Stephanie Clark
HopeChest and Greater Calling Ambassador
Advocating for Guatemala Leadership Development Programs
I remember the day I received the letter from the little girl I was sponsoring through HopeChest. Her name was Maria, and she lived in the La Chuchilla community in Guatemala. Her words were simple but powerful, expressing her gratitude for my support and sharing her hopes and dreams for the future.
As I read her letter, something shifted inside me. I realized that my small contribution was making a real difference in this child’s life. But I also knew that there were so many more children like Maria who needed help. A few months later, I had the opportunity to visit the La Chuchilla CarePoint through HopeChest. I was excited to meet Maria and see firsthand the impact of my sponsorship. But as I walked through the community, I saw the overwhelming need that existed there. Children were living in poverty, without access to clean water, food, or education.
It was a heartbreaking experience, but it also fueled a fire within me. That’s when I discovered the Guatemala Leadership Development Program – a transformative initiative that empowers emerging youth leaders with skills to bring positive change in their communities through financial stewardship and active leadership. This program offers young adults the opportunity to grow physically, spiritually, and emotionally while transforming their communities.
Inspired and driven to do more, I shared my experience with friends and family, organized a fundraiser, and became an ambassador for HopeChest. As an ambassador, I advocate for leadership in Guatemala, raise awareness, and support HopeChest’s mission. This journey has been incredible, and I am grateful for the experiences that led me to this path!
My goal is to:
- Raise $10,000 through fundraising efforts to support the Guatemala Leadership Program
- Organize a team of volunteers to travel to Guatemala and spend a week working alongside students at the Leadership Development Program
- Foster partnerships with local organizations and businesses to provide more resources and opportunities for the program’s participants by securing partnerships with at least two local businesses
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Stephanie Clark is a fifth grade teacher and HopeChest friend to a child at La Cuchilla CarePoint in Guatemala. Stephanie was first introduced to the ministry of Children’s HopeChest in 2010 through Harvest Community Church. When she’s not shuttling kids, you can find her leading worship at her church, getting lost in a good book, or adventuring with her husband in the great outdoors around their home of Asheville, North Carolina.
More about Children's HopeChest
HopeChest works in multiple areas of community transformation to understand and address the underlying problems that cause poverty. We’ve identified these this concept as the “Twelve Areas of Transformation.” Learn more about the 12 Areas of Transformation.
HopeChest takes new partners on Vision Trips to see the impact first-hand. Are you curious about the experiences one can have on a HopeChest Vision Trip? In a recent blog post, Sally explains the life-changing moments that were encountered during the Vision Trip in Uganda and Ethiopia in Fall 2022. Read the January 24, 2023 blog.
Make long-term plans for your giving and change the lives of children around the world, while benefiting you and your family for years to come. There are numerous ways to be involved in changing lives that do not require cash donations. Learn more about Planned Giving options.
Join an upcoming Vision Trip so you can see and experience the power of the innovative HopeChest model. These trips are not only breathtaking, but will give you hope as your worldview is altered in wonderful ways! There are several upcoming travel opportunities and multiple trips that will feature Leadership Development Programs.
