In 2004, an American couple sadly noticed that many young people were involved in delinquency and prostitution because they didn't have the opportunity to study and develop. These young people, the future of the city, had been forgtten. And so in 2008, they helped to create the Dollars for Scholars program, a scholarship initiative. Since then, more than 60 young people in situations of extreme poverty have achieved their dreams and those of their families by graduating from their chosen professional careers.
Eulalia Pérez Chávez, who created her own business in the San Miguel neighborhood, was able to escape poverty along with her children, and even support them through higher education. How did she do it? Thanks to the CrediAcaf microloan service. ACAF guided her to help her make the business grow. It all beagn selling cookies and sweets from home, but now Eulalia has a shop full of groceries to satisfy her clients' needs. She represents an admirable story with a happy ending thanks to ACAF.
Reyna Hidalgo came from the highlands of Áncash and has lived in Chimbote for over 20 years. She always prayed to God to grant her a better life. And God heard her prayers and blessed her through ACAF. Reyna has fulfilled her dream and now has a dignified home thanks to the Social area of ACAF and its home building program. She thanks God and prays every day from her new, safe home.
Testimonies
The true face of Christ
After 22 years of suffering Roxana Infantes feels blessed and happy to be an example for her children. Thanks to the support that was provided through medicines for her healthcare, training in entrepreneurship and improving her home, Roxana now experiences the tranquility that everyone should feel in their new home and thrives in her business.
Diagnosed with breast cancer and a widow with 3 children to care for, Delia Camacho has never given up. From a young age she always wanted the best for her family but life never gave her that opportunity. She grew tired of knocking on doors asking for help – nobody offered her the chance she needed – but when we met her we fell in love with the strong woman we saw. Therefore we helped with her home improvement and the education of her children. Today, Delia is in charge of our soup kitchen in 25 de Mayo and is happy for the opportunity that God gave her.
Pain followed by mercy. Helen Quispe lives in 25 de May0 – just 8 minutes from the center of Chimbote. Helen told us of her suffering after being abandoned by her father and not having any way to help her mother with household expenses. However, thanks to her faith and patience she was a beneficiary of the home improvement program and received financial support to be able to finish her higher education. After Helen’s suffering, she can now move forward with her life.
Freyser Ruíz Aparicio suffers from asthma and bronchial problems and therefore cannot work in anything which requires much physical effort. He cleans gardens and homes to bring home what little amount he can, but it was never enough to fix up his humble home. He now gives thanks to God for allowing his home, which was about to collapse, to be renovated and be made safer for his family. Together with his wife and two children, he feels more protected thanks to the support from ACAF..
One example of drive and faith is that of Julio Obregozo Ríos, who in spite of having suffered an accident which left him paraplegic, has become an important author and an advocate for culture and reading in Chimbote and the whole country. With 9 works already published and 16 more to publish, Julio shows his love for his country at his 77 years of age. He tells us that upon meeting Fr. Jack his life took a dramatic turn-around, and thanks to the support he has received he has found success despite his physical limitations.
