Enterprise Mentors

Darryl's grandpa gave us the opportunity last night to attend the Enterprise Mentors fundraising gala. Thanks so much Grandpa! This organization is one that after I heard about it I thought, 'Why didn't I think of that!?.' Their whole premise is 'giving a hand up not a hand out.' The organization is set up to give loans to people in poverty to help them start a business. The loan is an extremely low interest loan because Enterprise Mentors purpose isn't to make money it is to help those in need help themselves through their lifetime. It is the obvious solution to give the people lots of money and that would pull them out of poverty. However, it doesn't happen. The money eventually runs out and their lives of poverty haven't changed. Enterprise Mentors, in addition to the loans, mentors the people and gives them business training. It's so neat to read the stories of how a person who is struggling to find food each day can take a loan of $150 and after a short while has developed a business that is so successful they have to hire workers to help them meet the demand. It's so neat to zoom out on the effect and see how it develops an economy that helps more than just one person. It was such a great night for gaining perspective. We also got to see some family and friends which was a great bonus!
If you want to read any of their neat stories go to http://www.enterprise-mentors.org.