“I want my daughters to have better opportunities, opportunities that I did not have since my father abandoned us when I was a little girl and my mother, with tremendous effort, moved us forward. Because of her, I was able to reach the 9th grade.”

Martha is 34 years old and a mother of three children. Nine years ago she came to Friendship Bridge looking for those better opportunities. She took out her first loan, and now, 14 loan cycles later, her business and family are thriving.

“I have been able to diversify my business because I have the necessary financial capital to work. In addition, I was selected to participate in an Advanced Training provided by Friendship Bridge and I learned to make cakes. Shortly after that, I was able to buy a new stove for my cake business. Now I have a handicraft store selling wreaths. I also sell shoes and clothes, and I was able to buy my electric machine to make “Granizadas” (crushed ice with flavor and fruits on top).”

Martha also had taken advantage of Friendship Bridge’s Chanim Chanim loan and recently took our her fourth loan of this kind. Chanim Chanim means “fast” in Maya Kakchiquel language. This loan gives quick access to loan capital to existing clients with a good credit history.

Now Martha makes enough money to be able to fix her house. She also is sending all three of her children to school. Her oldest daughter just started High School.

Martha is one of the many client success stories featured in our 2018 Annual Report. Click HERE to read more about our program, clients, and how we are growing as an organization!