JustHope
Creating global partnerships that combat extreme poverty and nurture sustainable community.
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.
It has been almost five months since anti-government protests propelled Nicaragua into a state of civil unrest. The question we get most often is “What can I do to Help?”
In our minds, the answer is simple: Continue to support JustHope. Although we have shifted priorities and suspended particular programs — such as our partner, global education, service-learning and medical trips — for the time being, JustHope remains committed to our mission and continues to support vital programs in our partner communities.