This year, I am a member of the HOPE’S INterns program. Through the program, I am learning about social advocacy and developing my leadership skills to change the world! One of our main projects is organizing an annual fashion show fundraiser called Hope’s in Style. This is an important event that brings together our community and rallies for hope!
I hope to raise money for the 501(c)(3) organization, HOPE’S IN, as I believe that they positively change the lives of the people living in Guatemala. HOPE’S IN has been working to empower families in Guatemala for the past 8 years. Their programs focus on community development projects like building homes, special education, empowering teen mothers, medical care, and raising up the next generation of humanitarian leaders.
My fundraising goal is to raise $1,000 to support the Medical Endowment and Initiatives of HOPE’S IN. Each summer, doctors from the Chicagoland area travel to Guatemala to host clinics in Guatemala City. HOPE’S IN has also expanded their efforts through annual medical grants that are given to different organizations that have outstanding medical initiatives through our Medical Endowment founded by Dr. Dale Coy of Barrington.
Families living in the communities we work alongside are partially or completely reliant on the city’s landfill for means to survive and make a living. Many families live in homes built from materials found in the garbage; they often have dirt floors and rarely have running water. Families work in the garbage dump all day long looking for bottles to recycle or items to sell. On average, families make about $5-7 a day. These conditions and high levels of poverty make healthcare largely inaccessible to families.
My eighth-grade year, an intern from HOPE’S IN had visited my school to raise awareness about their program. I immediately was interested in getting involved with the charity. I applied to the internship program a few months later. In the last year, I have grown with the organization. I feel that getting involved has helped me understand how much privilege I truly have. One of these being health care. I’m fortunate enough to have easy access to health care especially this year due to covid. I immediately wanted to support the medical endowment and initiatives for HOPE’S IN because I one day aspire to enter into the medical field. This year due to COVID it has been especially hard for these families to receive the medical treatment they need in order to keep them healthy. I am so incredibly fortunate to be able to stay healthy this year and have easy access to health care. I want these families to have the same privilege. Will you help me to achieve my goal to make an impact this April?
Thank you for giving the gift the hope!
Sincerely,
Isy D.