In Bolivia, single moms and their children are the most vulnerable people in the entire population.
Alone and unable to feed their children enough food to survive, single mothers in Bolivia quickly become engulfed in hopelessness. These moms feel trapped between two problems: leaving their children alone and vulnerable while they work or forfeiting employment and suffering in abject poverty.
How Evelyn Survived as a Single Mom
Evelyn is one Bolivian mom who was left alone to provide for and try to protect her son.
According to a recent study, women are the head of the household in 82% of single-parent families in Bolivia. Typically, these moms struggle to find stable, sustainable employment. The few women who can find work earn 30% less than men. Sadly, these fatherless homes face extreme poverty and social exclusion.
In response to this dire situation, a Bright Hope partner church in La Paz stepped up. They started Refuge of Love Child Care Center. Refuge of Love creates a safe, loving environment for children at risk between the age of one and six coming from fatherless single-parent homes. It also provides nutritious food for the children.
A Refuge of Love
Refuge of Love was an answer to prayer for Evelyn. She desperately needed a safe place to leave her three-year-old son Paul while she worked.
When three-year-old Paul attended Refuge of Love, he learned how to count, clean up his toys, go to the bathroom alone, and eat independently. So, his mom felt very proud. And her heart could rest knowing he was well-loved and protected.
Evelyn shared: “My son stays from 9:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M. in a safe place so I can work with peace in my heart.”
Evelyn has dreams of buying a home. She plans to provide Paul with a hope-filled future. So she’s taking classes and earning a degree to make those dreams come true.
Every day, Refuge of Love welcomes children and provides them nutritious snacks in the morning and afternoon and a filling lunch. Each child also receives educational and spiritual teaching. But we couldn’t do this without the generous support of Bright Hope Allies like you!
Dorcas Soto, director of the Refuge of Love, explained: “Through Bright Hope’s help, we are able to provide a better-quality service,” including educational supplies, fine motor skills games, and puppets so the children can grow to their fullest potential.
Refuge of Love brings safety and security to children and renewed hope in Jesus Christ. As a result, Evelyn celebrated: “Thanks to the center, I have been able to get closer to God because I used to be drowned in depression by becoming a single mother. And I was able to open my own small store. I feel at peace now because I know that I am doing my best.”
We rejoice in the Lord for transforming the lives of impoverished single mothers and vulnerable children in La Paz, Bolivia. May the Lord continue His provision through Allies like you who believe in sharing sustainable hope with children and families around the globe.
Learn More About Bolivia
To learn more about how God is working in Bolivia, check this out. And remember, you can make an eternal impact in Bolivia and around the world!
