The newest of Voices’ U.S. partner communities is a small but dedicated group in Montgomery County, MD. The founder of the group, Evelyn Gonzales, is originally from San Francisco Gotera (Gotera), a city in the Department of Morazán in El Salvador. Ms. Gonzales initiated the partner relationship to assist her native community as they face serious development challenges. Ms. Gonzales and her team have organized a number of fundraisers, made two trips to Gotera to distribute school supplies and other material donations, and established a strong relationship with their new partners. During their first delegation, the group identified two schools in rural neighborhoods just outside of Gotera that are in the greatest need of assistance.

While their early assistance has focused on providing school supplies and other material donations, both the Montgomery County and Gotera groups are interested in exploring more substantial and empowering initiatives.

For more information on the Montgomery County partner community partner community, please contact Evelyn Gonzales at egonzalez.sv@hotmail.com, or Thomas R. Hughes at voices@votb.org or (202) 529-2912.