Enterprise Mentors International (EMI)

A few weeks ago at the women's club meeting I attend with my mother-in-law, a very interesting presentation was made informing us about an organization called Enterprise Mentors International. I can't quit thinking about it.

It is an organization that actually helps people living in poverty improve their situation and raise their standard of living. Organized in 1990, the group was formed to give women the chance to receive a small loan so that they could start their own home business. It is similar to the Perpetual Education fund offered through the LDS church, but it was established to help families start a home business in order to sell something and to help them help themselves. EMI extends a hand up...not a hand out. It builds self-reliance in developing countries. It brings hope to improverished individuals. 100% of donations go to the program. All administrative and overhead costs are paid for by the generous board of directors themselves.

If you've ever been in a third world country, you will know what I mean when I say that we have no idea the kind of lives of desperation most people on this earth lead. They live in poverty that most of us can't even fathom. Their sole purpose each day is to find something to eat and to feed their families. They have minimal shelter and only a few items of clothing. They often lives in areas in the world where there isn't work for anyone and they have no way to earn a living. One of the presenters described it this way "As you think about climbing the ladder of financial achievement, you usually think about moving up the ladder a few rungs each year, gradually bettering your financial situation. Most of the people in the world aren't even holding on to the ladder. They don't even have their hands on the rungs. EMI helps them get their hands on the rungs, with their own effort. They just need a chance to get a grip."

In Argentina, I saw poverty, but not grinding poverty. Some of the people we taught had small one room homes with dirt floors, electricity (yes most had a TV and a refrigerator!) and minimal furniture and clothing. But most had jobs and most were able to work for food, shelter and clothing. When we went to Peru, I saw a different kind of poverty in the Amazon jungle. No electricity, no plumbing, no grocery stores. People ate what they could find, what they could grow and what they could catch. They wore very little clothing and their shelter was no more than a shack. Jordan, Rich, Rick and Andy have seen this kind of poverty first hand as well from their mission fields of service. It's heartbreaking and very sobering, yet inspiring at the same time. It puts life in perspective and teaches that we don't need "things" to be happy! The observation I made in these humble situations was the resilient nature of the people. They were happy! They were making the most of their meager situations. I think I've seen some of the most darling children ever in the worst living situations, both in Argentina and Peru.

Because of this background glimpse I have had personally, the presentation really touched me and made me want to help. Even though EMI isn't run by the LDS church, it is staffed by church members and the board of directors is made up of prominent people who have served in leadership roles in the church. Mary Ellen Smoot is the chair of the board of directors, with Coleen Menlove and other retired general authorities are on the board as well. The program was started in the Philippines and is now also in Guatemala, Mexico, El Salvador and Peru, with plans to expand to more countries each year. As of last year, EMI had served over 675,000 people in its eighteen year history. EMI has provided 139,526 loans at an average of $168 each for a total of nearly $23.5 million loaned with an average repayment rate of 95 percent over the 18-year history.Can you imagine - a $168 loan making such a difference in the lives of one family? That small amount for a micoenterprise loan has not only helped the 29,407 new clients, but has also generated more than 25,903 new jobs. When one considers that for each family serviced there are approximately five dependents who benefit from the growing business as well. Imagine the impact!

This year EMI is having it's annual gala at the Grand America Hotel in SLC on November 7, 2008. There will be a reception, dinner and a special performance by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I really want to go! Is anyone interested in going with me? Your ticket of $150 will go to EMI and you can also share a nice evening with like-minded individuals.

Check out their web site HERE. and also take a look at these videos on You Tube for more information.

My feelings are that we all can do something, anything, paying just a little each month - through the perpetual education fund, through the church humanitarian fund or through EMI to help those less fortunate. We have an obligation to share our abundance if we are in a situation to do so. And aren't we all abundantly blessed?