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THE MISSION
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"Oneness" is Canadian based and offers the poor of Guatemala opportunities to escape the cycle of poverty which envelopes their lives.
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The primary focus of Oneness Through Service – Guatemala is the educational project, which is child- centered and activity-based. The purpose of this project is to replace traditional Guatemalan practices of long hours of copying, rote learning and memorization with self initiated, hands-on learning. Susan Schmaltz, co-founder of Oneness with her husband Richard, believes that a quality Early Childhood Education experience can change young minds forever, and give them aspirations and opportunities to succeed in life.
This educational program is called "Planting Seeds".
Susan and Richard have succeeded in a small but very significant way to further the goals of Oneness in Guatemala by their own extraordinary contributions and that of volunteers and donors who support their objectives. Volunteers, mainly from Ottawa and the Renfrew County in Ontario, but from other areas in Canada and U.S.A. as well, have traveled at their own expense to build the infrastructure needed to support the "Planting Seeds" educational project. While the focus of Oneness is imbued with Christian-like values and the tradition of sharing the burden of the poor, any person of any faith or philosophy is welcomed into the cadre of volunteers and supporters.
During the periods of time when Richard, Susan and the volunteers are in Guatemala they continue to be struck by the appalling abyss of poverty in which many of these fine, proud people exist. Though "Planting Seeds" is central to their work in Guatemala, they have also been led to exploring other avenues . . . technology. They have also been led them to explore other avenues of assistance such as building homes, providing food, water, medical and dental care and supporting traditional ways of earning a living with new technology.
Oneness represents the dedication of many people to make a difference in the lives of others in a defined place at a particular time. As a non-profit organization, it depends for its finances on the donations and fundraising efforts of those who support its mandate.
The Circle of Oneness
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In the Fall of 2010, a support Circle of Oneness was formed.
For eleven years, Richard and Susan Schmaltz have been traveling to Guatemala to serve the poor in a variety of endeavors. Most of their work has revolved around establishing child-centered education for underprivileged Guatemalan children, and care of the most vulnerable.
Though this work is very fulfilling, it is also taxing, and as the work has grown and projects expanded, they have had to spend more of their time doing “administrative work”. A group of 12 “service supporters” has now come together to take on some of this administrative work: newsletters, cards of thanks, production of a pamphlet, fundraising, and communications.
We are the Circle of Oneness, made up of individuals who have participated in Richard and Susan’s work, based in the Ottawa Valley and/or in Guatemala. Some of our Circle are retired educators, others retired from government and nursing, and all of us have been on Service Teams to Guatemala.
In the spring of 2011 we formed a partnership with Horizons of Friendship, a Canadian NGO based in Cobourg, ON, which coordinates projects throughout Mesoamerica. Our partnership will allow for expanded service of Oneness projects in Guatemala.
We are presently engaged in creating a Brochure which will help us to inform others of the ongoing work of “Oneness Through Service - Guatemala” and the generous contributions of donors for our Guatemalan brothers and sisters.
We are all committed to the poor of Guatemala, and to the work of Oneness. We hope that our work as a Circle will free-up Richard and Susan a little more for the valuable work they are called to do.
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April, 2011
Dear Friends and Supporters of ‘Oneness Through Service – Guatemala’
In our November letter we, The Circle of Oneness, informed you that we were in the process of forming a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) and acquiring a Charitable Status for the Oneness. After considerable research and deliberations, and in consultation with other NGOs, we are pleased to have formed an affiliation with Horizons of Friendship.
Horizons is a Canadian NGO based in Cobourg, ON. It was incorporated as a non-profit, charitable organization in 1973 and coordinates projects throughout Mesoamerica. Our partnership with Horizons will allow for expanded service of Oneness projects in Guatemala. For more information about Horizons check their website: www.horizons.ca
Since Christmas five members of the Circle have been to Guatemala: working at the Community House to provide hospitality for teams of service; helping with ‘Planting Seeds’ Educational work at Camino Seguro in Guatemala City and in Sacala los Lomas; engaging in research and dialogue to further the efforts toward the Sacala Well Project; and assisting Susan with assembling the materials needed by the teachers for all the classrooms that are part of the Planting Seeds Program. It never ceases to amaze and inspire us, to witness first-hand, the immeasurable dedication and passion that Susan and Richard have for our Guatemalan brothers and sisters.
During our time at the Community House Susan and Madeli, her assistant and translator, held a Teachers’ Training session. It was a special gift, indeed, to witness the camaraderie and enthusiasm that these teachers, from many regions in Guatemala, shared as they received valuable information that would help them to engage with the children who would one day move themselves and their families beyond the abject poverty that is part of their reality today.
Many of you have been in touch with us over the past few months wondering where to send your donations. We thank you for your continued desire to support “Oneness”. Thank you to all who contributed to ‘Change For Change’. We regret that, due to our transition from the Sisters of St. Joseph to our current NGO status, we were unable to provide you with receipts for your donations. We are truly moved by the knowledge that your love for the poor of Guatemala, and for the work being done through Oneness, is compensation in and of itself.
You can now receive receipts for your donations to “Oneness”. They are being processed through Horizons. If you are making a donation by cheque please make it out to Horizons of Friendship & in the memo section write “Oneness Through Service – Guatemala”. Donations can be sent directly to:
Horizons of Friendship
50 Covert St., P.O. Box 402
Cobourg, On K9A 4L1
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Or:
Dorothy Collins
101 B - 995 North River Rd.
Ottawa, ON K1K 3V5
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With deep gratitude,
Anita McGean – for The Circle of Oneness
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