Circle of Hope is a non-profit organization with a mission “to be a practical example of Christ’s love by empowering the women of Aceituno [Guatemala] to meet the needs of their families.”  It was founded by Mrs. Ferguson one and a half years ago.

 Aceituno is a village of approximately 4,000 located in south-central Guatemala.  In the early 60’s, small villages owned little pieces of land and raised livestock and crops to feed their families.  In order to increase their holdings and enlarge their sugar cane crops, a few wealthy landowners persuaded the government to send the army to seize the land from the local people.  In many of these villages, men fought to protect their land.  In this area 28 men lost their lives, nearly eliminating an entire generation of husbands and fathers.  Survivors fled to the hills living for months on what they could forage.  In time, they established the village of Aceituno.  For the next 30 years, guerilla militias prevented a stable government and kept the villagers of Aceituno living in fear.  Recently the government was stabilized and peace returned.  Sadly, the pattern of absentee men has continued to repeat.  Alcoholism is prevalent.  Domestic violence is both commonplace and rarely prosecuted.  Consequently, many single mothers have little means of support for their families.  Many of them care for their elderly as well as their young.  In this village the drinking water is contaminated, the shelter is marginal, and nutrition is poor.  Parasites and infection are prevalent. You can learn more about the village at Voice of a Mountain.

 Initially when Mrs. Ferguson went to Acientuno she was determined to find something to teach the local women that they could use to as a means income production for themselves.  The first step was teaching them to make beaded bracelets.  Over a few additional trips, Mrs. Ferguson taught them to sew and create bags and most recently children’s clothing (size 6m to 6y).  Everything they make is created with a goal of zero-waste in materials.  The cornerstone of this effort is to provide for these women and their families.  As such, 100% of the profits from the sales of these goods go to pay fair wages to the women, fund medical expenses, provide education and scholarships for their children, and provide the supplies necessary for them create their products.  In addition to learning a trade, the local women have been educated in hygiene, health, nutrition, parenting, and contraception.