UPDATE ON GUATEMALA
'PERSEVERING THROUGH A PANDEMIC' FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHARI BLINDT
First, I want to thank you for walking alongside us during this time. Your generosity and support refuel us each day as we continue our efforts to have a meaningful impact in supporting our families through the pandemic. Secondly, I’d like to share an update on what’s new in Guatemala and let you know that our work continues to serve our students and families. 


Access to health care continues to be a critical need for our families – our new telemedicine line has provided access to health care for families throughout the entirety of this pandemic and is still in use as a first connection. Now that the Antigua Clinic has re-opened to in-person visits by appointment, telemedicine continues to help families access the doctor even before they travel to the site.
We are closely monitoring opportunities for our families to be vaccinated against Covid-19, and look forward to a time (in the hopefully near future) where it is available to everyone in Guatemala. Because of Common Hope's medical programs, we had the good fortune to receive vaccinations for all of our Guatemalan staff this month, so now, most have been vaccinated. Guatemala has a similar system of phases for vaccination as the US, and the second phase of vaccination has just begun - allowing availability for people over the age of 70. Social workers have been busy contacting all Common Hope families with older family members who qualify for the vaccines to ensure they have information and access to these resources if they want it.

We learned through a series of conversations with families that we have nearly 400 families that have ongoing food insecurity issues as a result of the pandemic. For these families, we have established a plan for the balance of this year to support their needs on a regular basis. We will also be providing health and hygiene baskets to all of our families in the coming weeks because until vaccinations have been provided for everyone eligible, hygiene and masks will remain critically important.   

There is no one untouched by the impact of Covid-19, and that continues in 2021 for the families we serve.  We are grateful to have sustained our programs despite the economic impact in 2020 but still need your help. 

Please consider a gift to offset the food insecurity faced by our families and to ensure that they all have necessary masks and hygiene supplies, so they are able to stay safe and healthy. To do so, please click the box below. However you can help, we are grateful. Together we will continue to make hope a source of strength.

Mil gracias,
Shari Blindt
Executive Director
WALK THE EXTRA MILE FOR HOPE
MAY IS HERE! LET'S GET OUTSIDE AND LET'S WALK!
Text GUATE to 243725 to register to walk!
Is Your State Walking For Hope?
Shout out to walkers in CA, CO, IL, KY, MA, NJ, TN and WI!
Let's get all 50 states walking by June 13!
Yours not there? SIGN UP NOW and REPRESENT!
This year's walk is bigger, better, and easier! We want everyone to get out there and Walk the Extra Mile for students in need! Check out these resources to help you walk like an All-Star!


Not sure how to use your Classy page? Want to learn some easy tips and tricks? Join us! CLASSY WEBINAR on May 10, 2021, at 11:30am CST! Learn how to use your Classy fundraising page, how to ask for donations, and more! RSVP for the webinar!
*Shout out to one of Common Hope's top walkers, Lynn B! Lynn is walking the extra mile -- 350 miles and raising $3,500 for students and families in Guatemala! Don't want to walk or can't walk? You can still make a difference - Click here to support a walker in their Walk for Hope.
Text GUATE to 243725 to register to walk!
MAY MEANS CELEBRATING MOMS EVERYWHERE
"My children are achieving their dreams, which is what I always wanted for them." - Doña Iliana.
Doña Iliana (pictured middle) and her family at their home
In this month of May, Common Hope would like to acknowledge and celebrate all of the mothers and mother figures who give so selflessly in order for those they care about to achieve their dreams. To all of the mothers everywhere, you are appreciated!

Common Hope understands that mothers are a child’s first teachers, their biggest fans, and they are often the emotional backbones of the family. Mothers like Doña Iliana, who leads her family with bravery and dedication, are everyday heroes working toward a better future––starting with their own families. 

Like most girls, Doña Iliana had many goals for her future. Growing up in a small town, she heard of women graduating from high school and getting great jobs. Although Doña Iliana dreamed of having a professional career, she faced many challenges as a young person that prevented her from continuing her education. “My parents struggled financially and only allowed the boys to study while the girls were required to earn an income,” said Dona Iliana. “I was only able to study through the 4th grade,” she continued.  
So, Doña Iliana moved forward in this way. She worked hard throughout her youth, married and had children of her own. In the early 2000s her family moved to a community called New Hope. She and her husband wanted to ensure that their children would have more opportunities than they had. In 2008 they partnered with Common Hope.

With her support and encouragement, Doña Iliana’s children took full advantage of all of Common Hope’s programs. Her oldest three children have graduated from high school. Most recently, her daughter Caterin graduated in 2019 with a teaching degree and is currently in her second year of university, not only studying math and physics - but also teaching those subjects at a local school!

“I am so proud to say that I now have two teachers and one mechanic in my family. My children are achieving their dreams, which is what I always wanted for them,” said Doña Iliana 

Dona Iliana is a fearless mother who strived to create brighter futures for her kids. Now their dreams, and her dreams for them, are a reality. Her children are able to support themselves and that’s a big step forward for the entire family.

When asked about what the future holds, Doña Iliana said, “I see a future where my family continues to achieve their goals. I would love to see them graduate from university. And I see my children being great role models for their own children.”  
YOU'RE INVITED TO THE NEXT ZOOM SESSION
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM AND THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS
Common Hope invites you to join the next Power of Hope Zoom Session: The POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS will be held on May 13, 2021! This session will feature guests from Guatemala, THE SOCIAL WORKERS. Social workers are critical to fostering relationships with families that make ending the generational cycle of poverty possible. In this session, you will do a virtual social work visit and hear from social workers directly on their experiences and how you cultivate relationships during a pandemic.

