Below are some current examples of short-term projects available through CALMS. If you do not see a project that seems appropriate for your group's makeup and experience, please contact us so that we can help design a project that will meet the needs on the field and use your group's gifts. Costs are generally between $1,000 and $1,400 including air transportation depending on location and accommodations. Contact us at calmslogistics@calms.org for more information.
Belize
1) A ministerial alliance representing over 30 evangelical churches in the Belize City area are requesting help with leadership development of various kinds.
2) The Octavia Waight Centre (OWC) for the Aged in San Ignacio is in need of help to diagnose mental health (dementia, Alzheimer's, etc.) and to equip staff to recognize and deal with symptoms of these conditions.
3) The OWC in San Ignacio is also in need of on-going assistance for physical therapy treatment for their residents and training for volunteer staff.
4) The OWC in San Ignacio also needs some improvements to their buildings and safety improvements for residents and visitors (Grab bars, sidewalks, etc.)
5) There is a tremendous need for counseling and for training medical personnel (nurses and other medical personnel) in the Belize Hospital system to counsel with patients and their families during times of crisis (operations, serious illness, etc.)
6) There is a huge need for help in Belize to develop plans and approaches to help the population deal with major catastrophes and challenges such as hurricanes, HIV Aids, etc.
7) There is a need to assist some of the country's hospitals with special training and assistance to improve areas of medical service such as pharmacy organization, etc.
8) There are opportunities to work with existing medical personnel in small communities such to provide dental clinics. (Most villages have at least a small health clinic staffed by a nurse, but many do not have access to a dentist or doctor.)
9) We have been requested by the board chairman (Mr. Elias Awe) of Helpage (the organization that the Octavia Waight Centre is part of) to help them access and address the needs at their other home for the aged in Hattisville, near Belize City.
10) We have an invitation to help set up hospital chapels and training programs to equip medical staff and local clergy and lay volunteers to effectively visit the sick and minister to them in times of sickness, surgery, etc.
Guatemala
1) Health Ministry - CALMS partners with "Clinica Santa Cruz" and "Castillo Fuerte" Lutheran Church to complement the ministry of Dr. Elry Orozco, a Lutheran doctor and leader at "Castillo Fuerte." The clinic is located at Lake Amatilan about 30 km form Guatemala City. Dr. Orozco serves very needy people who are effectively without medical services. CALMS regularly sends short-term medical teams to help Dr. Orozco and Guatemalan volunteers.
CALMS has recruited a team of North American Christian doctors who are serving as medical advisors to the clinic and who are ready to provide additional information and support to new teams and their leaders. Those desiring to lead a team are encouraged to participate first as a team participant and in this way to better understand the philosophy and approach to ministry. The main requirement is willingness to work in partnership with our Lutheran brothers and sisters in Guatemala since we want to work as partners and not as foreigners who work independently.
2) Building remodeling homes in Guatemala in Zacapa and Gualan, Guatemala - The cost of building a home is $5,000 which covers all materials and the labor done prior to the arrival of the team. Short term teams help finish the houses and participate with local congregations in the dedication of the home. We usually have a side-by-side project for larger teams (above 8) which include outreach projects such as evangelism, music, seminars to help train fellow Lutherans, English classes, VBS, etc. depending on the skills and experience of the group. We are also doing some repair and remodeling projects also for poor Lutheran families. These projects cost on average around $1,500.
3) Relief and development work in La Union - CALMS is working with this mountain community about 45 minutes from Gualan where a devastating mud-slide destroyed the homes of several thousand people in July, 2008. We are providing medical, relief and most recently some development to help these people develop new jobs to replace what they lost, etc. CALMS is working with several Guatemalan partners to rebuild homes and plant a new Lutheran church in the community.
Panama
CALMS has done many different kinds of projects in Panama over the past 10 years such as construction, youth ministry, medical and capacity building projects that focus on equipping Panamanian leaders to serve more effectively. We work closely with our Panamanian short-term coordinator to design effective and strategic projects that both meet the needs of Panamanian congregations and use the gifts of the North American volunteers.
Venezuela
CALMS works with the Lutheran Church of Venezuela (ILV) to send teams to serve at the church's farm in Eastern Monagas State-about 7 hours from Caracas. The ILV has a guest house in the hills above Caracas to house visiting teams and helps CALMS with logistics such as ground transportation, meals, etc.
