It’s Not an Impossible Dream

International Samaritan’s founders were shocked when they visited a dumpsite in Guatemala. With this shock a dream arose: to help people who were picking through trash at the dump.

That mission reached us here in Villa Guadalupe. Our scholars all have the dream of studying, graduating, and pursuing a career. It is an incredible dream and one that many other people have taken on as their own, which turns the dream into an achievable goal. Through this support, we can see how powerful dreams are and that if we share them with the right people, we can achieve much more than we expected. 

Here in Villa Guadalupe, it’s not just the scholars’ dreams, but it is often the dreams of the parents that are being fulfilled in their children. The parents of our scholars are often just trying to survive. But they want more for their kids.

I tell the Samaritan Scholars here that if you have a dream, fight to achieve it. We invite our scholars, and you, to put dreams in the hands of God. Write your ideas on paper and share them with people who support you. Little by little, you will be able to cross off your accomplishments and look back on all you have achieved. 

International Samaritan’s dream to break the cycle of poverty for people living and working in garbage dumps was so beautiful and incredible that it impacted and motivated more people, like you, to fulfill it. Over time, more and more people have joined the cause and have helped thousands of people around the world.

We’re so grateful,
Norman

A note from Mike: 

It’s true: this dream isn’t impossible. You can help break the cycle of poverty and give children hope and a new future. Please make a gift today.

When you donate before the end of the year, your gift will be matched dollar for dollar (up to a total of $180,000!) by one of our longest-serving board members who knows the difference scholarships make.

Make a gift today and double your impact. Your support is changing lives for students around the world. Thank you for being part of this mission.

International Samaritan is a Christ-centered organization built on Catholic Social Teaching. Our mission is to walk hand-in-hand with people who live and work in the garbage dumps of developing nations to help them break out of poverty.

We provide holistic scholarships for students from kindergarten through college, and we’re currently supporting nearly 1,000 scholars in Central America, the Caribbean, and East Africa.

Would your church or school group like to partner and travel with us? Learn about our Learn, Serve, Grow program.

Empower our scholars to change their lives. Become a monthly supporter.

Norman Velásquez, Program Director

Norman is a clinical psychologist with a 17-year career in the educational and sports field. He has worked with various academic institutions and non-governmental organizations, leaving a significant mark in the development of programs and projects focused on people’s well-being. He is married to Neydi, another clinical psychologist, and they have a daughter, Jalana. Norman says his family is his greatest source of inspiration. In addition to his passion for human development, Norman enjoys singing and playing the guitar.