“I infinitely appreciate the support received during the year 2023 from JEM.” That’s how Angelica Juarez, San Mateo Jubilee Circle. began her report on the past year. Angelica’s comment reflects the gratitude of all the Mexican Circles for your financial partnership.
Now, into the 3rd month of 2024, the opportunities in our 4 Jubilee Circles continue to expand. People seek out our accompaniment in their struggles and celebrations. “How can we fund the sensible projects Circles develop to meet the needs in their area?” That’s a question we ask ourselves daily. This letter tells you of three actions we are taking.
1. Asking for donor help to make up for the 15% value the dollar has lost compared to the peso. Here are Angelica’s words on how this is impacting the ministries in San Mateo.
In these last two months we have been struggling with finances due to, as you know, the low dollar price. In addition to this, … there have been several maintenance expenses for the Dan Swanson Cultural Center— repair of some things and water and electricity bills. This month we had to postpone the elders meeting because there was not enough money.
Other Circles experience similar impacts. Donations of $100 now translate downward to $85; $1000 translates to $850; and so on. We ask you to do what you can to help solve what is neither your fault nor JEM’s. But its impact is real.
2. Applying for grants which along with your donations bring strong results for …
The Environment—The Yobel School in San Cristobal has planned a new course to address the urgent need for environmental discipleship. Later this summer, Yobel will offer “Training Facilitators in Environmental Discipleship.” The course will extend over a full year so that participants can develop team projects in environmental care and put them into practice in their own area. Throughout the year, teaching will cover core topics of environmental science as well as creation theology. The course requires $7500. We’re hoping for a positive response to the grant we’ve submitted in order to help this project happen. Your ongoing donations will help as well.
Women—Jubilee’s continuing work to empower women seeks greater capacity through a project, “Mexican Women Building Agency in a Context of Violence and Marginalization.”
We’ve applied for a grant to raise up women who struggle to support themselves, their families, and their communities within a machismo society. Should this grant money be forthcoming it will boost your donations which are already supporting our multiple ministries with women.
3. Connecting with potential new Jubilee donors? We recognize that a strength of small nonprofits is relationships! Most of Jubilee’s funding comes through people who have a relationship with one or more of us in the four Jubilee Circles. We seek at least 10 new donors in 2024. You may well know someone who would resonate with JEM’s work if they knew about us. Please tell them that you donate. Ask them to visit our website where they can donate. The website can help them learn more about us—how we think and act to sustain our planet and live the Jubilee that Jesus proclaimed (Luke 4:18) and lived. We are also collaborating with Simple Living Works who is helping us connect with potential donors.
JEM’s expenses and redistributions currently average $5,700 per month, $1425 per week, and nearly $200 per day. It would be wonderful if your 2024 donations can underwrite a day, a week, a month, or more to allow the Circles to sustain their ministries and consider new opportunities.
Thanks for sending whatever amount will give you joy.
The Mighty Presence of the Spirit be with you,
John Michno
Lee Van Ham
