Local Hope: Feel the Magic

Local Hope: Siente la Magia

The Weavers of San Martin

The Beginnings of Local Hope

Meet Luci and Juana, two generations of courageous Mayan women are breaking the cycle of abuse and poverty. (2015)

“Spanish School and Exploring Antigua and Service, San Martín” (June/July 2017) Volunteers of all ages came together to share their time and talents with those in need in the village of San Martín Chiquito and surrounding villages on this combination Spanish learning and service trip led by Sue Rikalo and Steve Kent. Thank you all for your loving service!

Xela AID’s first "Adventure-Service" trip with was launched with a bang. Led by Cliff Hague and long-time volunteer Shelby Churchill, along with service work in the village of San Martín Chiquito, the team tackled three volcanoes, including Tajumulco, the highest in Guatemala! The group was so moved by the plight of an orphaned family, that they took action to move them into rented quarters while "A Home for Julia" is being completed! Way to go group!

Xela AID’s first video, by filmmakers Adolfo Rudy Vargas and Rick Cass. This overview introduces to the challenges faced by the underserved of Guatemala and chronicles the first Xela AID group trip in the summer of 1993. Xela AID was founded December 15, 1992 and has introduced more than 2000 volunteers to service work in. It has invested approximately $9 million in sustainable community development and humanitarian aid.

This is the INTERCOM Award winning Jeff Joad and The Joads music video includes video footage shot in Guatemala by Emmy Award winning Director Rudy Vargas and videographer Rick Cass and features Jeff and the Joads on a humanitarian mission with the non-profit group Xela AID.

Emergency Response: Food is Life