From September 15 to October 15 we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time dedicated to honoring the rich cultures and significant contributions of the Hispanic and Latino communities. This month recognizes the profound impact these communities have had on the history, culture, and society of the United States and beyond, from important advocacy work and vibrant art to beloved culinary traditions and more.
While we celebrate these contributions, it’s essential to acknowledge that many individuals and families in Hispanic and Latino communities still face systemic barriers. With greater support — whether through funding, donations, or other resources — more people can access the opportunities they need and deserve to pursue their dreams, contribute to the rich tapestry of their culture, and thrive.
Here’s a look at what some of our charity partners — Accion, Children International, FINCA, Food For The Poor, and Heifer International — are doing to empower Hispanic and Latino communities across the globe. Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by supporting these charities in your workplace giving campaign.
Accion
Ten years ago, Arminda Rioja was selling meals to people waiting at bus stops near her home in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Encouraged by her customers to open a restaurant, she faced challenges, such as lacking a storefront, chairs, and tables. Accion understands the difficulties informal operations face in scaling up. With a loan from BancoSol, Arminda was able to purchase the materials she needed, open her restaurant, and support her family.
Accion is a global nonprofit on a mission to create a fair and inclusive economy for the nearly 2 billion people underserved by the global financial system. By developing responsible financial solutions for small business owners, smallholder farmers, and women, Accion ensures that more people have the opportunities and tools they need to build a secure future.
Children International
In the small town of Copán Ruinas along the border of Guatemala, it is common for children to drop out of school to help provide or take care of their families. Ada and her two sisters were among these children who sacrificed their educations to earn extra income. When Ada turned 18, she enrolled in the bar and restaurant track of Into Employment, a program run by Children International.
With the help of the program, Ada will be able to complete high school and get a job. She dreams of having her own business and a little house one day. The Into Employment program in Honduras supports children and young people by providing them the opportunity to learn essential skills. Now, Ada will be able to finish her education and pursue her dreams.
FINCA International
For 35 years, Paula Calabay has supported her family in Guatemala by weaving, thanks to loans from FINCA. For Paula, weaving is not just a job; it’s a means of expressing artistic beauty as well as securing a better future for herself, her family, and her community. Weaving has always been part of her family’s tradition. She learned from her grandmother and mother and now her daughters are learning to weave themselves
FINCA helped Paula expand her business, which produces high-quality, handmade fabrics, and gave her the opportunity to dream beyond survival. Today, Paula maintains an impressive business overseeing eight employees who do piece work from their own homes. FINCA has made it possible for Paula’s specially embroidered products to be found around the country’s tourist markets as well as exported to the United States and Mexico for sale.
Guatemala, the most populous country in Latin America, faces deep economic challenges. Over half the population lives below the poverty line, with 13% in extreme poverty. By providing working capital to low-income families since 1989, FINCA is helping more people — like Paula — turn their talents and hard work into lasting success.
Food For The Poor
Food For The Poor partnered with Caritas del Peru to help 152 rural farmers increase their revenues from selling milk from their livestock and other dairy products. Rising numbers of families in Peru live in multidimensional poverty due to the convergence of COVID-19, conflict, and climate change.
Herlinda, a dairy farmer in Peru, shared that her family’s production is set to improve thanks to the generosity of FFTP donors. Initially, they struggled due to a lack of infrastructure to process their products. Now, Herlinda’s family and other farmers have enhanced the quality and quantity of their dairy products, allowing them to reach local markets more effectively.
Heifer International
Yazmin grew up in Tixhualatun, Mexico, where limited opportunities forced her to leave her family’s hometown to work in the hotels of Cancun. However, when Heifer International began working in her community, Yazmin saw an opportunity to return home. With the skills and support she received, Yazmin and her husband started their own farm.
Through Heifer’s Milpa for Life project, Yazmin received 50 egg-laying hens and has since quadrupled her corn production. Her growing income from selling eggs and corn has not only helped her support her family, but has also strengthened her hometown by providing food for her community. Stories like Yazmin’s highlight the impact of empowering rural farmers, especially during National Hispanic Heritage Month, as we celebrate the contributions of Hispanic individuals to their communities and beyond.
By providing greater support and resources, we can empower even more individuals and communities to contribute to the vibrant cultures and economies of Hispanic and Latino people. Become a global champion for Hispanic and Latino culture in your workplace today by donating to these charities. Together, we can help remove barriers and create opportunities for everyone to thrive.
