One Heart

Let's Raise Some Funds!

2008-08-04T11:38:00.000-07:00

Clara Fantasia Orphanage

2008-04-30T09:30:00.000-07:00

Clara Fantasia is an orphange in Guatemala that was opened in 2007 by a young college student from Guatemala named, Guillermo. Guillermo was working at an orphanage to help pay his way through college, and witnessed corruption and abuse, which is rampant in the Guatemalan adoption system. Human trafficking, embezzlement, and neglect are common practices. Orphanges are out to make a profit by selling the children to adopters or into horrible situations. When he confronted the orphanage officials with the abuses he had observed he was fired. So through a series of "coincidences" he was able to open his own orphanage which accomadates 20 children. Many of the children have been abandoned and one of his priorities is to reunite children with their families through counseling and education. He provides a loving environment and the children, some of whom have been through terrible ordeals thrive in the nurturing environment. With the help of volunteers from BYU he has been implementing a counseling program to help the children work through some of their issues that have arisen from neglect and abandonment. He runs the orphanage like a family, holding family prayers, playing, educating, and providing stability. His umber one goal is helping the children reunite with their families, by helping the parents learn how to be good parents and help them find stability in their lives so they can properly care for their own children. He is also fighting hard to change and reform the system and hopes his orphanage will be a model for change. Our goal is to help provide money for the day to day cost of running the house and to help provide the basic needs of the children.
Following are a few things Guillermo has written about the orphanage:
"Mayeley Maria Perez is a 6 year old Guatemalan. She likes to study, memorize. and loves doing puzzles. She was abandoned in the street by her family, who told her to forget about them. She is now trying to forget about them."
"Last month Clara Fatasia was moved into a beautiful home that Guillermo and the children are enjoying. The orphanage has seven children and the goal is to eventually accomodate for more children and fortify their families. However, in order to be able to accomodate for twenty children and eventually return them to their families, we need a fund of $2,200 a month."
"Mayerly and her 9 year old sister Scarleth, were abandoned by her parents. Her sister cared for her until they arrived at the orphanage. She came without any documentation of her birth."
"Anita (5) was abandoned and uncared for by parents who failed to legally document her birth. When Anita arrived, she was shy and would not trust anyone, however, she has made great progress. Now, she loves to play, have piggy back rides and is very outgoing."
"After two months of being in the Homeward Bound, 4-year old Marcos is now reunited with his mother. He shows hope for a better life," (other updates say he and his mother are doing really well, she has made a lot of progress, and is able to provide him with love, stability, and his basic needs. He is very happy).
"Giovanni (10 years) and his little sister Anita (4 years) have progressed by leaps and bounds over the past six months. When they arrived at Clara Fantasia, Giovanni suffered from extreme emotional seizures and Anita refused to talk to anyone. She was particularly afraid of males. After being in the loving environment for several months, Giovanni’s seizure attacks have almost completely disappeared and Anita has blossomed into a happy, affectionate little girl. Guillermo has been providing family therapy to the children’s mother for quite a while, who is also meeting with the sister missionaries. Because of the progress the mother and children have made, last week the children were reunited with their mother."

Marta Alicia Panameno

2007-10-12T20:23:00.000-07:00

Entrepreneur of The Bank HELP Paraiso
established by some funds from One Heart Action Group
added to those from donors to HELP International
(the cycle term of all the loans is 6 months with the payments collected monthly)

Business: Vegetable Vendor
Loan Amount: $200 (US)
Loan Use: I purchased merchandise to expand my business
Payment amount: $45.33 (principal $33.33, Interest $6.00, Savings $6.00)

One year ago, I decided to start selling vegetables. In reality, I have felt the great support that the ‘Banco Comunal’ has given me through 2 loans grated to me which total $300. Before they were granted, the merchandise that I had was purchased through someone else. Now I can buy it on my own, this has permitted me to improve my earnings. Now I can compete by giving my clientele more accessible prices, because I can buy directly from the vendors.
This increase in earnings has permitted me to provide for my family’s necessities, as all 3 of my children are in school. This is why I ask of God that they never stop supporting me. My desire is to repay the loan well, and solicit another to make improvements to our small house and expand my business.

