March 20, 2025 – The world feels especially complicated right now. Safe Passage and Guatemala may feel far for many of you, but we are stunningly sure at this moment in human history that our work and our community are globally tied. 

As so much work in International Development on a large scale is paused or stopped, grassroots organizations that work within and are led by communities are vital to a stable, healthy, loving world. For 25 years, Safe Passage’s transformational impact has been made possible by caring individuals from around the world, from all walks of life, and varying beliefs. We were not recently funded by USAID (although we have received small USAID grants in the past and were hoping to in the future), but anticipate downstream impacts to our funding, including more competitive grant cycles and some donors who will need to reduce or end support. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried about funding our mission and sustaining our vital work in Guatemala.

We haven’t always been explicit about it, but Safe Passage works at the root causes of migration from Guatemala, giving students and families the holistic education, tools, and opportunities needed to break cycles of poverty, create better opportunities, and not have to migrate. Safe Passage’s success means that students and families can live here in Guatemala with dignity, opportunity, and security – exactly what every family in the world wants and deserves.   

Safe Passage is strong, and our work is so impactful because for over 25 years, smart, loving, creative, and generous people from Guatemala, the United States, and around the world have come together to build something beautiful and intentional.

I invite you to help us continue expanding our network of support through your friends and connections. In a complicated world, this community and this opportunity to do good work together is a gift. Thank you for your solidarity and continued support.