Our Story
Our Mission
“We empower impoverished families to become independent, by providing food, clothing, shelter, literacy, and a venue to display and sell hand-crafted, Peruvian goods.”
My experiences:
When I was a young child I wanted a a new dress for a special event but I knew that I would never be able to have a new dress. Then one day my godmother bought me a dress and new shoes, I was so excited I could hardly breathe, until I realized that the shoes were too small. I asked my mother for a knife to cut my toes off so I could fit in the shoes, she didn't realize how serious I was. While I rarely had new clothes, I did have food and shelter. However, two of my siblings died of malnutrition as infants; my family was impoverished like many of those we serve.
The Problem:
Last year I became aware of a single mother with 6 children who were desperately in need. I was deeply moved, remembering my youth and my siblings who died of malnutrition. But by the grace of God I would have also suffered the same fate. I began to look for someone who could assist me in helping the family. Deep poverty is common enough that the task of finding assistance was daunting, and my perseverance was not strong enough. The limited assistance I could provide came too late, at least for a young beautiful girl named Libia, who died of malnutrition. I was so distraught over her death, and feeling partly guilty for not pushing harder and acting sooner. I was too late to help Libia, but there are many, many more Libias, never knowing when their next meal will be.
Also, many Peruvians living in the more rural areas of Peru attend schools that stop at the 6th grade. They would have to go to a bigger city to attend a school past the 6th grade. If they do not have family capable of taking them in, they simply cannot get a higher education.
Most of the support that comes to Peru is directed toward the major cities where the limited funds can go further. This concept is understandable, but abandons those in the rural areas. Our focus is on those in the rural areas.
Also, many Peruvians living in the more rural areas of Peru attend schools that stop at the 6th grade. They would have to go to a bigger city to attend a school past the 6th grade. If they do not have family capable of taking them in, they simply cannot get a higher education.
Most of the support that comes to Peru is directed toward the major cities where the limited funds can go further. This concept is understandable, but abandons those in the rural areas. Our focus is on those in the rural areas.
The solution:
We have developed a multifaceted system to address the extreme poverty in rural Peru, and hopefully in the future beyond Peru. Our model is based on the old adage "Give a man a fish and feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime". Our model is based on concepts from Goodwill, The Little Free Library, and 10,000 Villages. With the help of our friends and donors we will setup the program like this:
Library: A full library with self help books, and books that encourage reading. No library cards, it is open to come in read or take a book home to read, When you are finished with it, return it and take another. Strictly on the honor system. This is to encourage reading and education beyond what is available.
Clothing exchange: This is the heart of Zoila's Closet and where the name originated. Clothing is donated, and the clothing is distributed in one of three ways. Some is provided to the families in need; some are sold; some are rented. The payment for the clothing can be made in cash, food, livestock or services. The focus of Zoila's closet was the clothing, but donations of any kind are acceptable, provided that transporting them to Peru is possible.
Education: Our goal is for a hand up, not a hand out. The plan is to provide the families with the education necessary to help the families become self-sustainable.
There are many local artisans who simply need a place to display and sell their work to passing tourists. We will provide them a place on the main road to a major tourist attraction. Initially at no charge, then a small fee will be applied which will help support the overall project.
Library: A full library with self help books, and books that encourage reading. No library cards, it is open to come in read or take a book home to read, When you are finished with it, return it and take another. Strictly on the honor system. This is to encourage reading and education beyond what is available.
Clothing exchange: This is the heart of Zoila's Closet and where the name originated. Clothing is donated, and the clothing is distributed in one of three ways. Some is provided to the families in need; some are sold; some are rented. The payment for the clothing can be made in cash, food, livestock or services. The focus of Zoila's closet was the clothing, but donations of any kind are acceptable, provided that transporting them to Peru is possible.
Education: Our goal is for a hand up, not a hand out. The plan is to provide the families with the education necessary to help the families become self-sustainable.
There are many local artisans who simply need a place to display and sell their work to passing tourists. We will provide them a place on the main road to a major tourist attraction. Initially at no charge, then a small fee will be applied which will help support the overall project.