Who We Are

About us 

Seeds of Help Foundation is a private not-for-profit organization that provides grassroots-level assistance to improve the lives of people in developing nations through educational programs and construction projects. Currently, Seeds of Help Foundation serves 12 remote communities in a department (region) known as Huehuetenango, located in the western highlands of Guatemala where families survive by subsistence farming. 

Here in the department of Huehuetenango, our organization concentrates its efforts on working with women’s groups. We believe that women – the central-binding force of the family unit – possess the greatest potential to make positive changes for future generations. Through these women’s groups and our custom-designed development programs, we teach about family planning, health and nutrition, medicinal herbs; hold cooking classes to introduce alternative cooking methods and recipes; and help in coordinating school development and community organization.  When funding is available, Seeds of Help also undertakes construction projects such as the building of the appropriate technology shower, the appropriate technology stove, small ovens, water tanks, irrigation tanks, latrines and water pumps.  

Our mission statement  

Seeds of Help Foundation provides assistance to help improve the lives of people in developing nations. 

The story behind how Seeds began 

In 1998, Walter Able graduated from Purdue University with a B.A. in Anthropology. The recent graduate sought a role where he could build upon his anthropological studies while utilizing his extensive background in history and agriculture. He turned to the Peace Corps organization, which offered him the opportunity to combine these skills and help others. Walter joined and was assigned to his location: Guatemala.  

For the next two years, Walter lived in the western highlands and oversaw a program focusing on integrated pest management – organic agriculture and pest control – in a village tucked away high up in the Cuchumantanes Mountains. From wiring electricity to a village atop the mountains to building greenhouses so the locals could sustain certain foods year-round, Walter became familiar with the needs of these small, remote communities.  

In 2000 when his two-year contract with the Peace Corps expired, Walter devised a plan to continue helping this area progress long after his departure. It was then that the Seeds of Help Foundation was created. 

Members and staff

The work of Seeds of Help is made possible through the collective efforts and unwavering dedication of staff members and volunteers: 

Brenda Velasquez Del Cid - Director of Operations in Guatemala & Educator 
Roberto - Guatemalan Construction & Agriculture Supervisor 
Cecebel Velasquez Del Cid - Preschool Teacher & Aid  

Promoters - Currently, Seeds of Help Foundation has three promoters working with the adult literacy program.  

Volunteers - Since its inception, Seeds of Help Foundation has had numerous volunteers from countries around the globe that provide valuable aid to our vision.  

Peace Corps - Seeds of Help Foundation also works with Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs). All PCVs are U.S. citizens. For more information on the Peace Corps organization, visit http://www.peacecorps.gov/

Photos

seeds of help child seeds of help women '

guatemalan farmer guatemalan highlands