Adrian Orellana Perazaz

2007-10-12T20:13:00.000-07:00

Entrepreneur of The BanHELP Paraiso
established by some funds from One Heart Action Group
added to those from donors to HELP International
(the cycle term of all the loans is 6 months with the payments collected monthly)

Business: Sugar Cane Juice vendor
Loan Amount: $200 (US)
Loan Use: I purchased merchandise to expand my business
Payment amount: $45.33 (principal $33.33, Interest $6.00, Savings $6.00)

My business is selling sugarcane juice in the municipal park of El Paraiso. I feel very grateful for the opportunity of credit given to me by OEF. My first loan was for $100 and I bought merchandise at wholesale, where as before I would by at retail because I lacked the funds to invest. Currently I have a loan of $200 which I used to buy my own 'trapiche' (sugar press). Now I am selling more, and feel very proud to have the ability to meet my family's needs.

Maria Anita Avelar de Alvarado

2007-07-25T17:49:00.000-07:00

Entrepreneur of The Banco Rio Grande, Tejutla
established by some funds from One Heart Action Group
added to those from donors to HELP International
(the cycle term of all the loans is 6 months with the payments collected monthly)

Age: 62
Business: Store
Loan Amount: $200 (US)
Loan Use: I purchased merchandise to extend my little shop
Payment amount: $45.33 (principal $33.33, Interest $6.00, Savings $6.00)

"From my youth I have worked and it makes me happy to see that my family does not go without and I now help my husband. I run a store as well as buy milk which I use to make curds that my daughters go out and sell. It has been difficult to grow my business because my home is far removed from the city. It is expensive to travel and we have to wait for our goods to be picked up, which only happens twice a day. For this reason I wanted to purchase sufficient merchandise to be able to sell enough and make enough profit. I still support one of my daughters who has epilepsy as well as two grandchildren. She takes care of the house when I go out to sell. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate in the bank."

Mirna Estela Martinez

2007-07-25T17:44:00.000-07:00

Ruth Elizabeth Navarro

2007-07-25T17:41:00.000-07:00

Entrepreneur of The Banco Rio Grande, Tejutla
established by some funds from One Heart Action Group
added to those from donors to HELP International
(the cycle term of all the loans is 6 months with the payments collected monthly)

Age: 28
Business: Sells Papusas
Loan amount: $200 (US)
Loan Use: Bought merchandise to expand business
Payment Amount: $45.33 (principal $33.33, Interest $6.00, Savings $6.00)

[no picture available] "Thank you for the opportunity that you have given me to strengthen my business. I live in a community that is withdrawn from a town called Tejula and we did not have the financial resources to move forward. With the support that you have given me through the Communal Bank, I have purchased merchandise and I now sell more and have increased my earnings. You have allowed me to do what I need for my family."

Andrea Cisneros VDA. de Navarro

2007-07-25T17:30:00.000-07:00

Entrepreneur of The Banco Rio Grande, Tejutla
established by some funds from One Heart Action Group
added to those from donors to HELP International
(the cycle term of all the loans is 6 months with the payments collected monthly)

Age: 70
Business: Selling Clothes
Loan Amount: $200 (US)
Loan Use: Purchased a greater variety of clothes to expand
Payment Amount: $45.33 (principal $33.33, Interest $6.00, Savings $6.00)

"I have had a business selling clothing for three years. I have always enjoyed business. When my husband died I had to find a way to cover my economic needs, and even though my children help, I did not wnat to leave them with all of the responsibility. With the loan that I recieved from the bank I can strengthen my business, and I have already been able to buy more merchandise."

Santos Enoeme Diaz

2007-07-25T17:22:00.000-07:00

Entrepreneur of The Communal Bank of El Progreso, El Salvador
established by One Heart Action Group October 2007
(the cycle term of all the loans is 6 months with the payments collected monthly)

Age: 41
Business: Clothing Sale

"I want to share with you all my happiness which is very large since for quite some time I now have been selling bed items and clothing that I design. My way of working is the following: I buy fabrics and make sheets, pillow covers, etc. But with the credit that the bank gave me I could increase my business. Now I buy clothing for women and children, and I had a lot of success. From the extra earnings, I recieved from the sale of these additional items, I bough clothing to make uniforms which has helped me improve my earning even more and increase the success of my business. I know that my family deserves much, thanks to the opportunity that you gave me. I cannot pay you but God will bless you abundantly. The most beautiful thing is that I already paid to quotas and I am saving, so I know I will continue ahead."

