JustHope
Creating global partnerships that combat extreme poverty and nurture sustainable community.
When Glenin Beatriz Martinez Mungia from the Boca de Cantaro sector in Chacraseca, Nicaragua, began to study at her local university, it was a financial strain on her family. They soon realized that there simply wasn't enough to put food on the table and pay for school, so Glenin had to quit. She thought she would never realize her dream of earning a degree. Then, 20 women came together to change that.
When JustHope Founder Leslie Penrose and her husband Steve stepped off the plane in Managua, Nicaragua, a few weeks ago, they didn’t know what to expect. Granted, they had been there hundreds of times before over the course of many years, but this time was different. It was the first time they had visited Nicaragua since unrest began back in April.
It’s been a year full of challenge, opportunity, heartbreak, and success. We have a fresh perspective on solidarity that is compelling and meaningful.
Since Nicaragua's civil unrest began in April, we have fielded a slew of heartbreaking questions about the sustainability of JustHope’s programs and our presence in Nicaragua given the current unrest: “Is JustHope closing its doors?” “What are you really accomplishing if you can’t send groups to Nicaragua?” “Why should I give to an organization on questionable ground?”
We partnered with a filmmaker in Nicaragua to highlight what JustHope is doing and who we are impacting. We are making a difference in the lives of people like Yamilet, a farmer and microcredit participant, who remarked: "Three years ago I never hoped to succeed like I do now. Today I feel secure because I have a way to earn."
We will be screening the video at Wine for Water on Oct 1. Check it out on YouTube.