HEESSO in Action: Marcia’s Story

Eventually, we learned that Marcia had secured a job that required regular travel. However, she would not receive pay for the first two months and was borrowing money simply to get to work each day. Beneath what looked like disengagement was actually a woman trying desperately to survive and move forward.

We encouraged her to re-engage, continued supporting the family, and began working with her on a plan for economic growth. Marcia had a strong desire to farm, but lacked startup capital, tools, and infrastructure. Together, we started developing a practical pathway toward building small farming activities that could generate income and stability.

Then Hurricane Melissa struck.

The realities facing the family became even clearer. The house was in severe condition — leaking from the roof and flooding from below. Doors were not secure. Rats were entering the home. Mattresses were wet. Food supplies were limited. At times, even sending the children to school became difficult.

But what stood out most was not the hardship.

It was Marcia’s determination.

She remained a motivated changemaker who genuinely wanted to move forward if given the opportunity and support to do so.

In the aftermath of Melissa, Jalawelo immediately mobilized practical support, including supplies, tools, and emergency assistance, while simultaneously assessing how to stabilize and repair the home. We revisited the business strategy, strengthened the farming plan, and provided additional support designed to create longer-term sustainability.

Over time, the support expanded beyond financial help alone. Marcia received mentoring, training, and assistance learning to use a laptop to help manage her growing business activities. The journey also included emotional and relational challenges — periods of sadness, depression, sickness, uncertainty, and the pain of a broken relationship.

Yet alongside those realities, hope has also been growing.

This journey has now continued for nearly two years. It has involved seasons of hardship, joy, setbacks, resilience, and progress. And through it all, the work has never simply been about solving one isolated problem. It has been about walking alongside a family over time — listening, adapting, strengthening, and helping create pathways toward long-term stability and restoration.

The journey continues.