Dear Friends,
Birthdays, religious holidays, and New Years are times marked by reflection and resolution.
We imagine what feels ideal, weigh it against what’s practical, and sometimes conclude that who we are—flaws and all—isn’t so bad after all.
As we begin a new school year at Neighbors to Nicaragua, we’re energized by new goals, new team members, and new ways to strengthen our mission.
But above all, we marvel at one thing: the impulse to do good is very much alive—in us, in our donors, and in those we serve.
And that is enough.
We’re deeply grateful for your partnership, generosity, and faith in our work.
Warmest regards,
Chuck
Financial News Report
Neighbors to Nicaragua is honored to share financial news on two fronts:
#1 – Our End-of-the-Year Appeal
Our 2025 annual appeal total was $41,689.71.
This level of giving among our donors represents a 30.76% increase.
Our deepest thanks to our donors, from us and from our recipients. Your generosity through our two annual appeals and monthly sponsorships continues to grow our mission and change many lives.
#2 – The Matt Haley Foundation
Matt Haley, a beloved friend to many and respected Southern Delaware restaurateur, passed away in 2014. A trip to Nepal to support a friend’s mission and the sponsoring of a child sparked a lasting commitment to philanthropy.
Through his SoDel (Southern Delaware) restaurant group, he helped establish the Matt Haley Foundation to carry that work forward.
The Matt Haley Foundation has played a vital role in sustaining and growing our mission. This December, we were grateful to receive a generous grant that will help support our work through 2026. We are thankful for the Foundation’s continued trust and encouragement.
If you visit Southern Delaware, we encourage you to enjoy one of SoDel’s outstanding restaurants. Matt’s TED Talk, delivered in Wilmington in 2014—just two weeks before his tragic accident in India—offers a lasting glimpse into his values and vision.
Welcome Mariangeles Zambrana López
Neighbors to Nicaragua is excited to welcome Mariangeles (Marian) to our team! A recent graduate in Educational Pedagogy, Marian joins us as our very first school principal—a milestone we’re proud to celebrate.
She’s already making an impact by strengthening our registration, attendance, and discipline processes, building strong communication networks among teachers and administrators, and being present each day to support and coach teachers, students, and parents.
Her leadership marks an exciting new chapter for our school, and we’re delighted to have her as part of the N-2-N family.
What happens “in the meantime”?
Some friends ask what happens to the neediest in our community between school years.
While our staff deserves a break, hunger doesn’t wait.
Before the year ends, Neighbors to Nicaragua spends thousands on “canasta básicas” – baskets of rice, beans, oil, pasta, and more – to help the elderly and most vulnerable sustain themselves until we return next week.
Thanks to the young men who assemble the baskets and to Isabel for directing distribution.
Ready…Set…and tomorrow, we GO!
Our staff has been hard at work this week registering our students for this year.
Many of them also attend public schools but can’t afford basic school supplies. We have them covered.
I look forward to traveling and to being with our friends in class on February 16th. We’ll keep you posted on news from Nicaragua.
Stay warm!
Since we are beginning a new school year, we’ll have an updated sponsorship report in February. Thanks!
Monthly Sponsorship Report
Good news continues! We’re up 2%!
It costs $1,769 per year to educate and to provide nourishment for each student in our program.
As of now, we have 76 generous sponsors contributing $70/month ($840/year) — to support of our 95 amazing students.
✅ OUR CURRENT SPONSORSHIP RATE IS UP!! from 78% last month to 80%…THANK YOU
Our goal at Neighbors to Nicaragua is to match every student with a dedicated sponsor, ensuring they receive daily meals and a quality education.
A heartfelt thank you to all our current sponsors, our partners — and to those considering joining this life-changing mission.
Together, we’re making a difference!
