Delivering New Life to the Homebound

Sr. Leena lives in Brazil, where she and her fellow Sisters of the Salesian Missionaries of Mary Immaculate run the Casa de Apoio Madre Maria Getrudes social services center. There, they meet the needs of the elderly and vulnerable in their communities through life saving services including food and medicine delivery. In addition, they also offer exercise and other enrichment programs for the elderly and others in need.

When the Sister's vehicle broke down, maintaining their regular deliveries and home visits became extremely difficult due to inconsistent public transportation. Additionally, many of the elderly they served were unable to reach the center, leaving them isolated and lonely. But thanks to Sisters Rising Worldwide, the Sisters received a new vehicle. Now, deliveries and home visits have resumed and community members can once again access services. Sr. Leena reports, "Several beneficiaries have told us, with tears in their eyes, that this vehicle has brought new life to them by reconnecting them with the community and giving them renewed dignity. Every day, we hear people thanking God for this blessing that came to us through Sisters Rising Worldwide."

Sr. Leena shares the following testimony from one of her community members.

"My name is Cleuzinha R. I am a 69 year old widow, and live in the same village where the sisters are living. A few years ago, I used to participate in activities in the Casa de Apoio Madre Maria Getrudes. But I had to stop participating because I was not longer able to walk to the center because it is a hilly place, and there is no regular bus that I can depend on. Since the sisters received their vehicle, they started to give me lift to reach them and also bring me back home. I resumed physical exercises, gardening, and crocheting at the center. With all the activities my health became much better. Thanks be to God, and the sisters for their kind service. Thanks be to the SRW program that supported the sisters to get the car. May God Bless all of you."

Thanks to all our donors for supporting Sr. Leena as she restores the hope and dignity of those in her community!

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