Mother’s Day, Finding Freedom through Friendship, My Story and MORE!

 

If you receive our newsletter you already know that this Mother’s Day we are donating all of our profits from our Hand Painted Pansy Box to Finding Freedom Through Friendship, Inc. This blog is where I will begin to share more details about FFF, my own personal connection to Guatemala and my life as a single mom.

I have chosen to partner with Finding Freedom through Friendship, Inc. because I have a personal connection to the people of Guatemala and an empathy for the struggles of being a single mom. I’ve chosen to begin to share that story publicly because it shapes who I am and how I do business.  Most of all I’ve chosen to share it because I believe it can be used to illuminate the struggles of single Guatemalan mothers and their children.  The picture of this suffering isn’t comfortable.  It isn’t pleasant, and there is no easy “fix”.  But one gift, one woman, one family at a time, we can help each other. 

Stella Leona customers are some of the kindest, most generous people alive.  I know because I’ve met you… that’s the beauty of small business.  The needs of my family have been provided because you all have surrounded me with your love and generosity during recent years when I became a single mom to five children after the sudden death of my husband.  My children are healthy and educated and have nutritious food on the table in abundant supply.  I live and work with people I love and  love the work that I do.

 
(Jordan, Cale (Lauren’s Fiance), Lauren, Me, Carly, Ashlyn and Aaron)

I first learned to love the people of Guatemala through two little ambassadors—my sons.  They were born in Guatemala to women without the resources to care for them.  No one should have to make the kinds of choices their birthmothers had to make.  I hope that you will consider helping prevent someone else from being in that very difficult position. 

Through purchasing the Mother’s Day Pansy Box, you will partner with me to provide for the critical needs of Guatemalan mothers so that they can provide food, shelter and education for their children.  If you would like to read more about Finding Freedom through Friendship or make a donation directly, click these links to their website and blog.