Testimonials
The FEMAP Foundation and FEMAP have provided inspiration to many people throughout Mexico and the border region. The empowerment experienced by our clients, the dedication exemplified in our volunteers, and the goodwill of our supporters are all evident in the words on this page. Listen to some of their voices below.
?It is a testament to the staff at FEMAP, as well as the countless volunteers, that the projects are so successful. It is clear that you and other FEMAP staff fervently believe in empowering citizens to take control of their own communities. The fact that FEMAP long ago embraced the idea of integrated projects; working to improve the economic, social, and health problems that a poor community faces, is a tribute to the organization?s foresight and determination to create systematic change in these communities.? Marceline White
Director, Sierra Club International Population Campaign
. . . . . . . . . . ?I have not seen such people-empowering programs anywhere in the world ? community banking and microenterprise support programs for women, urban poverty belt housing projects, community pharmacies and clinics in marginal urban and rural areas, sanitation and potable water programs, family planning support and HIV/AIDS prevention programs for maquila workers ? all done in a manner that not only addresses felt needs but also elevates and strengthens the beneficiaries in remarkable ways. You should visit FEMAP.? Paul White
Mission Director, USAID Mexico
. . . . . . . . . . ?The work we do takes on relevance when people living in poor Mexican communities experience that magical moment of change from dependence to self-realization, from slavery to liberty, from apathy and discouragement to hope.? Guadalupe de la Vega
Founder of FEMAP
. . . . . . . . . . ?I think it is important to say that our bank is for sexual workers, and that this was the first community bank that was done in the world of sexual workers. Through the bank, I learned a lot of things. We learned when to speak up, how to listen to others, and how to set up rules and follow them. The rules made sure we kept up with repayments and handled our bank right, so at the end of nine cycles we had US $1,200 each in savings. These savings enabled us to improve our businesses because this bank was started with the goal of providing us with an alternative for life, so we didn?t have to live off of prostitution. You should be told that it helped us a lot because now I am a small business woman. I have a cheese business, I sell chorizo that I make myself, and I make spices I am also selling. Although my business isn?t very big, it is solid and I now own a small home, although it?s just one room and one bath. I am really thankful for having learned so many things. Also through FEMAP, I now am a health coordinator: I pass out condoms, I give out passes for the clinic, and I give talks on sexually transmitted diseases. I have been a volunteer for four years, and all this has left me with a lot of positive things in my life.? Anonymous
Member of the "Amistad" Bank in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico
. . . . . . . . . . Hi! I am Rebecca Pouy. I am eighteen years old and a freshman at Bryn Mawr College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. This past summer I volunteered at Hospital de la Familia in Cd.Juarez, Mexico. This hospital is close to the downtown bridges so you can walk across the border. I worked in the examination room that provided health education. I weighed people, took their blood pressure and measured their height. Part of my responsibilities included filling out medical history cards and handing out pamphlets on various diseases. Pregnant teenagers were offered exercise classes and I assisted in these classes. We would visit individuals who were unable to get to the hospital in colonias to provide medical services. Helping at a health fair at one of the maquiladoras was also part of my volunteer work with FEMAP. My Spanish improved; I worked with nice people. It was an unforgettable experience. Rebecca Pouy
Volunteer
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