We love the “feel good” aspect of our work, but our true success is demonstrated by our results.  We conduct a baseline data study before we begin a project and then conduct a follow up study at 3 months, 6 months and then annually.  These studies allow us to track our progress and provide actual metrics.  Here are a few examples of those measurable results:

• Increase of blood pressure checks from once or twice annually to once a week for villagers suffering from high blood pressure or diabetes, the two most common chronic diseases where we work
• Increase from 0% to 52% the number of villagers who are brushing their teeth at least daily (twice daily for 50% of the children) and who are washing their hands before handling food or after using the bathroom
• Increased from 0% to 76% the number of households who have participated in our village education programs on nutrition, sanitation, and other important health topics

In addition to the very significant behavior changes detailed above, we are also proud of some of our other numbers:

• Over 30,000 rural Mexicans now have access to health care, delivered by our 98 Community Health Workers (Promotoras)
• Through Tia’s partnership with Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara’s (UAG) Programa de Medicina en la Comunidad (Community Medicine Program), thousands of villagers have received direct care from UAG’s medical students and faculty
• The Tia Foundation is able to provide our services at a cost of less than $5 per person, for a permanent, sustainable program

The Tia Foundation is in the running for the Be More Knowledgeable Award in Eight’s Be More Awards!  The awards are sponsored by Arizona’s PBS Station for non-profit organizations who demonstrate their achievements and accomplishments in one of five award categories.

Make your voice heard and vote for Tia in the People’s Choice Poll (Be More Humble)!  The organization who gets the most votes, wins the People’s Choice, so encourage your friends and family to vote too.  The winning organizations receive a cash award and lots of much needed exposure through Channel 8.  Voting closes on March 31st, so  Vote here now!

The five award different categories include marketing initiatives (Be More Informed), exceptional educational outreach (Be More Knowledgeable), exceptional arts and culture outreach (Be More Creative), innovative organization endeavors (Be More Brilliant), and extraordinary fundraising and event efforts (Be More Entertaining).

Tia celebrated its 3rd anniversary of incorporation on January 17th!  We didn’t have a chance to celebrate though; we are too busy getting ready for our exciting, new spring projects.

Amazing things are happening in our villages since we started:

• The Community Health Workers (Promotoras) are organizing themselves and their fellow community members to address other aspects of their life that need improvement and setting target goals
• Promotoras assist the doctor at their monthly visits to the local clinic, conducting triage, taking patient histories, and performing procedures
• Over 30,000 people now have access to medical care at a cost of less than $5 per person
• Children are receiving much need health education, ensuring the next generation will enjoy a better quality of life
• 98 women, who lacked self-confidence and respect prior to becoming Promotoras, have now become  community leaders with dignity

What Tia has accomplished in the last three years would not have been possible without our fantastic donors, volunteers, interns, Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara’s Community Medicine Program, and the villagers themselves.  Thank you!  You deserve to celebrate too!

Brave New Workshop (BNW) sent their holiday greetings to their clients via this innovative e-card, which contains a link to three short videos.  The first two clips are of Tia Community Health Worker Rosy outside her home in El Reparo, Jalisco.  The third clip shows Tia’s projects in action with a voice over description by Laura Libman.  What a creative way to send their best wishes and demonstrate their commitment to corporate social responsibility!

Based in Minneapolis, Brave New Workshop (BNW) provides custom entertainment corporate services, in addition to their well-known comedy theatre and school of improvisation.  Each year, BNW features a different worthy organization and makes a significant donation.  Tia is most honored to be selected this year!  Thank you to John Sweeney, Elena Imaretska, Dawn Hopkins and everyone at BNW!

The Tia Foundation has moved it offices to the Thunderbird School of Global Management.  The new location will offer us many advantages: access to cutting-edge international development practices and research, convenient location for our Tbird student interns and volunteers, and contact with faculty and visiting experts to ensure we constantly improve.

Since our office is in the Walker Center for Global Entrepreneurship, the available resources are perfect for Laura, Tia’s founder and social entrepreneur.    In fact, Amanda Bullough, the new professor of Social Entrepreneurship at Tbird, will be just two doors down the hall.

Here is our new mailing address:

The Tia Foundation
Walker Center for Global Entrepreneurship
Section B, Office #116
1 Global Place
Glendale, Arizona 85306