Economy

LACA has funded several self-help projects since 1992. The following are a few examples:

In Guajiquiro, in the province of La Paz, LACA helped fund a community “molino” (a corn-grinding mill), purchased treadle machines for a sewing cooperative where there is no electricity, supplied monies to purchase flour and sugar to help start a bakery self-help, and supplied seed monies for cooperatives of small businesses such as local grocery stores, grain stores, and general merchandise stores.

In Rio Colorado, in the province of Comayagua, LACA funded materials for the people to build a “bodega” warehouse for an agricultural co-op. The warehouse allows the members of the cooperative to store coffee or other volatile priced grains until the market is favorable to sell. Oftentimes, the market middle man will purchase the coffee at a very low figure before it is ready to harvest. Because of the family’s economic needs and lack of storage they had been forced to pre-sell only to find that the coffee later sold for a much higher price.

In Minas de Oro, in the province of Comayagua, LACA funded a very successful bakery self-help group. LACA also provided monies for a water storage tank, a freezer, juice maker, coffee pot, glass display case for bakery goods, and flour and sugar. Prior to the startup, LACA funded a two-day seminar for the bakery administrator on accounting, budgeting, management, and interpersonal relationships. The women took classes on cake-making, decorating, and the baking of goods that were new to them. Once the bakery was established, the women were so enthusiastic they asked to work every day. Not only did this self-help project empower the women of this community to self reliance, but they did not have to leave their families to seek employment in urban centers.

If you would like to assist LACA with continuing cooperative and self-help projects or would like more information, please check out our ways to help:

www.lacafoundation.org

LACA Foundation
P.O. Box 21000
Castro Valley, CA 94546
415.317.4060
510.733.6430 Fax.

Recent LACA Economy Projects

Michigan Rotary Club Funds House in El Salvador

Recently LACA received a generous donation of over $4000 from the Rotary Club of Suttons Bay, Leelanau County, a small community in north-west Michigan. How did this organization 3000 miles across the country find out about LACA?
George Ball, a retired stock broker, made the contact. George surfed the web, searching for a charity that reflected […]