Juanita’s new beginning

Juanita came to Casa Pa’nibal earlier this year. Her husband attacked her in their home outside of a nearby industrialized city well known for its slums and high crime. After beating her he told her he was going to kill her.

In his mid-thirties, Juanita’s husband had been accused of a variety of crimes from sexual abuse through assault and murder. Soon after Juanita escaped their home earlier this year he was implicated in several more murders — including those of police officers — during an apprehension attempt staged by local law enforcement.

Juanita came to Casa Pa’nibal through OSAR (Sexual and Reproductive Health Observatory). She contacted local law enforcement after her husband threatened to kill her and was moved to a temporary government holding facility by the authorities. The facility reported the incident to OSAR who recommended that she be delivered to a community home in a nearby region — Casa Pa’nibal.

Juanita arrived at our doors five months pregnant with her two preschool aged children in tow. She had no money, no belongings, and nowhere to go. Like so many Guatemalan women she had been thrust into overwhelmingly difficult circumstances, and all before reaching her mid-twenties. Juanita and her children were provided a hot meal, clothes and toiletries, then shown to their own private room complete with bathroom and a separate bed for her kids.

Within days Juanita and her children were participating in in-home exercise, activities, and classes, as well as group excursions with the other families at Casa Pa’nibal. Juanita particularly enjoys cooking and has taken to preparing meals and snacks for the rest of Casa Pa’nibal residents.

After just three months at Casa Pa’nibal both of Juanita’s children are regularly attending local preschool programs. Juanita herself completed a set of eight in-home Cultora de Belleza workshops (manicure / pedicure / beauty school), and has begun providing affordable manicures to the local community. The workshop’s instructor and longtime salon owner says Juanita has a lot of potential in salon & beauty work. It’s the first time she’s been paid for skilled labor in her life.

Manuel, another resident’s son, waters the garden where Juanita provides affordable manicures.

After having her baby, Juanita hopes to continue her professional development and eventually find a home for herself and her children. In the meantime she’s taking her new life one day at a time.

Thank you for making new beginnings possible. Without our donor partners women like Juanita would have nowhere to go after a brief stay at a government holding facility. Because of your participation Juanita and her children have a life to look forward to.

Want to do more? Consider helping Juanita stock up on nail-polish, a drying lamp and other work materials. With just $100 Juanita can have everything she needs to continue selling manicures out of Casa Pa’nibal for months to come.