Meet Mary

Mary had endured many obstacles both at home and at work. After finding herself in a position as the sole provider for her family, Mary faced many difficulties. She had some previous training in sewing and other textile work and was making a small income from her work, but was not sure how to use this knowledge to bring her and her family more benefit. Today she sees herself not only as a skilled seamstress, but also as a businesswoman.

She participated in Alternativ training through a partner initiative that also helped Mary with a microloan to expand her own sewing business. Without the proper training, support, and mentorship Mary would not have been able to use her loan as effectively and skillfully as she had. Before Alternativ training and the dedicated support of TOLI staff and community savings groups, Mary made about $25 a month... Today she makes $180 a month — 7 times more. She’s now a leader and role model for those within her community savings group and dreams of expanding her business, even hiring employees someday. Post training, she went from “barely getting by” to “THRIVING.”