Maria Jacome’s story is part of a series of stories supporting our Holiday Season Fundraising Campaign. Please consider joining Maria in donating to help Project Somos continue to provide our services in 2025. Thank you.
Maria’s Story: Honoring Generosity, Changing Lives
As a long-time supporter, event volunteer, and former board member of Project Somos, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact this organization is making in Guatemala. My family and I choose to donate to Project Somos because we deeply value the work they’re doing and the way they do it.
For me, it’s not just about what Project Somos does, but how they do it. Their vision has always been to work closely with the community, helping families move out of poverty in a way that respects their culture and traditions. This is a vital model for international development that I truly believe in. I also admire Project Somos’ commitment to sustainable farming practices, which ensures that they grow much of the food they provide to the children and families they support. But what stands out the most to me is their respect for personal freedom, allowing children and families to follow their own paths in life.
I was born in Guatemala during a time of political unrest. I lost my father when I was young, and my family sought refuge in Canada. There, kind-hearted families sponsored us, offering us a new life and a future full of possibilities. Their generosity shaped my life in profound ways, and it’s something I’ve always felt the need to pay forward. That’s one of the reasons I choose to support Project Somos as a regular donor. During special holiday campaigns, I also like to contribute, especially when gifts are matched by an anonymous donor. Knowing that my donation can have double the impact makes it even more fulfilling.
As the holiday season approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of gift-giving and celebrations. But this season, I encourage you to take a moment to support Project Somos’ Holiday Season Campaign. We’ve already raised 60% of our goal, and every dollar donated will be matched up to $62,000, doubling our impact.
One of the stories that has touched me deeply is that of Ana, a shy 9-year-old girl whose journey reminds me so much of my own. Ana struggled in school, especially with reading. She was so timid that she didn’t play with other children and often cried at home because she felt alone. But when Ana joined Project Somos’ reading program, everything changed. With the help of volunteers and teachers who believed in her, Ana began to improve. Her progress was so remarkable that her teacher asked her mom what she had done to help Ana succeed. Ana’s mom proudly replied, “Project Somos.”
Today, Ana loves books. She arrives at Project Somos every day asking, “Are we going to read today?” She laughs, plays with friends, and no longer fears reading aloud in class. Her transformation is a powerful reminder of the difference a community of support can make in a child’s life.
For me, supporting Project Somos is the true meaning of paying it forward—helping children like Ana thrive, just as I was helped all those years ago.
How Your Gift Can Help:
- $75 can support a child just like Ana in our afterschool reading program.
- $140 can provide nutritious snacks, a healthy hot lunch, and a daily salad for a child.
- $200 can support a child in our early childhood program to play, learn, and thrive.
- $350 can provide space in our Girls’ Empowerment Program for a year.
- $600 can pay the salary of our farmhand who grows the food for our children.
This season, I encourage you to join me in supporting Project Somos. Every dollar you give will be matched, doubling your impact. Together, we can give children like Ana the chance to dream, grow, and thrive.
Thank you for considering supporting Project Somos. Your generosity truly changes lives.
Cheers!
Maria
Maria onsite at Project Somos.
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