Zenayda is a mother to her three children: Jeorge, Erik, and Rosita. The family, including Zenayda's husband, lived in the Los Pedernales community.
Zenayda was married at a young age and was continuously abused by her husband. He was an alcoholic, who eventually began abusing the children too.
Zenayda desperately wanted her own home and a steady income so she could support herself and her children. The family of five lived with her in-laws, who also mistreated Zenayda; they constantly insulted her and told her they wished she would just go away. The home was overcrowded, and as her children grew up, it became more and more apparent to this mother that they needed a safe, comfortable space.
Due to the extreme conditions they were living in, Zenayda and her children experienced numerous illnesses and diseases, ranging from parasites to unclean water to skin conditions. There was no running water or a place to use the restroom; the roof constantly leaked and the family left fecal waste exposed.
Zenayda continued to work hard despite these obstacles. She would peddle tortillas during the day and evenings, and in between she would offer a laundry service to other people in the community. Still, these jobs hardly created enough wages to live a sustainable lifestyle for her and her children.
By the time Rainbow Network arrived in her community in 2010, Zenayda was used to working day and night, and would often remove her children from the home late at night when her husband would come home drunk and beat their children. She and the three kids would seek refuge wherever they could for the night before returning the next day. With Rainbow Network building a housing project, Zenayda felt that it was time for a change.
Zenayda began to take on more work than ever, washing and ironing clothes all day long, and assisted in the construction of the housing project. She and her family had been accepted to receive a home of their own. The family moved to the Divino Niño project in San Pedro.
Zenayda, who did not study past the third grade, decided to pursue an entrepreneur lifestyle. She invested in a freezer so she would be able to sell dairy products, such as popsicles and sodas, and has now expanded her inventory to include tortillas, nacatamales (Nicaraguan tamales), and hammocks. With these profits, she is able to afford her housing payment, care for her children, and make sure there is enough food for everyone.
Her husband, over time, adapted a healthier lifestyle and has reconciled with Zenayda and their children. The family now live happily in their new home. The couple welcomed another baby about a year ago.
Zenayda is currently a part of our Special Medical Needs program, suffering from eye problems. You can read more about Zenayda's situation or choose to sponsor her here.