Impacting Lives with Every Program
OUR SERVICES
Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy. Psalm 82:3-4
FOOD SUPPORT
Guatemala faces high rates of malnutrition, poverty and maternal and infant mortality, especially in rural and indigenous areas. Climate disasters have also increased unemployment and extreme poverty.
Public safety, migration, drug trafficking, education and poor access to clean water and basic sanitation are some of the challenges facing Guatemalans. Many live below the poverty line, making them highly vulnerable to seasonal hunger and food shortages.
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Champions in Action ensures every family in our program who are still working to get on their feet receives food support. We provide food bags filled with over 25 pounds of nutritious non-perishables, like oatmeal, pasta, nutrient-fortified drinks, and much more.
Join us and make a difference today!
PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM
More than six million people in Guatemala, approximately 35 percent of the country’s population, lack access to basic health and nutrition services.
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Guatemala has the highest rate of stunting in the Western Hemisphere and the fifth highest rate in the world, with nearly half of all children under five stunted and the maternal mortality ratio is 113 deaths per 100,000 live births. Inequities drive the health and nutrition challenges in Guatemala, where indigenous people, people with lower educational levels, and people living in poverty are disproportionately affected.
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Champions in Action provides a range of essential health programs that aim to improve people's lives. Our initiatives include delivering nutritional education to families, distributing clean water filters, supplying essential medicines, and providing various kinds of necessary supplies. Our mentors are trained in basic health guidelines and how to, in turn, educate the communities on public health principles. We are also launching health education events and activities in the communities and basic health assessments of the families. We’ll also be creating a health network so our families have access to treatment and care, regardless of their condition or income level.
Join us and make a difference today!
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS TRAINING
The old adage "give a man a fish and feed him for a day; teach him to fish and feed him for a lifetime" holds true. Operating from this belief, we at Champions in Action are dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty by empowering youth to develop skills that will help them permanently escape the Red Zones.
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At Champions, many of our devotions and programs are centered around preparing young individuals to become engaged and collaborative Christian adults poised for success in the outside world. For too many of our kids, working in garbage dumps, window washing, or turning to illegal means are some of the few options they see for earning an income.
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In addition to encouraging kids to stay in school—and providing the support they need to do so—we offer our older youth skills-based internship opportunities, host resume-building workshops, and provide career and interview advice. Previous participants have interned at a high-profile artisan bakery, received one-on-one training with a nationally recognized barista, learned entrepreneurial skills at a bamboo craft store, and gained job experience as mechanics.
Join us and make a difference today!
EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT
Part of the challenge for kids living in the Red Zones and extreme poverty is the families do not have any money to pay for basic school supplies, thus preventing them from attending.
Champions in Action believes that education is one of the keys to a brighter future and that every child deserves the chance for success at school. For that reason, we continue to provide the necessary school supplies for kids in our program. We remain committed to ensuring that no child falls behind at school because they don’t have the funds to buy school supplies.
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​We always seek opportunities to equip our children with the necessary tools to become successful in the future.
Join us and make a difference today!
COMPASSION FUND
Every year, unforeseen events impact our children, mentors and their families, and Champions in Action is committed to providing immediate support in extreme cases. Over the years, we have covered the costs of surgeries, medicines, rehabilitation, and provided micro-loans for youth, their immediate family members, and mentors within our programs. We aim to continue having funds available to meet these critical needs.
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Our focus extends beyond just supporting the children; we also support their families to ensure they have the resources necessary for unforeseen emergencies. Given the social context our children live in, it is almost impossible for them to have savings, stable jobs, health insurance, or any form of financial safety net. By assisting both the children and their families, we strive to create a more secure and hopeful future for everyone involved.
Join us and make a difference today!
COUNSELING PROGRAM
Children living in the Red Zones confront a multitude of harrowing circumstances, including violence, family abuse, drugs, prostitution, and gang activity. Our counselors are essential in providing the support these children need to navigate and overcome these daily tragedies.
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A social worker at Champions in Action plays a vital role in this process by offering emotional and psychological support, facilitating therapy sessions, and providing a safe space for children to express their feelings and experiences. They also work closely with families to address underlying issues, connect them with necessary resources, and create personalized plans to help each child cope with and rise above their challenging environment. Through their dedicated efforts, our social workers are instrumental in guiding these children toward a brighter, more hopeful future.
Join us and make a difference today!
RED ZONE OUTREACH PROGRAM
We are dedicated to educating others about the realities of life in the Red Zones, including how these areas came to be and the challenges faced by their residents. Our Red Zone Outreach Program offers a unique opportunity to experience these communities firsthand, listen to the stories of the neighbors, and work directly with the youth. This immersive experience helps participants gain a deeper understanding of the circumstances, enabling them to become more informed and effective Agents in Action.
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In this program, social workers play a crucial role by guiding participants through the community, facilitating discussions with residents, and highlighting the day-to-day struggles and resilience of those living in the Red Zones.
Join us and make a difference today!
MENTORING PROGRAM
At the heart of our ministry is the mission to build transformative relationships with at-risk youth, addressing their physical needs while sharing love and the gospel. We connect disadvantaged youth with life-changing mentors through the universal language of soccer. Each child becomes part of a soccer team, where every team is guided by a coach who serves not only as a sports mentor but also as a spiritual guide in Christ.
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Our program integrates faith and mentorship seamlessly: every practice begins with a Bible study, setting a foundation of spiritual growth. The mentors then cultivate deep, supportive relationships with the youth, offering guidance and support in all aspects of their daily lives. Through this holistic approach, Champions in Action empowers young individuals to develop their skills, build their faith, and navigate life's challenges with the unwavering support of their mentors.
Join us and make a difference today!