Kaelyn, her husband, and their two daughters, Aracely (15) and Genesis (6), live in a small rural community in Nicaragua with fewer than 100 families. For many years, there was only one small shop where neighbours could purchase basic goods. Today, the community has gained something new: a catering business started by Kaelyn, bringing both services and opportunity closer to home.

Turning Savings into Opportunity

Through World Renew’s local partner, Kaelyn was able to join a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA), sometimes referred to locally as a Savings and Internal Lending Bank. In a VSLA, members save small, manageable amounts of money—often less than a dollar a week—and are then able to access low‑interest loans from the group’s collective savings.

Kaelyn explains, “Thanks to this project, I was able to start my business. I never thought I would have my own business.” Before joining the VSLA, her catering idea had been only a dream. Both she and her husband work as farmers, and their income was not enough to consistently meet their family’s basic needs, let alone invest in a new venture.

“I was able to get two different loans from the [VSLA],” Kaelyn shares, “which made it possible for me to buy the plates, silverware, and cooking utensils I needed to be able to start my catering business.”

Investing in the Next Generation

As the business has grown, so has its impact on Kaelyn’s family. The additional income is helping make long‑term goals feel attainable—especially when it comes to education.

“My daughter Aracely would never have gone on after elementary school without this opportunity,” Kaelyn says. “Now she is in her second year of high school.”

What began as a small catering business has become a source of stability, dignity, and hope. For Kaelyn and her family, access to savings, loans, and community support has helped turn practical resources into lasting change—one meal, and one dream, at a time.