Mayan Mothers & Fathers
Mayan Mothers & Fathers
Food & Care Program
Your generous donation directly supports elderly and at-risk Mayan women and men in Santa Cruz La Laguna, providing urgent food relief and essential care.
100% of donations go directly to those in need.
Founded in 2020 by Villa Sumaya, this initiative began after recognizing that elderly women—widows and mothers with little or no income—were often overlooked by existing nonprofits. We later expanded our efforts to include elderly men as well.
Our approach is simple and impactful:
🥬 Every donation goes toward purchasing fresh vegetables, eggs, and chicken for the most vulnerable elders in our community. We provide this food care 52 weeks of the year, ensuring consistent nourishment and reliable support.
Additionally, we offer three special holiday distributions each year, during which all 44 members receive expanded food bags featuring an extra seasonal fruit treat to honor the celebration with warmth and dignity.
🤝 We also employ a local single mother, fluent in the Mayan language, who identifies beneficiaries, manages weekly purchasing logistics, and ensures smooth, dignified distribution each Saturday. She is our only paid employee outside of our medical translator and chaperone for medical visits. All other administration is covered by the Villa Sumaya team.
Program Highlights:
Food Distribution & Community Support
✅In 2022, we expanded from feeding 7 women weekly to 22 elderly individuals every Saturday at the Santa Cruz market.
✅ Early morning food purchases support the local Santa Cruz economy and allow for swift, respectful distribution in front of the town’s century-old church.
Home-Care Essentials
✅ We have provided 38 mattresses, 44 blankets, 44 sets of sheets, and 4 wooden bed frames to improve living conditions for 42 women and 2 men in the program.
Vision Care & Medical Access
✅ Since November 2024, our program has facilitated eye exams and follow-up care resulting in:
- 15 successful cataract surgeries
- 10 pairs of prescription glasses
- Ongoing glaucoma medication for 2 individuals
We continue to coordinate additional medical and vision care, along with necessary follow-up, as needs arise.
Mobility, Independence & Special Equipment
✅ In October 2025, we acquired a specialized positioning wheelchair for a severely disabled child in our pueblo. Technicians delivered the chair and trained the family, creating newfound independence and daily comfort.
✅ In October 2025, we acquired a specialized positioning wheelchair for a severely disabled child in our pueblo. Technicians delivered the chair and trained the family, creating newfound independence and daily comfort.
Goals for Late 2024 – Early 2025
🔆 Solar Lanterns with Phone-Charging Stations
Electricity outages are common in the Santa Cruz area. We aim to provide every elder with a durable solar lantern to ensure nighttime safety and communication access.
🔥 Eco-Stove Repairs and Replacements
We plan to repair or install new fuel-efficient stoves for at least eight elders whose current stoves are broken or unsafe.
Your kindness nourishes more than bodies—it restores dignity, comfort, and hope.
** If you’d like to gift $100 or more and need the 501(c)(3) receipt, please email reservations@villasumaya.com for instructions.