Maria Tomasa Diaz

2007-07-25T17:20:00.000-07:00

Entrepreneur of The Communal Bank of El Progreso, El Salvador
established by One Heart Action Group October 2007
(the cycle term of all the loans is 6 months with the payments collected monthly)

Age: 29
Business: Sale of bicycle repair parts

"I would like to speak to you about how much you all have helped me with this credit opportunity. With those funds, I bought more merchandise to enhance our family business: Repairing bicycles. Our earnings have improved and I feel very happy because I can spend more time with my children and my husband. But I have a dream that I think the bank can help me achieve: once I have paid off this credit I will obtain another loan to buy a refrigerator so I can sell candy and drinks. I give thanks for all that you do for us, because you help my family and many others. I will fight to over come my situation so that I can help other families like mine. God bless you."

Eny Magdalena Escalante

2007-07-25T16:59:00.000-07:00

Entrepreneur of The Communal Bank of El Progreso, El Salvador
established by One Heart Action Group October 2007
(the cycle term of all the loans is 6 months with the payments collected monthly)

Age: 30
Business: Cosmetic Sale

"I am very happy for the credit opportunity that you gave me, today not only do I sell cosmetics but I also sell lotions of different brands. This has allowed me to recieve a little more earnings. I needed them because in this time iof school year one must spend much on the supplies and uniforms of the children; this year I could buy my children uniforms at the beginning of the year, not like in previous years where I had to have my children's uniforms made one by one. I am very happy because with this opportunity feel very proud of myself and I am not going to let down my children. I will support my husband and together we will continue ahead, and I will also support more working women so that they can come out ahead just like me."

Amparo Ardon de Delgado

2007-07-12T06:31:00.000-07:00

Entrepreneur of The Communal Bank of El Progreso, El Salvador
established by One Heart Action Group October 2007
(the cycle term of all the loans is 6 months with the payments collected monthly)

Age: 39
Business: Sells tortillas
Loan amount: $150 (US)
Loan Use: Bought more goods for business (corn, etc.)
Payment Amount: $34.75 (principal $25, Interest $4.50, Savings $4.50, Insurance $0.50, Administrative Costs $0.25)

Breve Historia: “I have been selling tortillas for 3 years. I feel very happy with the opportunity for a loan from the bank. With the funds, I have been able to expand my business, and my earnings have increased.”

Ana Regina Ardon

2007-07-12T06:30:00.002-07:00

Entrepreneur of The Communal Bank of El Progreso, El Salvador
established by One Heart Action Group October 2007
(the cycle term of all the loans is 6 months with the payments collected monthly)

Age: 41
Business: Sells pupusas
Loan Amount: $150 (US)
Loan Use: Bought more goods to make pupusas
Payment Amount: $34.75 (principal $25, Interest $4.50, Savings $4.50, Insurance $0.50, Administrative Costs $0.25)

Breve Historia: “For three years I have sold pupusas. With the loan from the bank I was able to purchase more and higher quality materials. I have strengthened my business, and my earning have increased.”

Maria del Socorro Avelar de Marcia

2007-07-12T06:30:00.001-07:00

Entrepreneur of The Communal Bank of El Progreso, El Salvador
established by One Heart Action Group October 2007
(the cycle term of all the loans is 6 months with the payments collected monthly)

Age: 48
Business: Store Owner
Loan amount: $150 (US)
Loan Use: Bought goods for her store
Payment Amount: $34.75 (principal $25, Interest $4.50, Savings $4.50, Insurance $0.50, Administrative Costs $0.25)

Breve Historia: “God has given me a handicapped son that requires full-time care. So I run my business from home since I can’t go far. I invest part of my earnings back into the business, but I lacked sufficient merchandise. With the credit I received, I already bought more, and this generates more earnings, and I can cover the needs of my children.”

Maritza Guadalupe Lara Diaz

2007-07-12T06:29:00.002-07:00

Entrepreneur of The Communal Bank of El Progreso, El Salvador
established by One Heart Action Group October 2007
(the cycle term of all the loans is 6 months with the payments collected monthly)

Age: 21
Business: Cosmetics sales
Loan amount: $150 (US)
Loan Use: Bought a wider variety of cosmetics and undergarments.
Payment Amount: $34.75 (principal $25, Interest $4.50, Savings $4.50, Insurance $0.50, Administrative Costs $0.25)

Breve Historia: “I am a single mother, and because of that I like to work so that my daughter can feel proud, and so I can provide for her. My business is small, and I was unable to purchase more merchandise. For this reason I am very pleased with the opportunity to receive credit from the bank. I know that by working I will give my daughter and myself a good future.”

