Alma

Born in the US, Alma lived most of her childhood in Honduras until age 16. Not long after graduating high school, she got married. Alma and her husband divorced five years later, with her taking full custody of her daughter and son. Life as a single mother is never easy, but Alma has more than her fair share of obstacles.

When asked how her life looks different six months into the ARISE program, Alma shares that prior to the $500 monthly payments, working part-time meant she was constantly “in the hole.” The $500 monthly cushion has enabled Alma to take necessary days off to attend doctor appointments. Before, she had no choice but to tend to her demanding schedule, and taking time off translated to smaller paychecks. “Now I just make ends meet. I can purchase necessities when I need them. I don’t have to choose between taking a day off for doctor appointments or paying a bill,” Alma says.

Alma doesn’t pretend that $500 a month has provided her with a new lifestyle. "I am not where I want to be, but I am not where I used to be. Although I have not been able to save, I am not falling short in bills and providing for my family. As a single mom taking care of my son with speech disability and my sick mother, it would have been very difficult without this assistance from ARISE.”