Yulaimi Coromoto Porras Gelvez, 40 years, is from Colombia. She returned from Venezuela in 2017 following the country’s economy collapse. She remembers:
When I got back, I found it difficult to access basic goods, medical care, and medicines for my 15-year-old daughter, who has a disability and has been diagnosed with a neurological condition called “central motor disorder”.
Yulaimi also has an 11-year-old son and migrated with both of her children to come back to her parents’ home. To provide for her family, she long worked as a domestic worker in various households.
Back then, I felt exhausted and overwhelmed by everything I had been through – situations that had hurt me a lot and which I hadn’t even acknowledged as such. I felt so much resentment, guilt and despair…. until a friend noticed my situation. She was worried for me, and told me about the foundation. She said it was run by the Good Shepherd Sisters and that they could help me.
Yulaimi contacted them and scheduled an appointment, during which they welcomed her and introduced her to the different Good Shepherd programs. A few days went by, she gave it some thought and eventually decided to embark on this journey. “It was the best decision I could have made”.
For 9 months, she participated in gatherings, motivational training, built her self-esteem, learned to understand herself, recognize her personal strengths and achievements. All of this has helped her to improve and make changes in her life.
I have forgiven myself for allowing so much harm to be done to me. I forgave others. I have let go of my guilt and accepted my mistakes. I’ve let go of all the sadness and frustration that were holding me back.
She has now many dreams and hopes for her future and that of her children.
Yulaimi has experienced change in her life personally, but also professionally. She has started her own poultry farm and now sells farm-fresh eggs under the name “Pollos Las Cumbres”.
The Good Shepherd seed capital program has helped me increase my sales, grow my livestock feed, expand my chicken barns and improve my workspace. I can now work alongside my children and be a financially independent woman.
