St. Stephen’s has supported Guatemala Youth Initiative since 2019

We were introduced to this work by a member of our congregation, Sophie Swallow. Sophie, then a student at Middlebury College, is now the Program Director at Guatemala Initiative and is a member of the Episcopal Young Adult Service Corps.

Sophie Swallow

 

“GYI reaches thousands of youth per year. We work in partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Guatemala, providing services alongside the church in the capital city. I am currently a member of the Young Adult Service Corps of the National Episcopal Church. Check out the GYI website! ”, Sophie.

www.iniciativaguatemala.org

Guatemala Youth Initiative is focused on reducing unplanned teen pregnancy and promoting early childhood development in communities with some of the highest rates of teen pregnancy in Latin America. Teen pregnancy makes it extremely difficult for youth to improve their life circumstances as they experience accelerated adulthood without the chance to finish developing themselves.

  • Peer to Peer Sex Education

    Our expansion into Puberty Education has given our Youth Leaders another outlet to empower their community. Our youth leaders know better than anyone what information preadolescents in their community need, and they're making sure that those needs are met.

  • Changing Lives

    Demand for our contraceptive clinic, in partnership with WINGS Guatemala, has continued to rise over the past 4 years.

  • Supporting Pregnant Teens

    At the Pregnancy Preparation training classes expectant teens learn about breastfeeding, birth, developmental milestones, birth control and so much more!

  • Serving Our Community

    In the communities around the landfill in Guatemala City, our programs promote the well being of youth and children. We provide comprehensive sexual education and youth leadership. We offer free access to contraceptive services. We welcome young mothers and their babies as they grow and learn together. Together, these programs let youth know that they can count on us as they navigate adolescence, sexuality, and parenthood.