Marlene is the coordinator of her group Esperando en Dios (Hoping with God), and her story is representative of others in her group and of Esperanza's Haitian and Dominican clients overall. Her group is located in the rural areas surrounding El Seybo, a poor agricultural area where running water (none of which is potable) and electricity are unreliable. She makes her home here in a simple structure with her long term partner and five children.
Marlene sells candies, snacks and other groceries from her mobile stall, which she takes to some schools and to many other different places. She has been in this business for around three years.
Marlene started her business when she took out her first Esperanza loan. She is excited to be taking her sixth loan with Esperanza after successfully repaying her previous loans. She plans to use this loan to invest in her business by purchasing more candies, snacks and other groceries for her mobile stall.
She has contributed to her household needs through this extra income. She hopes to have a big grocery stall, and her dream is then to buy a local stall for her business and stop selling by walking. She thanks you all for your support.
