At HopeChest, we know that real transformation happens when communities come together. We believe that when people unite around a common vision, support one another, and grow together, lasting change becomes possible. Whether it’s families in Guatemala, young adults in Russia, or communities around the world, we’ve seen firsthand the incredible power that comes from a shared commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty.
Community in Guatemala: Support Through Savings Groups
At the CarePoints in Guatemala, Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) are more than just financial tools. These groups create spaces where adults learn financial skills, form deep connections, and grow spiritually. It’s here that families like Magnolia’s are building financial stability and long-term hope.
Magnolia, a mother of three, is using the savings she’s built through the CarePoint’s VSLA to launch a small laying hen farm. She’s not only creating financial stability for her family, but also forming lasting relationships with fellow group members. “Through this community, I feel empowered to build a better future for my children,” says Magnolia.
Impact through Relationships:
- Empowering families through financial education
- Creating sustainable businesses and income sources
- Strengthening relationships through shared values and spiritual growth
Community-building extends far beyond the CarePoints in Guatemala. It’s about fostering powerful, two-way relationships that transform lives on both sides of the globe. Take, for example, the partnership between San Antonio CarePoint in Guatemala and Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lakewood, Colorado. This collaboration has empowered both communities, turning simple acts of support into lifelong relationships. Watch the video below to see how our Community-to-Community model is making a lasting impact.
Discover how community-building is changing lives on both sides of the globe.
Community in Ethiopia: Zeleke’s Story
HopeChest is also building community through savings groups in Ethiopia! The Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) provide not only financial education but also a supportive environment where members build lasting relationships and help one another.
Take the story of Zeleke, a father of three who, before joining the VSLA, struggled to provide for his family through his agricultural work. After receiving training in savings and business management at Shone Gerbe CarePoint, Zeleke’s life changed. He used his first loan to buy a donkey cart, starting a small business that allowed him to support his family better. He was able to repay the loan and take out subsequent loans to expand his business into merchandise trading!
Zeleke’s journey wasn’t without hardship. After tragically losing his son, he leaned on his community and the support of the VSLA to stay resilient. With his growing business and a new job in local government, he is now able to provide a better future for his children!
Zeleke’s story highlights how the VSLA groups are more than just a financial tool—it’s a place of community, support, and transformation. By working together, parents and guardians at CarePoints are improving their lives and building a stronger, united community.
Community in Russia: Equipping Orphanage Graduates
In Russia, Vladimir CarePoint plays a critical role in building community among orphanage graduates. Every year, the CarePoint hosts an orientation camp for first-year students from orphanages across the region. These young adults, who have faced great challenges in life, learn essential life skills, from financial literacy to career guidance, all while forming lasting relationships with mentors and peers.
For many of these young adults, leaving the orphanage at 16 or 17 can be a lonely, overwhelming experience. They often face a future with little support, struggling to find stable jobs or navigate life’s challenges. But with the support of HopeChest, they don’t have to face this journey alone. At Vladimir CarePoint, these young adults are gaining not just practical skills, but also the confidence and community to succeed in life.
One teen, Kolya, shared his gratitude after attending a recent orientation camp: “I think I found the place where I feel like home.” These camps offer far more than knowledge—they provide belonging, empowering these youth to build a better future for themselves.
Community in Uganda: Beyond the CarePoint Walls
At Nabukalu CarePoint, community-building extends far beyond the walls of the CarePoint itself. It’s about reaching out to the wider community, building connections, and offering support where it’s needed most. A powerful example of this came to life through a moment of collaborative outreach between Nabukalu CarePoint and their partners, the Rescued Readers Connect Community, who were visiting at the time.
The story began with a disabled Muslim man who suffered severe burns in a kitchen accident while saving his child. He lay untreated for five days until a compassionate neighbor reached out to the CarePoint for help. In response, the CarePoint team acted quickly, bringing in medical assistance and providing the care he desperately needed.
But what truly set this experience apart was the way the Rescued Readers Connect Community and the CarePoint team united to serve this family—despite their different faiths. On the day of the service project, CarePoint staff, children, and visiting Rescued Readers partners came together to wash laundry, clean the property, build a shower, and dig a rubbish pit. This act of service wasn’t just about physical help; it was about showing this family love and care they might not otherwise have received.
Pastor Jingo from Nabukalu CarePoint captured the heart of the moment: “Though this family is Muslim and we are Christians, we come together as friends in love.” His words highlighted the essence of true community—coming together to serve, regardless of differences.
The man, now recovered, visited the CarePoint, not just to express gratitude, but to be part of a community that had shown him kindness and support. Even though he did not share the same faith, the love and care extended to him had opened the door to deeper involvement in the CarePoint’s programs—such as the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA Group)—where he could access resources to improve his life and build a stronger, more resilient future for his family.
Why This Matters
Whether you’re sponsoring a child from a distance or visiting a CarePoint in person, your support is bringing stories like this to life. You are empowering CarePoint staff and leaders to serve as vital hubs of community, creating connections, building trust, and foster love that leads to lasting change.
Your Role in Building Lasting Change
As we close out this year, we invite you to continue building community with us. For 30 years, we’ve planted seeds of hope and empowerment.
With your partnership, we’re ready to watch those seeds grow and flourish! Together, we’ll empower communities to lead the way in breaking the cycle of poverty and create change that lasts for generations to come! Your partnership makes all the difference.
30 Years of Community-Building
partnerships established.
impacted through partnership.