Toedolinda Salguero Hernandez

2007-07-12T06:29:00.001-07:00

Entrepreneur of The Communal Bank of El Progreso, El Salvador
established by One Heart Action Group October 2007
(the cycle term of all the loans is 6 months with the payments collected monthly)

Age: 27
Business: Sells spices
Loan amount: $150 (US)
Loan Use: Bought a variety of spices to sell
Payment Amount: $34.75 (principal $25, Interest $4.50, Savings $4.50, Insurance $0.50, Administrative Costs $0.25)

Breve Historia: “I like my work. Since I was little my mother taught me the trade of sales of many different products. Now that I am a mother, I want to provide for my daughter. Only by working will I achieve this. With the loan I bought more merchandise to sell. I feel happy with the blessing that God gives me to have a bank in my community.”

Maria Hilda de Hernandez

2007-07-12T06:28:00.002-07:00

Entrepreneur of The Communal Bank of El Progreso, El Salvador
established by One Heart Action Group October 2007
(the cycle term of all the loans is 6 months with the payments collected monthly)

Age: 50
Business: Store owner
Loan amount: $150 (US)
Loan Use: Bought more goods for her store.
Payment Amount: $34.75 (principal $25, Interest $4.50, Savings $4.50, Insurance $0.50, Administrative Costs $0.25)

Breve Historia: “In this day and age, the cost of living is very high, and only by fighting on with the help of God can we continue onward. With the opportunity the bank provides I can strengthen my business and my family will not lack the necessities of life.”

Cruz del Carmen Tobias

2007-07-12T06:28:00.001-07:00

Entrepreneur of The Communal Bank of El Progreso, El Salvador
established by One Heart Action Group October 2007
(the cycle term of all the loans is 6 months with the payments collected monthly)

Age: 28
Business: Sells food
Loan amount: $150 (US)
Loan Use: Bought more goods for business (corn, yucca, fruit, etc.)
Payment Amount: $34.75 (principal $25, Interest $4.50, Savings $4.50, Insurance $0.50, Administrative Costs $0.25)

Breve Historia: “My main goal is that my family will not lack the daily necessities. Because of this I go out to sell something different every day—and I know my clientele and what they like. With my earnings I take home basic necessities. Now with the loan I can purchase more merchandise, and I sell more. I am grateful, and I will continue taking out loans.”

Luis Alonso Salguero

2007-07-12T06:27:00.001-07:00

Entrepreneur of The Communal Bank of El Progreso, El Salvador
established by One Heart Action Group October 2007
(the cycle term of all the loans is 6 months with the payments collected monthly)

Age: 28
Business: Sells Spices
Loan amount: $150 (US)
Loan Use: Bought more spices to sell
Payment Amount: $34.75 (principal $25, Interest $4.50, Savings $4.50, Insurance $0.50, Administrative Costs $0.25)

Breve Historia: “I have my own business, but I had little merchandise and didn’t have enough to get more. Now with the credit the bank gave me, I strengthened it and received more earning to provide for my son. I thank my mother for teaching me to work, and I thank God for giving me the opportunity to have our own bank in the community.

Manuel Enriqe Cortes

2007-07-12T06:26:00.001-07:00

Entrepreneur of The Communal Bank of El Progreso, El Salvador
established by One Heart Action Group October 2007
(the cycle term of all the loans is 6 months with the payments collected monthly)

Age: 38
Business: Sells spices
Loan amount: $150 (US)
Loan Use: Bought a wider variety of goods to sell
Payment Amount: $34.75 (principal $25, Interest $4.50, Savings $4.50, Insurance $0.50, Administrative Costs $0.25)

Breve Historia: “I live in El Paraiso, and I like working, but I didn’t have the means to expand my business. With the credit the bank gave me, I have invested in my business and earned more. I will achieve my goals.”

Erick Rubel Romero

2007-07-12T06:24:00.000-07:00

Entrepreneur of The Communal Bank of El Progreso, El Salvador
established by One Heart Action Group October 2007
(the cycle term of all the loans is 6 months with the payments collected monthly)

Age: 27
Business: Clothing sales
Loan amount: $150 (US)
Loan Use: Bought a wider variety of clothing
Payment Amount: $34.75 (principal $25, Interest $4.50, Savings $4.50, Insurance $0.50, Administrative Costs $0.25)

[no picture available] Breve Historia: “I have had my own business for a year now. Before they gave me the loan from the bank, I had little merchandise, but now my business is stronger since I bought a variety of clothing and receive more earnings.”

