Matt "Mateo" Paneitz, Executive Director
Matt first came to Guatemala with Peace Corps in 2002, and was stationed in the town of Comalapa during his service. His Peace Corps assignment was to help the local youth avoid drug and gang activity through clubs and other programs. After two years in the Peace Corps, Matt returned to the United States to begin raising money for a new development project inspired by the need he saw in Comalapa. He founded Long Way Home in the Fall of 2004, and returned to Comalapa in January 2005 to launch Parque Chimiyá , the new organization's first project.
His first objective in Parque Chimiyá was to create a recreational facility for young people and families to enjoy in their rare moments of leisure. Finding that the roots of poverty go more deeply into the social structure he has now turned his attention to bridging the gap between donors and civic groups in Comalapa. Under Matt's leadership Long Way Home is now undertaking an array of development projects including building a vocational school, assisting in the revitalization of a local hospital and teaching Environmental education in various schools.
Hailing from Lufkin, TX, Matt has a degree in Emergency Medical Services and worked as a paramedic for five years before joining the Peace Corps.
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