Teosinte

Women's Empowerment Partnership supports with a very small stipend 13 elderly who are 65 or older. Because of the funding crisis we have been in for a number of years, we have not been able to give these folks more than $20 per month, which is not enough, but it does keep these folks from suffering hunger. The oldest in the group are no longer able to work due to physical ailments. Many depend on our supplies of medication to maintain life. We prefer to work in an empowering manner instead of gifts of money, but we feel that we must also keep people alive while we are empowering them! It is hard to see how the oldest would be still able to earn a living even if we could develop enough cottage industries in the community.

	Isabel Sanchez, widow of the war who also has lost several sons, one whom I knew when I lived in Teosinte. He was just 15 when he was killed in the war.
	Pancha (Francisca) Guardado, age 88, suffers from cataract-caused vision loss and congestive heart failure--depends on our medications (4 daily) to live.
	Berta Mejia, left and Roselia Sibrian Mejia, right. Don Pablo Sibrian, Berta's husband and Roselia's father, is not shown. He is 90 years old and very debilitated. Berta is 70. Roselia is 40 plus and mentally retarded. This family is one of the very poorest in Teosinte. They receive $40 per month as both Berta and Pablo are over 65. Berta is still able and has come up with an idea (raising hens for eggs to sell) for a cottage industry, but funds are needed ($200) for start-up.

	History of WEPI Historia de WEPI		Letter from Sylvia
	The Scholarship Program La Programa de Becas		Elderly Assistance
	The Stove Project La Programa de Estufas		Health Support Team