Who Are We?

2007-07-11T16:14:00.000-07:00

One Heart Action Group

You may never know what results come of your action, but if you do nothing there will be no result. -Mahatma Gandhi

One Heart Action Group is a group of family, friends, and neighbors who have gotten together to help raise money for microcredit loans and other development projects in areas of the world that are plagued with poverty. The one thing we all have in common is that we want to make a difference, but we need each other to reach our goals.

What is microcredit?

Microcredit is a small loan (normally around $100-$200) given to the poorest of the poor, people excluded from traditional forms of credit because they have no collateral. The small loans are used to help them start or grow a small business with the goal of becoming economically self-sufficient. For example, one lady in the Philippines used her loan to buy a sewing machine, which she uses to make bags to sell at the market. The bags sold with great success, and she has been able to expand her business, hire employees, purchase another machine, and repay her loan. She has also been able to provide her family with regular nutritious meals, send her children to school, and make improvements to her home. These loans may be small. However they have a big impact on the recipients and they have been proven to be a very effective way to help lift families out of poverty. The loans are paid back with interest and have a very high repayment rate of around 97-99%, a rate unheard of in traditional banking. Because the loans are repaid with interest, the loans are self-perpetuating, and the money can be loaned out again.

Is microcredit really that effective?

It is very effective. Time and time again, microloan recipients have been able to improve their lives and the lives of their families. Microloans help make families economically self-reliant. For individual families, they are a long term solution to poverty.

How can you get involved?

Getting involved is very easy and takes little time or effort. We hold fundraisers. For example we’ve had a bake sale and a yard sale to help raise money that is going towards a micro-credit bank in Central America. Members of the action group can help by participating in these fundraising events. Another way is to make a monthly donation. Donations do not need to be large. If you only have $1.00 to spare, it is a perfectly acceptable donation. By working together, we can reach our fundraising goals, whether by large or small donations.

What happens to the money?

The money is given to a non-profit organization based in Provo, Utah called HELP International (Help ELiminate Poverty; see their website at www.help-international.org ). They collect our money until we have raised the amount needed to start a small village bank ($3,000, $200 of which goes directly to HELP International). When the goal is reached, they send the money on to an established, reputable NGO in El Salvador, where a bank is established, and the money is loaned out. Starting then, we will receive quarterly reports on who has received a loan and how it has helped them.

How can you learn more about microcredit?

-Watch the movie Small Fortunes at the bottom of this page

-Go to www.selfreliance.byu.edu

-Go to www.microfinancegateway.org

-Go to www.small-fortunes.com

-Do a Google search

Do we do any other projects besides fundraising for microcredit?

At this point we haven’t, but HELP has many other projects that we can raise money for. To name a few: square foot gardening, business training, sponsoring a volunteer, providing English lessons, helping street orphans in Uganda, adobe stoves, etc. For more information on these projects please see HELP’s website.

Why should you get involved?

Because everyone deserves a chance at a good life, no matter who they are or where they were born. There are about 1.2 billion people in the world living in extreme poverty (less than a dollar a day). Because, of 2.2 billion people in the world, 1 billion live in poverty. Because every 3.6 seconds someone dies of starvation. Because the majority of them are children and famine is not the cause. Because you may not be able to change the world, but together we can help change one person’s world.

Why are we called One Heart Action Group?

In Acts 4:32 it says, “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul; neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.” We wish to help end economic inequality and believe by being of one heart we can achieve success.

Who can you contact if you want to join One Heart Action Group?

Contact Anna Hastings at ofoneheart@gmail.com or talk to the friend that gave you this brochure. We can make a difference!

How can you make a donation?

If you would like to make a financial contribution, please make a check out to HELP-International, write One Heart Action Group on the memo line. Please email Anna at ofoneheart@gmail.com for a mailing address.

"There are people, not a few, whose circumstances are desperate and who cry out for help and relief. There are so many who are hungry and destitute among this world who need help.... My brothers and sisters, I would hope, I would pray that each of us...would resolve to seek those who need help, who are in desperate and difficult circumstances, and lift them in the spirit of love." -President Gordon B. Hinckley