Thankful for YOU!

Last year’s Hope Under the Stars Gala was the surprise hit of IEP’s 2020 event calendar. We had no idea whether people would turn out or donate to a virtual gala and whether we could possibly share all the things that made our year so inspiring over such a great distance. As it turns out, our community was ready to show us their love from ANY distance, and the gifts given and received that night were totally unprecedented in their scope and significance.

This year, we have even more to celebrate, so the theme we’ve chosen reflects that. We hope you will join us on November 20th to attend the 2021 GRATITUDE GALA! It will take place IN-PERSON at the Four Seasons in Dallas, and we can’t wait to be reunited with some of our closest supporters in a COVID-safe environment.

Speech therapy through remote and in-person means is helping kids like Sophia overcome natural hurdles.

Bringing community infrastructure, healthcare, and education to Guatemalans in need in 2021 has been an exercise in creative problem solving, but it’s safe to say now that we successfully rose to the challenge. Even though stove-building and clinic teams couldn’t travel from the US, our Guatemalan staff were able to make do with what they had. A team of local medical volunteers recently saw 100 patients over the course of a 2 day clinic, and plan to do the same again soon. 70% of school families have already gotten their COVID-19 vaccine, thanks in no small part to our outreach efforts.

The Bags of Hope program is still going strong for the second year in a row, with a small tweak. Now, on top of the nutritionist-approved staple foods, seasonal vegetables, and supplies, our monthly packages include activities for children aimed at engaging them in the fun side of learning and group participation. This is part of our larger effort to mitigate the negative effects of being kept at home through this pandemic. And that’s just the start.

The first, brand new IEP BookTuk™ just rolled into El Molino School, making a huge splash among the students and their families. Scholastic disengagement is at an all time high in Latin America, and we’re seeing it at El Molino, where 10% of students have dropped out to help their families make ends meet. The BookTuk™ is here to change that. Equipped with reading materials, school supplies, white-boards, seating, and driven by a qualified IEP instructor, the BookTuk™ will travel throughout the nearby villages, bringing a love of learning to all who need it. Before long, EVEN MORE vehicles will join the first.

The best part of Thanksgiving is gathering together with your family and sharing the things you’re most grateful for. Well, even though Guatemalans don’t usually observe the holiday, our family in both countries have an opportunity to do the same in a uniquely meaningful way. So JOIN US on November 20th or keep us in your thoughts. You can even become an event sponsor, all via this link.