A Mother’s Journey

Mónica’s story is one of resilience and transformation, fueled by her hard work and Adelante Foundation’s steadfast support. Before Mónica learned about Adelante, she was a mother with big dreams but limited options. She had longed to start her own business, yet without the funds or steady employment, it seemed like a distant hope. Taking care of her young children made the dream feel even further away, and she feared her aspirations would stay just that—dreams.

Her turning point came unexpectedly through friends who had found help with Adelante. They encouraged her to attend financial education meetings, and with their support, Mónica took a courageous step: joining a loan group. Sixteen years ago, with that first loan from Adelante, she began to change her life.

Starting small, she sold snacks at a local school. As her confidence and income grew, Mónica decided to move her business into her home to save on rent, stretching every lempira she earned. Adelante’s support helped her grow her business steadily over the years. Today, Mónica’s small snack stand has transformed into a thriving diner, nearing registration as an official restaurant. She even hosts special events, like weddings, which allows her to hire additional help—up to six people at a time, many of them family and neighbors, creating a ripple effect of employment and empowerment within her community.

With each loan, Adelante has empowered Mónica not just to expand her business but to build a life of stability and pride. She’s been able to make crucial home improvements, from repairing windows to plastering walls, creating a safe and welcoming environment for her family. Beyond that, the financial skills she’s learned through Adelante have helped her manage her finances wisely. She can now budget, save, and invest with confidence, paying bills on time and planning for the future.

Mónica’s success story extends beyond her immediate family. Through her business, she has become a source of support, employing family members and others in her community who need work. Adelante has been there every step of the way, and she knows that with their partnership, her dreams aren’t just achievable—they are sustainable.

Her journey is a powerful reminder that with accessible financial support and educational resources, dreams don’t have to remain dreams. They can become realities, lifting up not just individuals but entire communities.