Make an Impact

Women to women Trip to the Dominican Republic with Lisa Landis from WJTL

WJTL FM’s Lisa Landis is in the Dominican Republic (D.R.), and she’s not enjoying a relaxing Caribbean vacation. 

So what else would draw Lisa to the D.R.?

Through the work of HOPE International, in partnership with Esperanza International, over 7,000 women and men across the Dominican Republic are breaking free from poverty.  In this country where beautiful beach resorts border devastated slum communities, life is difficult.

• Over 42% of the population lives below the poverty line
• The poorest half of the population receives less than one-fifth of GNP, while the richest 10% enjoys nearly 40% of national income.
• Remittances from the U.S. amount to about a tenth of GDP.
• Thirty-three thousand Dominican children have lost one or both parents to AIDS.

But there is HOPE. 

• Over 48,000 small business loans have been distributed to help men and women break the cycle of poverty. 
• Nine Esperanza offices all across the country exist to help lift Dominicans out of poverty and minister the Good News of the Gospel.
• Mothers and fathers are becoming successful business owners, learning about their own dignity as children of God, and providing for their own children. 
• Esperanza clients have access not only to small business loans but also savings services, business training, subsidized healthcare, literacy training, and other services that meet their unique needs.

You might be surprised to learn just how much can be accomplished with a small loan.  Roughly $100 can help launch a new business or support an existing endeavor.  It can provide raw materials, inventory, or equipment.  It’s an opportunity, not charity.  For those who are willing to invest wisely and work diligently, a small loan can make the difference between poverty and provision.  HOPE loan recipients repay their loans with interest, enabling additional families to receive the same opportunity and increasing the impact of each donated dollar. 

WJTL and HOPE are seeking to fund a new community bank—a group of roughly 40 borrowers who join together in social and financial solidarity—in the Dominican Republic.  To assist these 40 families, we’ve set a goal to raise $5,000 through the generosity of WJTL listeners by the end of October.   You can get involved by giving now.

Listen to WJTL each morning October 7-9 from 6-10am to hear Lisa Landis’ live broadcasts from the Dominican Republic and learn more.