A Journey of Hope
Since its inception in 1992, ImpactHope, formerly Missionary Ventures Canada, has grown from humble beginnings in Guatemala to a global organization impacting 12 countries. From education and school-building projects in remote areas to supporting locally led initiatives, we’ve experienced a transformative journey, shaped by lessons learned over three decades of service.
Inspired by the principles outlined in When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert, we have reflected on the ways we can best support communities in need. Here are three key things we’ve learned, and three important shifts we’ve made to enhance our approach.
What is done in love, is done well.
What We’ve Learned
- Helping Is About Empowerment, Not Dependency: Early in our work, we believed providing material resources was enough to uplift communities. However, we’ve since realized that true transformation comes when we empower local leaders and communities to take ownership of their own development. Instead of creating dependency, our focus is now on providing the tools and resources that enable communities to build their futures sustainably.
- Effective Aid Requires Listening and Partnership: When Helping Hurts emphasizes the importance of listening to local voices. We’ve learned that our initial assumptions about what’s needed in a community can be incomplete or misguided. Through deeper engagement with local leaders, we’ve come to understand the unique challenges each community faces. By partnering with them, we ensure that projects align with their vision and priorities.
- Sustainability Is Key to Long-Term Success: Over the years, we’ve learned that short-term solutions rarely lead to lasting change. Our initial focus on providing immediate relief has shifted toward investing in long-term, sustainable solutions. This includes supporting education, vocational training, and income-generating projects that equip communities to thrive independently.
What We’re Doing Differently
- Supporting Local Leadership: In the past, our fundraising efforts revolved around short-term mission teams, who provided valuable labour and resources. Today, we’ve shifted to a model where we support locally-led projects. The teams participate in and support what the locals are already doing. As a result, we want to invest more in their leadership development and encourage them to create plans that align with immediate and long-term goals.
- Fostering Holistic and Contextualized Solutions: We are more mindful of the broader cultural, spiritual, and economic contexts in which we work. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, we encourage holistic project implementation, focusing on physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This reflects When Helping Hurts’s call for culturally sensitive, holistic solutions that honour the dignity of each individual.
- Strengthening Accountability and Crisis Response: One of the most important lessons we’ve learned is the need for solid accountability structures. We’ve improved our crisis management and reporting processes to ensure greater transparency and protect the communities we serve. Whether through better financial oversight or safeguarding policies, we aim to provide aid responsibly and ethically.
Looking Ahead
At ImpactHope, we continue to grow and adapt as we serve in diverse regions worldwide. We believe we can make a more profound and more lasting impact by remaining committed to empowering communities, fostering partnerships, and promoting sustainability.
We are grateful for the trust and support of our donors, volunteers, and partners, and we remain steadfast in our mission to spread hope, uplift lives, and share the Good News with respect and love.
