September 2025 marks the 11th year of Friendship Bridge’s Health for Life program, which provides preventive health care to thousands of impoverished, indigenous women in rural Guatemala. Mobile clinics are staffed by medical providers who speak the regional languages and understand the local traditions and values. They provide services like diabetes screening, blood pressure checks, pap smears, family planning information, breast exams and education addressing generations of cultural taboos surrounding women’s health.
Established in 1998, Friendship Bridge provides micro-credit loans, support and education to help women start and grow small businesses thereby creating livable conditions for themselves and their families in their home country. Their’s is a wholistic approach including mentoring to teach and sustain business practices, and fostering community connections. The loan repayment rate exceeds 98%! It’s a lot more than just making loans, and accessible health care is an essential piece! Why women? Studies show that women consistently direct their money toward their families and communities.
Additionally, this is our opportunity to re-visit our own health priorities in support!
Personally, I will commit to:
- Engaging in some energetic physical activity daily.
- Strength training twice a week.
- Mobility, flexibility and balance practice (yoga for instance) at least 3 days/week.
- Meditation daily.
Please join me in making your own commitment to yourself and in helping fund the work of FB. The goal for our Genesee Circle is to raise $3000 during September, and all donations will be matched through the end of this year! Additionally, our circle will continue raising funds for HFL throughout this year and next by donating fees generated by on-going yoga classes for our members.
Please share this with anyone who might like to support this important work. It’s about human dignity, eliminating poverty and contributing to world peace.
