News from GRACES

GRACES is officially 10 years old today! Ten years ago, Escuela Integrada was on the brink of closing its doors after the previous funding organization dissolved. Thankfully, a group of dedicated volunteers quickly formed a new entity to preserve Escuela Integrada in their moment of greatest need. “It was easy to be ‘all in,’” said Krista Woolly, a founding member of the GRACES’ Board of Directors. “There isn’t anything about…

Your registration supports the runners at Escuela Integrada! Racing for GRACES is back… with a new name! Join us this year for Corriendo por Oportunidades on May 4, 2024. The race will be held in person in Guatemala with students, staff and families participating in a 3k or 6k race. The race will leave from the front of Escuela Integrada along a course through Jocotenango and back to the school….

After several years of dedicated service in Guatemala, GRACES Sponsorship Coordinator Lucas Hertzberg is moving back to the United States. Lucas first joined us in 2019 as a summer intern and returned in 2021 to work with us. “Lucas grew and led the sponsorship program, and I am so grateful for his hard work,” said Hannah Nadeau Girón, executive director of GRACES. “He was able to learn quickly and was…

Dear Friends, You might or might not be surprised to know that 54% of the population in Guatemala lives in poverty (less than $2.15 a day). I live in Guatemala—which has been amazing and beautiful in so many ways—but I feel the weight of the need here. I feel it with the families we work with, and I feel it when I walk outside my front door. It can be…

English classes expand opportunities for junior high students Last month, Escuela Integrada kicked off the 2024 school year with an exciting new opportunity—English classes for all junior high students! In partnership with Academia de Lideres Futuros (AFL), every student in 7th-9th grade will take English for an hour at the end of every school day. In 2023, GRACES provided scholarships and transportation for up to 15 students to take English…

Dear friends, I want to extend a huge “Thank You!” to each and every one of you who donated to our year-end campaign in December. This campaign quite literally puts food in the mouths of children who live in poverty. For the coming school year, the Meal Support program costs a total of $120,000. I will be honest with you—this keeps me up at night! The year-end campaign directly impacts…