Mae El Salvador

Hope center: in 2023, our hope center remained a beacon of hope and opportunity for at-risk youth in El Salvador, dedicated to breaking cycles of poverty and restoring hope to those who may have felt all was lost. Through transformative educational programs, we continued to empower young minds and provide a pathway to a brighter future.mission and approach: at the core of our hope center is a dedicated team of local salvadoran teachers, passionately committed to nurturing young hearts scarred by trauma and creating a safe environment for every child who enters our doors. Our multifaceted approach focuses on providing free classes, school supplies and data plans, and scholarships to eliminate barriers to education and unlock boundless opportunities for our students.program highlights:1. Free classes: in 2023, our commitment to breaking barriers to education saw a total of 255 students enrolled in our hope center classes, spanning a wide age range from 7 to 67 years old. Among these students were 13 participants in our tutoring program, all of whom successfully passed their grades and showed remarkable improvement. Additionally, 66 students participated in our leveling program, undertaking proficiency exams with the ministry of education. Of these, 37 successfully passed their respective grades, with 16 students achieving high school completion. These free classes not only provide essential educational opportunities but also serve as a catalyst for personal growth and academic achievement for at-risk youth in our community.2. School supplies and data plans: recognizing the importance of access to resources, we provided weekly internet packages to students in need, enabling them to attend online classes. Through our innovative points system, students earned rewards for attendance and homework completion, allowing them to "purchase" much-needed school supplies and eliminating obstacles to their educational success.3. Scholarships: our scholarship program continued to open doors for deserving students, enabling talented and motivated youth to pursue their academic aspirations. In 2023, we awarded scholarships to 5 students, providing them with the financial support and encouragement needed to achieve their educational goals.as we reflect on the impact of our hope center programs, we remain steadfast in our commitment to dismantling barriers to education and empowering at-risk youth to realize their full potential. With your continued support, we can continue to transform lives and build a brighter future for the youth of El Salvador.

Youth camp: in 2023, we embarked on an unforgettable three-day youth camp adventure in the mountains of El Salvador, impacting 23 eager participants. Against the backdrop of stunning landscapes, our time together was filled with laughter, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Led by our dedicated team, we engaged in exhilarating games, invigorating hikes, and heartfelt devotions under starlit skies. For many of our youth, this experience was a rare opportunity unlike in the states, where youth camps abound, our youth here lack similar opportunities. The significance of our camp cannot be overstated. It's a place where hearts open up, lives change, and connections with god deepen. One touching moment was when one of our 15-year-old boys, known for his stoic demeanor, tearfully expressed his reluctance to leave on the final day. As we reflect on the impact of youth camp, we're reminded of its profound importance in nurturing faith and purpose in our youth. With your continued support, we're empowering them to discover, grow, and thrive in their journey of faith.

Special projects: the organization provides care and support for impoverished at-risk youth in El Salvador. Examples include:rina - in last year's 990, we shared rina's journey with Mae El Salvador, highlighting her progress and the support provided by our organization. Over the past year, we're pleased to provide further updates on rina's development and the impact of our programs. Despite facing the loss of her biological mother during the year, rina continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and determination in overcoming challenges associated with her condition. Recurrent seizures and chronic pain resulting from severe scoliosis persist, yet rina's courage, buoyed by the support she receives, empowers her to navigate these hurdles with grace. Nutritional interventions have yielded promising results, with rina's overall health showing improvement through carefully tailored dietary plans and targeted supplementation. Enhanced vitality, weight gain, and improved recovery from past nutritional setbacks reflect the positive impact of these interventions on rina's well-being. Additionally, personalized care and skincare routines have been implemented to maintain rina's comfort and promote overall health. The enlistment of a dedicated aide has further enhanced the quality of life for rina and her caregivers, providing vital support in the face of ongoing challenges. We extend heartfelt gratitude to all our supporters for their unwavering dedication to rina's journey, particularly during the challenging period following her mother's passing. Your compassion and commitment provide rina with hope, comfort, and belonging, underscoring the transformative impact of our programs in the lives of those we serve. As we reflect on the past year, we remain deeply committed to our mission of providing holistic care and support to individuals like rina, empowering them to lead fulfilling lives despite adversity. With your continued support, we look forward to furthering our impact and creating positive change in the communities we serve.joseline - joselin's story with Mae began when a friend invited her to one of our church services here in El Salvador. At that time, she was a shy, quiet, timid 7th grader with a big heart. In 2016, she was presented with a life-changing opportunity to study at a school in the united states. Through our support and guidance, joselin embraced this opportunity and embarked on a journey of growth and learning. We are thrilled to report that joselin graduated high school in 2022 and subsequently pursued her passion for graphic design at milligan university. As of 2023, joselin is in her second year at the university, where she continues to excel academically, earning good grades and actively participating in campus life. Throughout her educational journey, Mae has remained steadfast in our support for joselin. We provide ongoing tuition assistance to alleviate financial burdens and ensure she can focus on her studies. Additionally, our organization offers emotional and spiritual support, guiding joselin through the challenges and triumphs of college life. Joselin's success is a testament to her resilience, determination, and the unwavering support of our ministry and its supporters. As she continues to pursue her dreams and build a brighter future, we are honored to stand alongside her every step of the way.

Sports outreach: in 2023, our sports outreach program continued to serve as a catalyst for transformation in the lives of at-risk youth, harnessing the power of athletics to foster personal growth and spiritual development. Through our dedication to intertwining the love of sports with the love of christ, we witnessed the profound impact of our program on the journey of the youth we serve. Our efforts were exemplified by the achievements of our running, softball, and soccer teams, each contributing to the holistic development of our participants.-running: our running club, united in purpose, participated in four road races throughout the year, showcasing their commitment to physical fitness and perseverance. These endeavors not only strengthened their physical endurance but also instilled valuable life skills such as discipline, perseverance, and a growth mindset.-soccer: our spirited soccer team, fueled by passion and camaraderie, participated in two tournaments, demonstrating their skills and unity on the field. Through invigorating practices and competitive matches, our young athletes embraced the values of sportsmanship, determination, and teamwork.-softball: our weekly softball practices and family softball days provided opportunities for skill development and community-building among our participants. These gatherings fostered a sense of belonging and camaraderie, nurturing valuable relationships both on and off the field.in total, our sports outreach program engaged 71 different youth throughout the year, providing them with opportunities for personal growth, mentorship, and spiritual guidance. As we look ahead to the future, we remain committed to leveraging the transformative power of sports to reach and empower at-risk youth, guiding them to become responsible leaders within their communities.