Ann Charles Watts fundraising for Guatemala—DECA Global Village
Ann Charles Watts
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From Ann Charles Watts
Please consider joining me in supporting this pilot project to transform the lives of ten hard working young people growing up in Dayton’s urban center.
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Update #7
I hope this note from the teachers who accompanied the students on their trip to Guatemala last month touches your hearts as it did mine:
Dear Ann Charles and Jason,
I wanted to take the time to personally thank you. I want to thank you for taking a chance and investing in our kids. Our students are not often given opportunities to grow and learn outside of their comfort zones. This opportunity that you provided for our students is priceless. During this experience, these students were pushed in ways they had never been pushed before. They were forced to see things differently, try new things, and work selflessly! I am so grateful that you believed in this project and in the missions of Habitat and DECA. We are so lucky to have you as part of this program. You have provided your mentee with an example of what it means to be a selfless leader who cares about the world around them. Your contribution today is one that will surely change the lives of our students and their families for years to come. This is an experience that will change the trajectory of their lives and push them to be good stewards of the Earth.
On this trip, the students learned about poverty, spirituality, hard work, dedication, and teamwork. They were forced to examine how our actions affect others and how our skills can be used to affect other in such a positive way. Not only have the students learned invaluable lessons, they have made friendships that will last a lifetime. The students value the relationships they have made with their peers and mentors alike. They are grateful to have the opportunity to meet you and learn from your experiences. I hope that because of this experience, our students will work to become likelong volunteers who strive to be able to invest in the future just as you have invested in them. I thank you for doing what you have done. You have provided them with an experience that is life-changing. Without yo u and your generosity, this program would not be possible.
Thank you,
Ashley Overman & Katy Jo Brown
I, too, want to thank you for investing in this program and for believing in the promise of these amazing young people!! We are currently in the process of recruiting mentors for the 2015-2016 school year. If you or anyone you know would like to be a mentor or if you'd like to discuss ways to continue to support the program going forward, please let me know.
About Me
Some of you may know that back in 1990, my father was working four jobs when he and my mother decided to spend their life savings and take us to Kenya on a service mission. Until that trip, my biggest preoccupation in life had been fitting in with the cool kids, but Kenya changed all that. Seeing the world gave me perspective on the blessings of my life and set me on the academic and professional journey that has brought me where I am today.
Unfortunately, what I had back in 1990 that most of Dayton’s urban youth don’t have were adults in my life who had traveled abroad, understood the value of international experiences, and were willing to make personal sacrifices so that I could see the world with new eyes.
That’s why I am so excited about this pilot partnership between the Dayton Early College Academy (DECA) and Habitat for Humanity International’s Global Village program that will make it possible for ten urban students to receive the moral and financial support they need to experience the world in a way that will permanently transform their lives.
Here’s how the project will work:
Ten adults have volunteered as DECA Global Village mentors. In March, they will travel with me to Guatemala for one week to work on a Habitat for Humanity house and become immersed in the local culture. Upon their return, they will share their experiences with their DECA Global Village mentees and help prepare them to take their own trip with fellow students in May.
Please consider supporting us with your spiritual and financial support. You can make a huge difference in the life of another human being!
More Info
One of the most significant challenges to housing in Guatemala is access to land. Many low-income families have no legal proof that they own the land they inhabit. These properties rarely have basic utilities and are often located in vulnerable areas, such as ravines and riverbanks. Even when a family has moderate income or has managed to save a small amount of money, obtaining a loan to purchase land or buy a home is often a challenge.
Established in 1979 to improve the lives of low-income families in Guatemala through the construction of adequate, affordable housing, Habitat for Humanity Guatemala was the first Habitat organization in the Latin America and Caribbean region. Since the construction of its first home more than 30 years ago, Habitat Guatemala has served more than 32,000 families and has extended its work to each of the country’s 22 states. Habitat for Humanity does much more than just build houses, including raising awareness about the need for adequate housing, advocating for improved housing policy, and much more.
Global Village is Habitat for Humanity’s international volunteer program. Teams travel to over 40 countries to work alongside communities, build housing solutions, and experience local culture. Our goal is to change the lives of the people we serve, as well as the lives of the volunteers.
To join a team or learn more, visit www.habitat.org/gv.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 1,300 communities throughout the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.
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Ann Charles Watts posted a new update:
over 9 years agoUpdate #7
I hope this note from the teachers who accompanied the students on their trip to Guatemala last month touches your hearts as it did mine:
Dear Ann Charles and Jason,
I wanted to take the time to personally thank you. I want to thank you for taking a chance and investing in our kids. Our students are not often given opportunities to grow and learn outside of their comfort zones. This opportunity that you provided for our students is priceless. During this experience, these students were pushed in ways they had never been pushed before. They were forced to see things differently, try new things, and work selflessly! I am so grateful that you believed in this project and in the missions of Habitat and DECA. We are so lucky to have you as part of this program. You have provided your mentee with an example of what it means to be a selfless leader who cares about the world around them. Your contribution today is one that will surely change the lives of our students and their families for years to come. This is an experience that will change the trajectory of their lives and push them to be good stewards of the Earth.
On this trip, the students learned about poverty, spirituality, hard work, dedication, and teamwork. They were forced to examine how our actions affect others and how our skills can be used to affect other in such a positive way. Not only have the students learned invaluable lessons, they have made friendships that will last a lifetime. The students value the relationships they have made with their peers and mentors alike. They are grateful to have the opportunity to meet you and learn from your experiences. I hope that because of this experience, our students will work to become likelong volunteers who strive to be able to invest in the future just as you have invested in them. I thank you for doing what you have done. You have provided them with an experience that is life-changing. Without yo u and your generosity, this program would not be possible.
Thank you,
Ashley Overman & Katy Jo Brown
I, too, want to thank you for investing in this program and for believing in the promise of these amazing young people!! We are currently in the process of recruiting mentors for the 2015-2016 school year. If you or anyone you know would like to be a mentor or if you'd like to discuss ways to continue to support the program going forward, please let me know.
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Ann Charles Watts posted a new update:
over 9 years agoMobile update
Day three on site, building re-bar supports for the home. You've helped make this family's dream of homeownership a reality. Thank you!!
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Ann Charles Watts posted a new update:
over 9 years agoMobile update
Thank you for helping make the dream of homeownership real for two amazing families! Day two was spent moving concrete blocks. More tomorrow
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Ann Charles Watts posted a new update:
over 9 years agoMobile update
The mentors' first day on the work site. We shoveled sand, moved concrete blocks, and worked with re-bar on two earthquake-reaistant homes!
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Ann Charles Watts posted a new update:
over 9 years agoMobile update
First day in Guatemala with the DECA Global Village mentors. What an amazing country full of wonderful people. So excited to start building!
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Ann Charles Watts posted a new update:
almost 10 years agoUpdate #2
Thanks to my awesome friends and family, I'm at 42% of my goal! In our house, that deserves a lollipop, so here you go. :-) I have until January 16th to reach 50%. Please help spread the word so we can help give ten urban high-school students the experience of a lifetime.
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Ann Charles Watts posted a new update:
almost 10 years agoUpdate #1
Ten urban students and their mentors are one step closer to having the experience of a lifetime. Many thanks to all of you who have helped me get to 10% of my fundraising goal! Keep spreading the word so we can make this dream a reality!!
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