JOIN US for this unique and special opportunity to learn from the family development (social work) team this May.
RSVP to May Zoom Session: THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS
LOCATION
Hosted via Zoom

DATE AND TIME
05/13/21 11:30am - 05/13/21 11:30am

RSVP to the 11:30am CST session
RSVP to the 6:00pm CST session
MAY'S SHARE HOPE PARTNER
THANK YOU ABETECH
This month's SHARE HOPE Partner is AbeTech! AbeTech's leadership team has been dedicated to supporting Common Hope's mission––from founding the annual Golf Classic, now the HOPEMASTER's at HAZELTINE NATIONAL–– to encouraging employee involvement. They have made a difference for thousands of Guatemala students since 2006.

Since its founding nearly 30 years ago, servant leadership has been core to AbeTech's culture. As the company grows, it continues to seek partnerships with organizations that have a service-focused mindset. During numerous Vision Team trips to Guatemala, AbeTech employees have volunteered hundreds of hours alongside Common Hope staff and family members. Additionally, fifteen students are supported by AbeTech and its employees.

Over the years, AbeTech's partnership helped make it possible for 180 students to graduate from high school, over 2,900 students to pass their grade level, and 8,000 family members to receive access to health care––proving that partnership truly makes great things happen.

MUCHAS GRACIAS to AbeTech for being May's Share Hope Partner and the Presenting Sponsor of the 2021 HopeMasters at Hazeltine Golf Classic!

Want to get your company involved? Click the button below to learn about the more than 20 ways your company can engage for change.
TRAVEL TO GUATEMALA
Eager to travel? This opportunity is for you!
Every year volunteers from across the country travel to Guatemala to meet Common Hope students and their families. Since March of 2020, Common Hope hasn’t been able to host teams due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but the need is still there. The Common Hope team has been working hard to determine how to create an experience that is safe and rewarding during the Covid-19 pandemic. We are ready to welcome volunteers back to the campus!

Many families need a safe place to call home. We need help with many projects so that we can continue serving Common Hope students and their families. We need you in Guatemala! 

Consider joining this unique team and visit Guatemala soon to make a difference during the pandemic!
Trip dates: August 23 - 29th, 2021
Price: $1,000 and includes accommodations, transportation to/from the airport, meals on-site, etc.

*Only 15 spots available.
*Airfare is not included in the price.
*Not your typical Vision Team Experience.
Proof of Vaccination is required, and no one under 16 is allowed at this time. Exemption requests will be considered "in accordance with applicable state and federal law. 

For more information and to reserve your spot, contact 
Avi Mylrea at 651-287-0716. Common Hope may open a second date - if you are interested in learning more - call Avi.
SPONSOR A STUDENT
MEET COMMON HOPE NEW STUDENTS INTO THE PROGRAM
This month’s Power of Hope Sponsorship Gallery features students who are brand new to the Common Hope Familia. They and their families have just joined the Common Hope program, taking a step forward to a better life. Personal relationships are at the heart of Common Hope’s work, and we partner for lasting change. WELCOME these new students to both the Common Hope familia and your own family! BE THE HOPE AND SHOW THE Power of Relationships by becoming a Sponsor TODAY!
Hola, I am Luis Leonardo. I just turned 15 and I am in 8th grade. I really look up to my mom because she is a strong woman who works hard to provide for us. Now that we are part of the Common Hope program, I am looking forward to a great year!
Hi! My name is Jeferson. I will be 4 years old on May 23rd! I live with my mom, dad, and two older sisters in New Hope! When I grow up I want to be a doctor or a fireman. Will you help me make this dream come true?
Hola! Mi nombre es Dariana. I am 6 years old and in 1st grade. I love playing with my friends and helping my mom. When I grow up, I want to help others. Will you be my sponsor?
QUICK CLICK:
SEND YOUR STUDENT A NOTE OF ENCOURAGEMENT
If you're a sponsor, write a note to your student today and let them know you are thinking of them as they begin the new school year! Your student would love to hear from you, and even a short note can mean a lot.
Stop by Bridgeman's on May 23!
Minnesota's original scoop shop, Bridgeman's, is hosting a special day to benefit Common Hope! Stop by their parlor in Woodbury on May 23 and mention Common Hope. Bridgeman's will donate 10% of proceeds! Be sure to try the Common Hope sundae featuring salted caramel espresso ice cream topped with chocolate-covered espresso beans and chocolate syrup.

2110 Eagle Creek Lane, #200, Woodbury MN 55129
LEGACY CIRCLE VIRTUAL GET-TOGETHER
SPECIAL INVITATION, MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW
What's Your Legacy Going To Be?

Join the Common Hope team for a Coffee & Conversation Legacy Series. Learn what legacy giving looks like at Common Hope and how your LEGACY can have a LONG-TERM IMPACT.

DATE: May 24
VIA ZOOM
11:30 AM

Interested? RSVP via email StaceyM@us.commonhope.org
COFFEE & CONVERSATION LEGACY SERIES
ZOOM 11:30AM
MAY 24
*KEEPING YOU UP-TO-DATE*
Now more than ever, effective communication is key. In a continued effort to keep supporters informed, call us today to update your info. Please call 651-287-0726 to update your phone number on record.
SPANISH PHRASE OF THE MONTH
LEARN SPANISH WITH US