2021 - A Year in Review
The legacy that began with Barry’s vision continues to shape and propel our mission–providing opportunities and empowerment to the marginalized in the little things that matter.
In 2021 Little Things Matter (LTM) continued to pursue opportunities that create well-being through small-scale, project-based investments in under-resourced Hispanic communities. We continued to focus on increasing well-being in the indigenous communities around San Miguel de Allende, Mexico–a place and a people that continue to inspire us and all that visit this beautiful community. Our projects encompass investments that support educational, spiritual, and physical well-being.
Since 2016, LTM Foundation has partnered with Ojalá Niños to provide after-school learning programs in this community where education is meager and reading levels are low. This year, we initiated Barry's Learning Garden, which includes an educational curriculum for children ages 3-12 and a rainwater harvesting system that will serve as a teaching tool for the community.
The curriculum covers the topics of nutrition and health, psychosocial, intellectual, and emotional development, agroecology and sustainability, through 26 learning activities that can be taught during the 4 seasons of the year. In the coming months, plans include; establishing chicken coops; building an integrated learning and community space; and, installing a playground area.
In addition to these project investments, we sponsor the children's chorus at La Biblioteca, San Miguel de Allende's public library. As a free activity, children have the opportunity to engage in music, learning and performing a repertory of sacred music, as well as traditional Mexican and Latin-American songs. The sense of community is at the core of the chorus of the Biblioteca, building friendships, developing musical skills, and engaging parents in supporting the outings as chaperones. It is such a pleasure to see these children singing together, happy and empowered.
Understanding the value education can bring to economically disadvantaged youth, Little Things Matter partnered with Jóvens Adelante to provide first-generation San Miguel de Allende youth scholarships. Lack of funds is the most significant barrier to entry to university education in Mexico. Scholarships open the door, and Jóvenes Adelante provides mentorship and support.
Marisol López Gonzalez, LTM scholarship student.
Since I was little, I have been a dreamer. It has not been easy, but I feel very proud of what I have achieved and what I am learning.
We also partnered with Mariposas Mexico to provide much-needed laptop kits to girls attending college in Puebla, Mexico– where many classes continue to be held virtually. Access to these tools allows girls to stay engaged and achieve greater academic success. In addition, Mariposas Mexico provides educational programs for young women from marginalized communities in Puebla, Mexico. Their programs empower girls and helps break the cycle of poverty caused by a lack of educational opportunities and limited access to educational services.
We continue to educate and equip a women's cooperative, Manos y Corazónes de Otomies, to help mothers in the rural Otomi community of San Miguel Viejo learn business and creative skills, build community, and provide economic opportunities. LTM Foundation then showcases these artisanal creations through Common Project Artisan Market. The women have made a range of products from colorful fiesta flowers in the Mexican tradition, delightful pom- pom wreaths, and ornaments to soy-based candles. Their income is significant in a community where the average household income is $425 per month.
Lastly, we partnered with a local non-profit, Bachman Lake Together, (BLT) to launch a new program, Learning is Everywhere. This program promotes early learning at home, increasing parents' confidence in engaging their children in early education with materials they already have around them. The Bachman Lake neighborhood identifies as 60% Hispanic, with over 90% of public school children qualifying for free or reduced lunch. In addition, about 37% of area kindergarteners, or 3,000 young children, do not meet kindergarten-readiness standards. BLT focuses on kindergarten readiness because of its outsized impact on education, income, and health outcomes. In addition, area families face many day-to-day challenges that naturally impact their children's education. These challenges include learning a different culture and a new language while earning an income sufficient to support their growing family.
“What matters more than ever to me is the meaning I find in the little things.” —Barry Annino
As we look forward to 2022, Little Things Matter continues to invest in under-resourced communities, locally and in Mexico–creating opportunities and improving well-being.
Our plans include:
• Finishing the outdoor learning space for rural children in Mexico to have a playground, community space, a mobile gallery to showcase the women's and children's artistic creations.
• Supporting educational scholarships and equipping young women to succeed in college.
• Expanding our summer children's camp to other outlying communities of San Miguel de Allende.
• Engaging children with weekly bible clubs hosted by Sarah López Ammirata and Josh Pareja, local area directors for Young Life Mexico.
With 2021 coming to an end, we need your support by giving in the present. We can't do what we do without you, and together we can support the little things that matter. If you are making donations this holiday season, I hope you will consider adding Little Things Matter Foundation to your giving list. Whether you support Little Things Matter monthly or a one-time annual gift, any amount is significant. I hope you will partner with us in building a world in which all people have access to opportunities that lead to better lives, happier families, and healthier communities.
“I’ve learned that love does more than what one can possibly do alone. Love forgives. Love looks beyond self. Love serves.” —Debora Annino
May you be richly blessed this season and in the New Year.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.
You can give by going to
www.littlethingsmatter.net/donate or, you
can send a check to 2619 D Colby St., Dallas,
TX 75204. Check can be made to Little
Things Matter Foundation.
Additional Ways you can support Little Things Matter:
Shop with Us.
Common Project Artisan Market. Your purchase supports artisans and gives back to the communities we support.
www.commonprojectmarket.com
If you shop Amazon, use the link smile.amazon.com and select Little Things Matter as the organization you would like to support.
Volunteer with Us.
Email dannino@littlethingsmatter.net to learn about opportunities.
Fundraise with Us.
Start a Facebook fundraiser or, sponsor a micro-event in your home to support Little Things Matter. We have ideas and will send you a fundraising kit to help you organize, market and execute your event.
Check with your employer on their corporate matching policy for end-of-year gifts. This could give your donation a bigger impact!
Our EIN # is 81-2931838
Pray with Us.
If you would like to be a prayer partner, please email dannino@littlethingsmatter.net to be added to our prayer partner list.