SAVE THE DATE!Adelante Foundation BenefitJoin us, November 12, 2009 at Strings restaurant click here to RSVPsponsored by  |
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Microfinance and the Adelante Foundation Mission
"Adelante"
in English means "forward" or "progress." Our mission is to improve
the standard of living of the extreme poor in Honduras. To do that, we
provide very poor women in rural Honduras the opportunity they so
desperately seek-to build a better life for themselves and their
families-through a lending model called microfinance.
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Honduras: Politicians in Gridlock, but Adelante Foundation Continues Forward
By Desirae Wrathall
The political crisis in Honduras stands at an impasse. The interim Honduran government has
not accepted proposals
by the international community because
every proposal demands reinstating deposed president Mel Zelaya. As talks continue to fail, Honduras
begins to feel the sting of international sanctions. The United States had already
suspended roughly $35 million in government and military assistance and has now
suspended tourist visas to the United
States - with more new sanctions likely in upcoming
days. A host of countries, including the United States, has dismissed Honduran ambassadors and consular
officials for supporting the current Honduran government. Neighboring countries have
reacted harshly, isolating Honduras economically and politically from the rest
of Latin America. Amidst the conflict, Hondurans seem to be holding their
breath, just waiting
for the upcoming November elections to set the country back on track.
However, as countries continue to withdraw their support, the question on
everyones' lips becomes "Will the upcoming elections be recognized and
validated?"
United States
diplomats say that it is too early to tell... click here to read more
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 Blanca Sorto
Blanca
Sorto is the jefa, chief, of the
19-member Mujeres de Exito, Women of
Success, assembly based in Jutiapa, a town of 4,000 located on the hot, muggy
plain bordering Honduras' Caribbean coast.
An Adelante client for two years, Blanca clearly demonstrates her
competence as the group's leader. On the
day of this particular visit, the credit officer is absent due to a family
emergency and Blanca runs the meeting herself.
Initially, Blanca states that her business is selling
clothes and household appliances from her home.
However, after talking with her for a while, it becomes apparent that
she takes advantage of many talents in order to bring in extra household
income. Blanca serves as a party planner
- making flower arrangements, piņatas, party favors, and general arrangements
for birthday and other types of parties in her community. She runs a make-shift beauty parlor in her
home where she cuts and colors women's hair.
And finally, she buys animals and butchers them to sell the meat. Talk about multitalented! Ultimately, Blanca does devote the majority
of time to her re-sale business.
Currently, Blanca is investing part of her Adelante loan into an
extension on her home which she plans to convert into a store-front in
December... click here to read more
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Photograph of the Month
School girls clamor around to watch their mothers
participating in an Adelante assembly meeting in San Jose, La Paz
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