Loving Arms / Guatemala
Break the Cycle of Poverty. Build a Future of Hope.
Transforming communities in Guatemala through education, nutrition, and sustainable economic opportunity.
2,000+
Children, youth and adults reached since 2005.
Guatemalan leadership
Working with communities in Parramos and San Andrés Itzapa.
2005 · The first visit. 2007 · Registered in Canada.
The story behind the mission
From a Single Vision to a Lifesaving Movement
In 2005, founder Linda Coghlin traveled to Guatemala and witnessed both deep poverty and extraordinary resilience. Moving beyond short-term volunteering, Loving Arms became a registered Canadian charity in 2007.
Today, we have reached more than 2,000 since 2005, including children, youth, and adults across Parramos and San Andrés Itzapa, through access to education, healthcare, and sustainable income programs.
The founder’s original vision lives on through a vibrant Guatemalan leadership team, dedicated local workers, passionate volunteers, and generous donors worldwide who believe every child deserves a brighter future.
Key pillars of impact / 01
Education That Changes Everything
At Colegio Cristiano Esperanza, education goes beyond the classroom. From Junior Kindergarten through Grade 9—plus ongoing support through high school—students receive the tools they need to break generational cycles:
$60 / month
Your Impact: $60/month sponsors a student’s tuition, food, and transport for an entire year.
Quality Education
Rigorous academic instruction authorized by the Guatemalan Ministry of Education.
Daily Nutrition
Wholesome meals so no child learns on an empty stomach.
Safe Transportation
Secure travel to and from school every day.
Holistic Care
A nurturing environment where every student is valued.
Key pillars of impact / 02
Empowering Families at the Centre of Hope
Since 2013, our Centre of Hope in San Andrés Itzapa has served as a community hub for local mothers and leaders. Through practical workshops, life-skills training, and business mentorship, parents gain the resources and confidence needed to build stable, self-sufficient households.
Key pillars of impact / 03
Sustainable Income-Generating Co-operatives
Charity provides relief today. Economic opportunity secures tomorrow. We partner with local families through community-led co-operatives:
Dairy Products Co-operative
A self-sustaining business delivering skills training, local employment, and fresh milk.
Chicken Co-operative
Direct economic empowerment for community members to earn independent incomes and nourish their families.
Your Impact: Sustainable funding helps seed new co-ops and supply equipment to expanding family businesses.
Relief + long-term solutions
Dual Approach: Relief + Long-Term Solutions
Short-Term Support (Hope Today)
01 / Food Distribution Program
02 / Targeted Nutrition Programs for growing children
03 / Immediate Medical Support & basic health care
Long-Term Solutions (Opportunity Tomorrow)
01 / Self-Sustaining Co-ops generating permanent community income
02 / Capacity-Building Workshops at the Centre of Hope
03 / Full JK–9 Education & High School Mentorship for long-term growth
Make an Impact Today
Every donation directly powers real growth in Guatemala. Choose how you want to transform a life today:
Sponsor a Child
Provide daily education, nutrition, and safe transport.
Support a Family
Food distribution, mental health support and medical assessments.
Empower a Mother
Fund small business training and co-op startup costs.
Child sponsorship
$60 child sponsorship includes education, nutrition, mental health care and medical assessments.
Loving Arms Charitable Corporation Registration No. 83310 4359 RR0001
Centro Esperanza ONG Registration No. 51050625199181