Mother's Together in Business

United in purpose, two Chalice family circles from our Mangalagiri sponsor site in India have joined to open a convenience store. Comprised of mothers of sponsored children, the women have come together to form a strong and dedicated team. When the sponsor site first brought forward the idea of starting the store many women expressed their doubt, fear and uncertainty, but motivation from the site and sub-site directors encouraged them to take the risk and now they feel the joy of their accomplishment. They believe that the women can do good business with the profits shared among all, which will benefit many families instead of just one.

With a loan from family circle savings and a small contribution from each member, they were able to rent a room to use as the storefront and outfit it with cupboards, weigh scales and a table. With funds from the gift catalog they were able to supply their shop with items to sell. The daily profit will be saved in the bank and shared among the members twice a year and two group members will run the shop and take a small salary.

In their thank you letter the women write, "All our children are sponsored. When we were asked to consider starting a provision shop, we were reluctant as we had no experience. But we talked it out and agreed we could start this business and hope it will bring good income in future."

A little support can bring courage and confidence in the minds of the people who thought that there is no one to lift them up. Now these women have an income generating project that also moulds their attitude and personality. The group has brought a sense of solidarity - a support base to lift and encourage each other, a sounding board and supportive community. Instead of growing individually, they now grow together. Their joy and dignity is the visible sign of hope for the future.

The sponsor site director writes, "The Chalice name resounds among the villagers especially the family circle members. We pray for those who have generously contributed and wish God's blessings upon them. We thank the donors, for making our people proud of themselves."

Thank you, dear donors. Through sponsorship and the gift catalog, your support and prayers make this possible. Supporting the mothers of our sponsored children benefits our families and lifts communities.