Mayan Families is a small non-profit group operating in the Highlands of Guatemala. We live and work in the Lake Atitlan region.
We operate a variety of programs as a comprehensive approach to give a hand up to needy Maya people and the communities in which they live. The work of Mayan Families is supported completely through donations, which are tax deductible in the U.S.
Mayan Families was founded by Patricia Mort, Sharon Smart-Poage and Dwight Poage. They have been living and working with the Maya indigenous communities of the Atitlan region of Guatemala for over twenty years.
Who we are: Patti, a mother of two and a grandmother to five, has lived in Panajachel for the past 22 years. She is a well-known member of the community and a successful businesswoman. Her business, Casa Alegre, has been in operation for 20 years. A devoted animal lover, Patti lives with her 2 dogs and 4 cats, all rescued animals.
Sharon, originally from Australia, met her husband Dwight in Guatemala. Together they lived in Panajachel from 1987-1995, where they worked with indigenous co-operatives, manufacturing and exporting clothing, textiles and handicrafts.
After adopting their daughter Zoe, Sharon and Dwight moved back to the United States but kept their close ties to the indigenous community through school sponsorship and frequent visits. In 2004, Sharon and Zoe moved back to Guatemala and adopted their second daughter, Aleeya. Sharon, Zoe and Aleeya shared their home with numerous rescued dogs and a cat.
Due to career commitments, Dwight remained in San Diego to help raise funds and manage many Mayan Families business affairs. In August 2009, Dwight moved permanently to Guatemala to be with his family and continue the great work of Mayan Families.
We began is a small way in 2004. In 2005 hurricane Stan attacked the Lake Atitlan region and the effects were enormous. Many lives and homes were destroyed. Countless people survived with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Because of the overwhelming devastation, Sharon, Patti, and Dwight decided to formalize their personal commitments and thus Mayan Families was formed.
After Hurricane Stan, there existed a massive amount of need within Panajachel and other indigenous communities surrounding the lake area. Both Sharon and Patti were committed to seeking solutions. They embarked upon fundraisers seeking support from the local regions and other countries, as well. Donations began coming in and eventually they were able to hire a small staff of indigenous locals to help.
In 2006 they met Bonnie who initiated and continues to moderate the Mayan Families Connections Yahoo group, an information web site for a growing community of donors and sponsors.
Many other enthusiastic people also started actively helping Mayan Families. Needed skills and energetic support came together and grew to help impoverished people get a hand up, and help them to develop their communities and villages.
In June 2007, Mayan Families acquired its Official 501.c.3 Declaration from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Mayan Families is now a formally recognized non-profit organization, which provides assistance and opportunities to people in need through nutrition, education, health, construction, and other valuable services.
