Everyone loves to travel, but some trips leave a lasting impact beyond what you expect. That was certainly the case with our agency’s journey to Guatemala in September to meet with the brilliant minds and field teams of International Justice Mission (IJM).

“Guatemala is a country filled with stunning landscapes and a vibrant, rich culture, but alongside this beauty exist harsh and heartbreaking realities,” says Krista Carroll, CEO and co-founder of Latitude. “There’s a vast disparity in living conditions and opportunities, with many people born into circumstances where basic needs like education, housing, and healthcare are uncertain or unavailable.”

The contributing factors to the violence and injustice that many face daily are complex, but organizations like IJM are on the ground, working to ensure that safety and justice become a reality for everyone. “The first part of our trip was to listen, learn, and understand IJM’s approach and where they could use our support,” Krista adds.

“We were deeply moved by their mission and the incredible work they’re doing to protect the most vulnerable."

While Guatemala’s beauty is undeniable, so are the challenges many face. Our trip reinforced the importance of supporting organizations like IJM that are making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. Together, we can help create a future where justice and opportunity are accessible to all.

And there’s a lot for IJM to do. As recently as the start of the 21st Century, more than half of the population of Guatemala lived below the poverty line. It’s one of many factors that contributes to the widespread prevalence of sexual and physical violence against women and children, and the need for justice that IJM focuses on. With good reason. Fifty percent of women in Guatemala have been victims of violence.

To combat this, IJM has been working in Guatemala since 2005, collaborating with the government to change policies, train law enforcement officers, and in 2020 co-created the Instituto de la Victima (Victim’s Institute) to restore victims of violence through counseling, legal representation, and psychological support. Our visit to the Institute helped us understand the magnitude of the work they are doing, growing support from an average of 34 cases per year before the institute was founded to over 22,000 cases in 2023.

“Over five days, we got to see some of the work of the amazing staff and initiatives of IJM, plus a little of the beautiful country that Guatemala truly is. Both experiences re-ignited our commitment to our support of IJM and the work that they’re doing to change lives, help victims of crimes, and partner with local justice systems to build safe communities, where all are protected from violence and slavery. It was a privilege,” says Krista.

For more information on International Justice Mission or to work with us in support of this important organization, contact Latitude at hello@lat.co.