Librada is a hardworking single mom whose story illustrates the power of possibility when women are equipped with the tools and support they need. She runs a small food stand in her neighborhood where she sells lomitos, hamburgers, pizzas and more—feeding her community with both her food and her passion. One day, while scrolling on social media, Librada came across a post about Diaconía, GAiN’s local partner in Paraguay. After a visit from a loan officer who shared more about the program, she knew this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. Inspired and motivated, she gathered other women in her neighborhood and formed a new Trust Group called Mujeres Emprendedoras Nueva Esperanza—“New Hope Women Entrepreneurs”—which meets in her home.
“It’s a beautiful group of women,” she shared. “And I have an amazing advisor.”
Like many mothers and small business owners, Librada balances long hours running her food stand with the full-time job of raising her children. That’s why she’s especially grateful that Diaconía meets right in her own community—it’s easier to access support without sacrificing precious time.
Before joining Diaconía, Librada’s menu consisted only of hamburgers. But with her first loan, she was able to buy ingredients to begin offering homemade pizza. Her business is now growing not only in the variety of food she offers, but in the quality of food she serves her customers.
Her dream? To one day open her very own restaurant or community kitchen.
“I know it will happen one day,” she said. She’s already planning to use her next loan to purchase furniture to improve her food area. With God’s help, and her hard work, Librada believes she can achieve anything she sets her mind to.
Women like Librada are also encouraged to grow spiritually through Diaconía’s Chaplaincy Program—a vital part of our Economic Empowerment strategy. Through this unique part of the program, volunteer chaplains meet with women both one-on-one and in small groups. They regularly offer encouragement, share the hope of the gospel and pray with them. These moments of connection help women deepen their faith and walk more closely with the Lord as they pursue transformation in every area of life.
Librada’s story beautifully reflects the heart of our mission: to empower women to gain financial independence while growing in their relationship with God, their families and their communities. We believe these pillars are essential to breaking the cycle of poverty and building lasting change that echoes across generations
Raquel’s story is a beautiful example of what can happen when someone is given the tools, support and community they need to thrive. Through Diaconía’s savings group, she’s not only growing financially, but also in confidence, faith and hope for the future.
To date, savings groups are active in 9 of Paraguay’s 17 departments. Churches across the country are using them as a powerful tool for discipleship and outreach. Thanks to the support of Global Aid Network and its local partners, stories like Raquel’s are unfolding across Paraguay—stories of transformation that begin with small savings and grow into lasting change.
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