Our Work
At Local Hope, we work across health, education, youth leadership, and job readiness, and provide social services families need to thrive. Our vibrant volunteer program welcomes students, families, and individuals from around the world to experience Mayan culture, learn, and make a real difference. All of this happens at our Xela AID Campus in San Martín Chiquito in the beautiful Guatemalan Highlands through the following programs.
Prevent Disease & Promote Well-Being
- Community Clinic — We provide general medicine, OBGYN and pediatric care, dentistry, optometry, and advanced diagnostics (X-ray, ultrasound, EKG) to more than 60 rural communities—a big impact for a small clinic.
- Special Needs Program — Each week, we serve 100+ children, youth, and adults with disabilities, offering therapy and treatments plus training and strategies to support their caregivers.
- Clean Water —Partnering with Rotary, we’ve brought clean water systems to 19 schools and delivered hundreds of in-home filters that now provide pure drinking water to more than 23,000 people.
- Parasite Treatment Program — Every year, we treat thousands of kids and their families so they can live healthy, parasite-free lives.
Educate The Young & Train Leaders
- Montessori Preschool —Each year, our three-classroom school prepares more than a hundred kids ages 3–6 for success in learning, and in life.
- Study Center — We provide learning support to 100+ students every weekday so they can stay on track and succeed in school.
- Adult Literacy — Women and men who missed out on school learn through this program to read, write, and do math so they can live fuller, more independent lives.
- Computer Lab — A hub of activity, this learning center opens doors to technology and the wider world for 600+ students and teachers each week!
Fuel Jobs & Small Businesses
- Thrive at Home Initiative — Our multi-year effort with Rotary partners to create local jobs, so youth can build bright futures right in their home villages.
- Leadership Training — Our two-year program has graduated hundreds of young leaders, many now serving as in leadership roles in their communities.
- Small Business Development — Supporting local entrepreneurs with training, mentoring, and microloans.
Enrich Volunteers
Since 1993, our highly successful Volunteer Program has partnered with high schools, colleges, church groups, healthcare providers, clubs, families, and individuals in custom service adventures that change lives—theirs, and ours.
Ways to join us:
- Guided Custom Experiences
- Build-Your-Own-Trip Options
- Two-Week Turn-Key Service + Explore Packages
- Fun Activity and Tour Packages
- Individual, Group, and Family Stays at our Eco-Guest House
- Explore! International Travel that supports our mission
Volunteer for What Matters Most
As volunteers, we have the power to transform lives, care for the environment, and shape a brighter future. Change begins when we come together with compassion and purpose, working hand in hand to protect and restore the natural world for generations to come.