Our Story

A Search for Hope
2000 - 2008

In the early 2000s, founders Heather Knox and Greg Kemp were inspired by a powerful vision: to create a safe haven for abandoned children and families living in extreme poverty. They began searching for a place where this vision could take root and chose Aldea Chivarabal in the Guatemalan Highlands. With a secure environment, expansive land, and room to grow, it was the ideal location to make a significant and lasting impact. In 2008, with the support of a local lawyer and a generous foundation, the land was purchased, and an idea came to life.

Foundations of Compassion
2008 - 2011

Between 2008 and 2011, Heather and Greg focused on fundraising and preparing for their move to Guatemala. In 2011, they relocated to the nearby town of Tecpán and began construction of the project’s first buildings. They adopted an eco-friendly construction model, using earth, ecobricks, and natural materials wherever possible. Together with volunteers, they built 14 eco-buildings to serve the community.

A Sanctuary Takes Root
2014 - 2018

By 2014, a needs assessment had been completed, and the first young family moved onto the site, now known as Project Somos. That same year, Marelyne Ramírez, our current Country Director, joined the team. From 2014 to 2018, ten women and their children found refuge at Project Somos. It became a place to heal, rebuild, and learn, supported by a healthy eating program using our organic farm. While living in shared spaces and carrying the weight of past traumas, many of these women found strength, broke cycles of poverty and violence, and chose a new path of dignity and hope for themselves and their children. In 2016, Rafaela Surec joined us to teach the children living on-site.

Growing Futures
2018

In 2018, as the women transitioned to lives beyond the project, our focus shifted to the next generation. We opened our doors to children and families from Aldea Chivarabal, offering daily access to preschool and elementary school education, along with nutritious meals. With a flourishing organic farm on-site, we launched a “farm-to-belly” nutrition program, preparing meals with fresh, healthy ingredients grown right on the land. That same year, we completed our final building, an on-site clinic funded and built by Matthew Boroditsky.

Also in 2018, we expanded our support to the neighbouring village of Aldea Chuatzunuj by creating a computer lab, providing internet access, and hiring an elementary school technology teacher. We launched a cooking course for young women, offering hands-on culinary training over a two-month period. Participants learned healthy recipes, cooking techniques, and practical skills to build confidence and generate income. Since the program’s launch, ten women have graduated including Norma, who now runs our school kitchen.

Foundations for Flourishing
2019

In 2019, we partnered with Colegio Israel, a local private school in Tecpán, to deliver their academic program on-site to 50 children. These students received scholarships covering transportation, daily meals, and psychological support. The curriculum included not only academics but also life skills development, equipping children with the tools to thrive.

Strength Through Uncertainty
2020 - 2021

When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted in-person programming in 2020 and 2021, we pivoted to providing emergency food support. We delivered nutritional baskets to 65 families in Aldea Chivarabal and 20 families in Aldea Chuatzunuj, continuing to walk alongside our communities in times of crisis.

Rooted and Rising
2022 - 2023

In 2022, education resumed on-site, following a model of preschool classes in the mornings and elementary in the afternoons. Around 85 children benefited from this approach, which has continued through 2023, 2024, and 2025. In 2023, Heather and Greg made the difficult decision to step back from the project and welcomed a new Country Director, Sarah Riggott. Determined to honour their legacy and continue meeting community needs, Sarah stepped into the role of Executive Director in 2024. We also welcomed Ricardo Caceres and Phomolo Tshaka to the team.

Paving the Path Forward
2024 - Today

At the end of 2024, a new needs assessment led us to add a middle school program, piloting an online learning model with additional on-site classes for three young women. We also opened our on-site health clinic serving Aldea Chivarabal and are working closely with the Ministry of Education to certify our programming and ensure future expansion and replication.

Reflecting on Our Journey

Our journey is a testament to the power of vision and perseverance. Since 2008, through education, nutrition, and comprehensive support, we have worked to break generational cycles of poverty and offer renewed hope to those who need it most. Our commitment remains strong, and our story continues to inspire us.

At the start of 2025, the community of Aldea Chivarabal, our home since the beginning, honoured us with a new name in the local Kaqchikel Maya language: Ütz B’ey Guatemala, or The Right Path. It reflects our shared vision: to guide children toward their right path in life.

Shortly after, our board, Executive Director, Country Director, local team, volunteers, and stakeholders came together to define the next chapter of our organization. We chose to honour that name. From now on, we are Ütz B’ey Guatemala. This new identity reaffirms our long-standing dedication to Aldea Chivarabal and the surrounding towns. Together, we continue to carry the vision forward with unity, purpose, and deep respect for the community that welcomed us so many years ago.

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    © 2025 Compassion Fruit Society
    #400-856 Homer Street
    Vancouver BC V6B 2W5
    Canada

    Compassion Fruit Society is a
    Canadian Registered Charity that operates Ütz B'ey Guatemala
    Charity number: 86332 6468 RR0001