Doña Tomasa is a 48-year-old single mother of three and has spent her life fighting to overcome adversity. She was abandoned by her husband and has borne the burden of supporting her family on her own. Despite the struggle, Doña Tomasa has remained strong, working tirelessly to provide for her family.
A lifelong resident of Los Robles, Nicaragua, Doña Tomasa's lost her parents when she was 13. As the eldest sibling, she assumed the role of caregiver, working in the fields to feed her younger brothers. She recalls long days harvesting tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, and coffee. This early introduction to hard labor shaped her determination, and today, she continues to work the land. However, the seasonal nature of fieldwork forces her to take on other jobs, such as washing clothes and cleaning homes within the community, to make ends meet. While Doña Tomasa works, her daughter cares for her 7-year-old son, and her 16-year-old son works in the fields to help provide food for the family.
Despite her efforts, Doña Tomasa and her children have lived in a house made of zinc, wood, bamboo, and plastic—materials that barely hold together. The condition of the home was so poor that, during the rainy season, water seeped through the walls, and the strong winds threaten to bring the structure down. This constant threat to their safety weighed heavily on Doña Tomasa. The home offered no protection, leaving her family vulnerable.
Yet, amidst these struggles, Doña Tomasa’s spirit remained unbroken. She and her family continued to persevere, hopeful for a brighter future. Over the years, Doña Tomasa selflessly served her community as a volunteer with Comunidad Connect. She has helped construct homes, supported the local health post, and participated in cleaning efforts to keep the community healthy. Her faith in progress extends beyond her own needs as she finds fulfillment in seeing others thrive and watching her community grow stronger.
In 2024, the time came for Comunidad Connect and community volunteers to build her a safe, secure home. This new chapter offers her the hope of a stable future. It’s more than just a house; it’s a symbol of resilience, solidarity, and the belief that even through the darkest times, brighter days lie ahead. For Doña Tomasa and her children, this new home will be a foundation of security and peace—a long-awaited dream coming true.
As the walls of her new home rose, so did Doña Tomasa's hope for a better life, free from fear, and filled with the comfort and support of a community she has long served. Through her unwavering strength and the generosity of those around her, she is finally received the security and stability she has always worked so hard to provide for her family.