To build a more equitable Guatemala. To improve the living conditions of people in poverty by providing basic services and fundamental tools for development.
Our Vision
We are committed to improving the lives of Guatemalans, with our community involvement, collaboration and sustainability providing a model for other non-profit organizations.
Our Goals
-Provide individuals and families with the resources they need for their well-being.
-Encourage development of the most vulnerable communities with sustainable programs.
Creating a world where all families can have better lives
A Better Life Guatemala provides support for families in need. More than 9 million people – more than half the country – live in poverty in Guatemala and lack basic services.
We provide hope and opportunities to individuals who want a better life. In Guatemala, we often use the phrase “granito de arena” which translates to a grain of sand. We hope our grain of sand becomes clean water, vented stoves, a good education, health care and improved housing.
We seek to provide better health, sleep, education, and opportunities for individuals and families to improve their circumstances. Happiness can be as simple as drinking a glass of clean water when we are thirsty, having a bed to sleep after a long day, and having fresh food available.
We have witnessed the instant impact of our efforts and the deep appreciation of families who are striving for a better life.
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Founder and C.E.O
Archie Contreras, a native of Guatemala, is a visionary entrepreneur and dedicated advocate for social impact, seamlessly blending his business awareness with a profound sense of social responsibility. His diverse career path has spanned various sectors, including tourism and banking, all of which have contributed to his unique perspective on driving positive change. During the unprecedented challenges brought on by the pandemic, Archie’s innovative spirit came to the forefront as he founded Salvax, a custom mask company. Beyond merely addressing the critical supply shortages, Salvax served as a powerful tool for raising awareness about the crucial importance of face protection during the pandemic. This initiative underscored Archie’s deep commitment to community health and safety, highlighting his role as a responsible entrepreneur. Archie’s entrepreneurial pursuits extend beyond Salvax, as he proudly serves as the owner of Get Travel GT, a renowned travel agency known for curating extraordinary and enriching experiences for travelers. Through Get Travel GT, he fosters a profound appreciation for cultural exchange and exploration, connecting people with the world in transformative ways. However, Archie’s most significant impact is felt through his role as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of A Better Life Guatemala. His unwavering dedication to this organization has brought about transformative changes through a variety of community programs and educational projects, leaving a mark on individuals and communities served. This commitment to social betterment is at the core of his professional journey. Archie Contreras exemplifies the harmonious coexistence of business success and social responsibility. His visionary outlook, unwavering passion, and resolute commitment serve as a beacon of inspiration for all, reminding us that entrepreneurship and community service can unite to create a brighter, more compassionate world. Archie’s legacy is a testament to the transformative potential that emerges at the intersection of business and social impact. Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Archie is actively engaged in several meaningful initiatives. He is a member of Iglesia Vida Real, a faith-based organization dedicated to eradicating poverty in Guatemala, and contributes to the Observa TB Project, which seeks to strengthen civil society in Guatemala and enhance the response against tuberculosis through collaborations with the Guatemalan Human Rights Commission, focusing on monitoring and analyzing critical thematic areas affecting human rights.
Treasurer
Jeff is President, legal representative in the U.S. , and acting Treasuer for A Better Life Guatemala (ABLG). He is Adjunct Professor of Sociology at Rutgers University, teaching classes in race relations, immigration, education, and introductory sociology. He has been leading groups of college students on service trips to Guatemala since 2011, is an active member in the N.A.A.C.P., the oldest civil rights organization in the United States, and he also conducts diversity training programs for police departments, businesses, and schools. Married for more than 50 years, with two children, eight grandchildren.
Pharmacy Manager
Owner of Get Travel Agency. She is also a member of Iglesia Vida Real, a faith-based organization committed to ending poverty in Guatemala, helping people with addiction and adjustment
issues and, generally, helping people in their spiritual growth.
Volunteer
Yessica is in the last year of a Bachelor of Science in Administration degree, where her studies include English, design, economics and business, and she is also part of the team at Get Travel
Agency. Yessica has also worked as a teacher, in her church and in a private school, where she taught law and finance. She is glad to be on the board of A Better Life Guatemala and have the opportunity to serve the people of Guatemala. “The greatest pleasure that wealth confers is in helping others.” – Andre Maurois.
Social worker
Maria Panjoj Salvador is a dedicated advocate for community development and social welfare in the indigenous heartland of Chichicastenango, located in the Quiché department of Guatemala. Maria is currently a student in the Social Work Program at Mariano Gálvez University of Guatemala, where she has reached the distinguished tenth cycle of her academic pursuits. Her academic journey is marked by a profound dedication to understanding the complexities of human society and the art of social work. At the heart of her impressive portfolio, Maria serves as a Social Worker for the Non-profit A Better Life Guatemala. Her role within this organization as a social resource advocate has given her the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within her indigenous community at Panimache. Through her tireless efforts, Maria contributes significantly to the international leadership within the non-profit A Better Life Guatemala, educational enrichment of children, and empowerment of women. Her work is underpinned by a multifaceted approach, encompassing diverse subjects that empower her community to actively participate in their own development. Maria’s commitment to her community extends beyond her role as a social worker. On Thursdays and Sundays, she proudly takes on the role of a market vendor, specializing in traditional products, at the bustling Chichicastenango market contributing to the preservation of local culture while sustaining her community. María Panjoj Salvador is not just a student and social worker but also a symbol of resilience, community, and empowerment. She stands as a beacon of hope for her community in Chichicastenango, embodying the values of education, gender equality, and cultural preservation. Her unwavering commitment to fostering positive change in her community is a testament to her character and her potential to inspire others to follow in her footsteps.
Board Member
Linda grew up and went to high school in Niagara Falls, New York. She taught kindergarten for 35 years in the Toms River, New Jersey, public schools and also taught English as a Second Language (ESL) at her church for 10 years. She has been on more than 10 service trips to Guatemala since 2010.
Linda volunteers at the JBJ Soul Kitchen, Destiny Food Pantry, Wranglebrook Community Garden, the Friends of the Library, all to help make her community a better place to live. Linda also worked long hours to help now Congressman Andy Kim get elected, and then re-elected, to represent the New Jersey 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
She has been married for 53 years, with two children and eight grandchildren.
Board Member
Genevieve A. Fasano, MD, MS obtained her undergraduate degree in biology from Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ where she developed her interest in global health. Having first travelled to Guatemala in 2013 to deliver health education, she realized the impact of empowering local communities with knowledge that can improve the lives of their population. She attended medical school at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA and is currently a general surgery resident at New York Presbyterian – Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, NY. During her training to become a surgical oncologist, she has both delivered healthcare abroad as well as assisted international healthcare professionals with development of clinical research infrastructure. Genevieve has a special interest in healthcare disparities and patient-centered outcomes to improve healthcare delivery.
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