I first posted about the Headstand Media Bank of Hope on my company website. Since I have a son who is working for HOPE International (partnering with Esperanza) in the Dominican Republic, where the Bank of Hope is located, he was able to get some photos of the Dominican women (mostly) who are receiving micro-loans from this bank.

These photos were taken by a HOPE International worker named Liz, about a week ago as she visited the area that the Headstand Media Bank of Hope serves. Captured in these images is a biweekly meeting of our (Headstand Media’s) Bank of Hope named “El Futuro!” (The Future!).

"El Futuro" Group Associates

Our bank is partnering with 2 groups in the bank – Group #1 and Group #4. The whole bank is made up of 8 groups for a total of 40 associates. There are pictures of various members of the bank, and also specific photos of group #1 and #4. One woman from Group #1 couldn’t make it to the meeting, so she isn’t pictured.

"El Futuro" - Group 1

"El Futuro" - Group 4

The bank meets in a community center, which is currently undergoing a new green paint-job on the interior.

Reading the Verbal Pledge

Ana, the Esperanza loan officer, is the one wearing the black and white striped shirt.

Ana, the bank loan officer, receiving a loan payment

A woman from the bank named Rafaela, brought some ice cream to share with the rest of the bank associates. She has an ice cream business. Here is a photo of her with her business.

Rafaela's ice cream business

It is so great to see the faces of those we are helping to provide an opportunity for their businesses to grow. In time, this help positively affects their families and community, which leads to a more stable and flourishing local economy, which leads to less poverty and greater health all around.