Eve Horowitz

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Eve Horowitz (USA) is the founder and Executive Director of the Honduras Child Alliance and she coordinates the recruiting and placement of our international volunteers. Her big secret (revealed here) is that although everyone knows that she gets mucho satisfaction from bringing volunteers to work with the children in Honduras, she also gets tremendous joy from observing the impact on each volunteer as they return to their home countries. They are transformed and never quite view their lives in the same way as before. They’re not just changing Honduras – they are changing the world!

What is your favorite travel memory?

I travel to and from Honduras several times each year but my favorite travel memory isn't my own. As I check my social media, I love seeing that former volunteers from around the world are still friends and getting together even years after they volunteered together! I love seeing the connections made and the adventures yet to come.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Probably my biggest lesson is to realize how powerful we are when we work together! Finding ways for each individual to 'own' the program is essential to HCA's growth. For me personally, I think my biggest change has been to not be hesitant to ask people to join and support our programs. HCA operates mainly on volunteer-power. We need your energy and we hope for your endorsement to help us gain financial support.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

So many volunteers return to HCA in El Porvenir, so it's hard to think of only one story. Most frequently, returning volunteers tell me the worst culture shock was going back to their home countries and that it feels like coming home when they return to El Porvenir. The children love seeing their 'regular' volunteers and so my 'best story' is when someone tells me they've booked a ticket and are on their way!

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

In our small community-based setting, there is always an opportunity to truly impact someone's life in a positive way. Working with the children in our sweet community of El Porvenir just fills your heart. The kids are friendly and affectionate and so eager to learn. With that in mind, any of the programs that work with the children would be my choice!

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

I am always proud of our team because Honduras Child Alliance welcomes volunteers from a wide variety of nationalities and backgrounds. We seek volunteers with open minds and open hearts and we believe that our diversity is our greatest strength! Our programs emphasize equity, equality, and respect for all. Our team isn't perfect but I am so proud of how we walk our talk!

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Open communication is the biggest factor in our success. We are a small community-based program. When you volunteer with HCA, you're working side by side with directors, managers, and local interns. We take our programming cues from the needs of the community and we treat our volunteers like family. By not having a 'middle-person', volunteers can be sure that their work will directly benefit the children in our programs.

Volunteering with HCA is a genuine experience. It's not scripted.