Nonprofits are a type of organization that work to support the poor and underserved in a community; to benefit the public in some way. The Juan Bautista Foundation is a nonprofit that organizes activities, house visits and food donations to families with underweight kids. Utz Nan is another nonprofit that coordinates monthly clubs for pregnant women, so they can get a nutritional supplement, a charla (educational session) and their prenatal checkups.
Lastly, there's me! I work with the Peace Corps, which placed me in Nueva Candelaria to support the needs of pregnant women, mothers of young children and children under the age of five. I help to lead trainings for parents and youth, fundraise for the health center, implement projects, visit families and more! When you all are older, you might consider applying for the Peace Corps and living in a community like me!
Despite these services, many community members struggle to meet their nutritional needs, take care of their teeth and receive all of their checkups. They might live really far from the health center (some have to hike more than an hour through the mountains), not have a car or be so busy working that they can't come in regularly.
Together, the health center, nonprofits and community members work to improve the health and wellbeing of everyone; from newborn babies and the elderly to the neighborhood dogs!
