Geoff and Rita Doppenberg
"DIG” – Dream, Invest, Grow. The Doppenberg family in Guatemala works alongside volunteers from all over the world, to serve the people, with a direct focus upon nutrition, education, health, personal empowerment and sustainability. Geoff has a background in business, construction and agriculture and Rita is a Holistic Nutritionist. Their boys, Luke, Gabe and Zack along with their families, are all active and integral parts of the ministry and each uses their talents to the best of their ability to serve in Guatemala.
It is the goal of the Doppenberg Family to bring hope to those that have none. In order to achieve this they founded the “Centre of Hope” (Centro de Esperanza). The Centre is the hub from which all of their education, nutrition, empowerment, conservation, and counseling and health programs run.
The Centre of Hope is a therapy and tutoring facility for students with special needs. Our goal at the Centre of Hope is to provide education and therapy opportunities for all, regardless of their physical or economic situation. From Autism or deaf to victims of abuse or bullying – all are welcome.
The Centre is also used to house medical & dental clinics, education seminars on health and nutrition for men and women, malnutrition consultations, psychology, and spiritual counselling.
The Centre is also a hub for the DIG Community Empowerment Program that helps to provide families in need with access to clean water, solar lights, nutritious plants and trees and education opportunities.
The Centre also houses the Sanctuary of Hope, one of the few legally registered and veterinary-attended animal rescue facilities in Guatemala. It is devoted to the conservation, rehabilitation and protection of rescued, abused and/or abandoned animals and care of the earth.
The Sanctuary also partners with the Centre of Hope, providing Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) for the Special Needs students and families.
The Centre of Hope is a safe place where those in need can come and seek help, safely. It is also a crisis center for anyone in need of assistance – especially women and children – as these facilities do not currently exist in the region.
The Doppenberg family hosts teams or individuals of all ages and skill sets who have a heart for service and want to help. Every day this family thanks God for the privilege of being able to be His hands and feet in Guatemala.