09/24/2015
Coming soon - handmade coffee bean jewelry straight from the Elder Bead Shop in Solola, Guatemala! Some of you may remember our Guatemalan Solola coffee, one of my favorites.
This jewelry is fair trade and supports an amazing cause! Here's some info on the Elder Center -
Elder Center Mission: to provide medical, nutritional, and emotional support for Santiago Atitlan´s Elders in need.
The Elder Project, which was founded by Chonita Sojuel, began in 1997 in order to provide basic necessities to many Elders in Santiago. Inspired
by her son, Chonita founded the project due to the vast need of many elders, mostly women and many of whom had lost their husbands during
the civil war. At the onset of the program, twenty elders were provided with a small supply of basic necessities once a year.
“Sharing the Dream in Guatemala", a US 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Vermillion, South Dakota, became involved with
the Elder Center after its founder met Chonita. Because both women shared a similar vision they started working together to expand the Elder Project.
Currently, the Santiage Elder Center provides support for 50+ elders. Due to the fact that Guatemala does not have social programs for the Elderly,
many of the Elderly in Santiago resort to begging on the streets for food. Before being admitted into the Elder Center program, each Elder must go
through an interview process in order to determine whether or not he/she truly needs the support of the program.
After admittance into the program, the Elders visit the Center three times a week where they receive a hot meal and vitamins. Many of the Elders
take their meals home in order to have food for the following day. They are also provided medical care through a paid agreement with the local
hospital. In addition, as funds permit, activities are planned for the Elders for holidays. As the center grows, the goal is to provide meals every day
of the week as well as to build a center, rather than rent.
The Santiago Elder Center is funded by generous donations of many friends around the world and friends of "Sharing the Dream in Guatemala" along
with the profit from the sale of the Elder Bead Shop Jewelry.
I'll have necklaces and bracelets up for purchase. Great gifts for the holidays! There will be a limited supply so reserve now if you'd like. Have a great day!
