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Greetings!
A "Ladies Trip" to the Dominican Republic
A couple of years ago, I thought that a "Ladies Trip" to the Dominican Republic would be a great thing to do, since my daughter, Kayla Villnow, had been working, for about two years, with Esperanza International, in the Dominican Republic. Some of my friends always seemed to be interested in how she was doing, and the more we talked about what she did, the more interested we all became.
And so one day I mentioned wanting to take a "Ladies Trip" to the Dominican Republic to actually get some hands on experience with what Esperanza International was doing and what my daughter was devoting her time and effort to. Kayla put together an incredible trip for us. We were able to help a woman put a cement floor in her house, worked on a school, which was nothing like any of us had ever seen, and attended a community loan meeting. Every single experience we had was inspiring, exceptional and insightful. Our definition of poverty was re-calibrated completely. The women and children, we were blessed to have met, will stay with us forever. It was indeed a life-changing experience for all of us. With Mother's Day in mind - to be able to actually see my daughter doing what looked like and felt like God's work, brings tears to my eyes, even to this day. I know this sounds so cliché - but the truth is that women and mother's everywhere - in the Dominican Republic, or in Seattle, WA - all want the same thing for our children -food, shelter, education and a loving and safe home. It was a privilege to meet and work with the women and children we met. All of us, I think, re-defined our definition of poverty. It doesn't take much to make a house a home - and the Dominican women we met certainly taught us that. We all humbly returned to our own homes and families forever changed. Update: Kayla now serves in the U.S. as Director of Community Investments for Esperanza International.
Proverbs 31:25-26-27 "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness."
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Matching Gift!
Until May 31st, thanks to generous investors, every donation you make to Esperanza, will be matched, DOLLAR-FOR-DOLLAR, up to $66,000... This is huge!
So far we have already raised $48,642!!! Take advantage of this opportunity to make your dollar work twice as hard! You would truly make a difference in the lives of these families.
Double your donation today to start helping these families break themselves out of poverty!
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Global Partnerships and Esperanza International
Nonprofit social investor Global Partnerships (GP) announced a partnership with Esperanza International to bring integrated microcredit, health services and education services to people living in poverty in the Dominican Republic. The engagement marks Global Partnerships' first work in the Caribbean island nation.
The investment will primarily fund very small loans for individual entrepreneurs to allow them to operate and expand microenterprises. As part of their loan packages, Esperanza clients pay $1.50/month to have access to medical clinics that provide both preventative and curative care. They also have access to education programs that range from literacy to computer training. Without Esperanza and the support of organizations like Global Partnerships, many of these families would lack affordable medical care and educational programs.
Learn More...
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Helen's Journey
Ambitious, dedicated and determined are just a few words we could use to describe Helen Calcaño, an Esperanza Branch and Regional Manager in the northern provinces of Santiago and Puerto Plata. She has dedicated a tremendous amount of her time and effort to help Esperanza International in its expansion across the Dominican Republic and Haiti; and has managed several of Esperanza's branch offices. Ms. Calcaño is celebrating ten years as a member of the Esperanza International family. Helen's Journey began 10 years ago, on April 4th 2002, as a loan officer for the San Pedro de Macoris office. However, her connection to Esperanza International can be traced a little further back, to when her mother was an Esperanza Associate. Read her full story here...
Proverbs 19:17 - "He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord , and he will reward him for what he has done."
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MicroFinance Report
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PRAY for Events & Needs
* All Mothers;
* Armed Forces Day; * Memorial Day;
* National Dental Health Program;
* Northeastern University trip;
* Matching Gift Campaign;
* Hope International's Global Leadership Summit.
James 5:13 - "Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise."
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Don't forget to check out the Banks of Esperanza who are in need of loans. Funding the group loan makes a great project for a church, school or club. See who is waiting for you today!
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