Ann Charles Watts

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.

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!!

Thank you for helping make the dream of homeownership real for two amazing families! Day two was spent moving concrete blocks. More tomorrow

The mentors' first day on the work site. We shoveled sand, moved concrete blocks, and worked with re-bar on two earthquake-reaistant homes!

First day in Guatemala with the DECA Global Village mentors. What an amazing country full of wonderful people. So excited to start building!

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.

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!!