Yomar, 50 years old, lives with her two children, Yamilet (22 years old) and Lucas (17 years old), as well as her grandson Jeydan (6 years old). While the family currently lives in Quito, this was not always the case. Yomar grew up in the Ecuadorian providence of Orellana and had a stable life there. However, after the death of her husband, her family was forced to relocate to Quito. This caused many changes in her life. Now, as a single mother of two, Yomar faces significant financial difficulties.
The biggest financial stress facing the family is Yomar’s inability to work. Her son, Lucas, has an intellectual disability which requires someone to always care for him. When Lucas was only a month old, he had meningitis. This left him with high care needs, and he relies on a wheelchair to be able to move around. Not only have Lucas’s medical needs caused financial stress on the family, but Yomar is alone in caring for him, causing her emotional stress as well due to the lack of support.
Yomar’s oldest daughter, Yamilet, is also a single mother to her son Jeydan. She is currently unemployed. Yamilet has spent a lot of time looking for employment where they live, but the current job market makes it difficult for her to earn money. She has been unable to search for further job training or schooling due to having to care for her son and not having the financial resources to do so.
Pan de Vida plans to continue to provide support to Yomar. Donations of groceries, diapers for Lucas, and medical appointments will help to lift some of the financial strain off of the family. Additionally, programs such as the hot food program will provide Yomar with the opportunity to be in community with other single mothers of children with disabilities.
Despite her circumstances, Yomar has shown incredible strength and compassion. She loves and cares for both of her children and her grandchild, and exemplifies the love that Christ has for us. Galatians 6:2 tells us “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ”. As Yomar carries the burdens of her family, we invite you to support us in carrying her burdens as well.
