emailing Teresa at TeresaH@us.commonhope.org.
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Common Hope had the privilege of hosting Dayanara Dennis, a student from Spring Arbor University, for a three month internship in Guatemala. Dayanara worked directly with the Antigua Family Development Program, supporting social workers with house visits and database entry. She also actively participated in our Nurturing Parenting and the Reading Promotion Programs. She had the following to say about her experience and we found her words to be powerful and poignant.
"As my time comes to a close here at Common Hope, I am so very grateful for this opportunity I have had here with an awesome team doing amazing work in Guatemala. I have met so many amazing people here full of passion for their work and such kind hearts for those around them. Through interactions with Guatemalan families and colleagues, I have been reminded of the passion I have for people and for this work. People are so fascinating and even though modes of communication vary, the desire is the same: to be heard. People want to be heard, to feel like they matter, and to know that someone cares. Everyone desires this and expresses this in their own way. It is a privilege and an honor to be the one who listens to the deepest cries of their heart. It is an even greater honor to be the one to walk with them on the journey of bettering themselves. Seeing someone have success through such means that they achieved for themselves is a beautiful thing. To see opportunities open up for them and to watch them grab ahold of them. It is a sight that my eyes and heart will never tire of seeing and experiencing. I feel privileged to be in this line of beautiful work. To be in the work of opportunity. I am so grateful to all of the families that have shared a bit of their lives with me these past three months. Thank you for trusting me with your worries, but also your successes. Thank you for opening up your homes to me and letting me join you on your journeys."
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ANTIGUA TABLE SPONSORS
Charlie & Rose McMurray
Tim & Kim Scanlan
LEADING TABLE SPONSORS
Lariat Companies, Inc.
Snap Fitness
Tom & Katie Sullivan
The Page Foundation
GUIDING TABLE SPONSORS
Michael & Colleen Elftmann
Flourish Wealth Management
Nancy Norling, D.D.S.
RSM
Mark & Lisa Ruff
WSB
Taylor Corp
BUEN VIAJE SUITCASE SPONSOR
Canetani Vacation Properties
MARKETPLACE SPONSOR
McDonald Remodeling
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JOIN US FOR A WEEK IN ANTIGUA FOR JUST $500*!
Up to one week in Guatemala September 17-24, 2017
This trip is the perfect mix of free time and scheduled activities!
TRIP INCLUDES:
- Accommodations at Familias de Esperanza
- Private dinner party by Chef Vinicio
- Brunch at the popular El Tenedor restaurant
- Coffee tasting and MORE!
This trip is an incredible deal at just $500 plus the cost of airfare! For more information, email Avi at AviM@us.commonhope.org *airfare not included
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THIS SEPTEMBER, COMMON HOPE IS HITTING THE ROAD and spreading hope coast to coast! From California to Massachusetts, Common Hope staff and supporters will be hosting SPONSORPALOOZA events, spreading the word about how sponsorship changes lives. Keep an eye on our website for locations near you and how you can participate.
If you're a Common Hope Sponsor and would like to know more about how you can participate in SPONSORPALOOZA, email Teresa at TeresaH@us.commonhope.org
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REGISTER NOW for the 8th Annual Common Hope Golf Classic Featuring Rich Gannon. This year's tournament is on Monday, August 7, 2017 at Mendakota Country Club.
This event sells out fast every year, so we are encouraging golfers to register early!
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PRESENTING SPONSOR
HOLE SPONSORS
CHIP SPONSORS
Thomas Schwartz
WANT TO BE A TOURNAMENT SPONSOR?
For sponsorship info and benefits, please email Stephanie Moline at
StephanieM@us.commonhope.org
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Here's what's coming up from Common Hope | Familias de Esperanza.
- In June we welcome three Vision Teams to Guatemala: Seery Team-Builder, Orinda Community Church, and West Islip High School. Follow their trips on our Vision Team Photo Diary!
- REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for the 8th Annual Common Hope Golf Classic featuring Rich Gannon. This year's tournament will be happening on August 7, 2017 at Mendakota Country Club.
- This September
SPONSORPALOOZA is going Coast to Coast with events from California to Massachusetts! Stay tuned for more details.
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LET'S BE FACEBOOK FRIENDS! Follow Common Hope on Facebook to stay up-to-date on what's happening in Guatemala, upcoming events, and
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It's not just a volunteer abroad trip. It's a life-changing cultural immersion experience.
Check the 2018 Trip Calendar for open Vision Team trip dates!
OPEN FOR FULL TEAMS
August 13-20, 2017
September 3-10, 2017 (Discount)
October 15-22, 2017
December 3-10, 2017
2017 DISCOUNT TRIP DATES!
September 3-10, 2017
September 17-24: Book Your Adventure for $500! (Not a full Vision Team Experience)
DATES RESERVED FOR FAMILY TEAMS
July 30-August 6, 2017
There is still room for your family to join!
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WE ARE LOOKING FOR
A VOLUNTEER
Did you know that Common Hope can use your Box Tops, Milk Moola, Loaves for Learning, and other clip-and-save program UPCs? Drop them off or mail them to our St. Paul office!
If you would like to volunteer to facilitate our clip-and-save programs, please call 651-917-0917. It's an easy and flexible way to volunteer with us!
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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 14,000 children and adults as they work toward their goals of a better life.
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