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The “Mother’s Club” in Haiti and Empowerment
July 28, 2015 @ 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Twenty-four years ago Barb Grove visited Jeremy, Haiti with a team of medical volunteers from Crosby headed by Dr Severson. She had no medical skills but was determined to find out the needs of this impoverished community.
Through questioning women who came to the clinic, teachers, community leaders and even bar owners, she heard clearly that the lack of opportunity was keeping women from raising healthy children and from becoming a part of the economy.
Her experience in economic development in Central Minnesota provided hope for these women by providing small micro-loans. Starting with the poorest women who brought malnourished children to the clinics for medical needs and food and who often returned 3 months later with the same issues, the Mother’s Club was born. Initial loans of $40.00 for 10 women started them on the path to financial independence. None of these 10 women ever returned to the clinic with malnourished children.
Over the past 24 years a non-profit organization has emerged with local direction of 14 clubs and has provided guidance and loans for over 10,000 women. The recipients have repaid 98% of these loans. Now, the men also have shown interest in the model to help each other with micro loans from their own pockets. When asking a club member where the get the money comes from, he sheepishly replied,” less gambling”.
This concept of micro loans, training and group collaboration has expanded into rural areas, funding women distributors who get small loans to empower other women while avoiding the loan sharks that run large distribution centers with 20% interest.
Barb explains,” These women have so much integrity, they are smart and collaborative and work hard…all they needed was an opportunity to reveal their entrepreneurship and creativity. It gives them financial and emotional independence…they are incredible women!
She has also written a book about her experience in Haiti.
Come hear more at Unlimited Learning, Tuesday, July 28, 1:30-3:30 PM. Everyone is welcome. Non-members $5.00.
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