Sustainable Livelihoods Program

January 2026 Update

Across the countries where CMMB serves, local programs are creating meaningful change for women, children, and families facing the greatest barriers to health and opportunity. From strengthening women’s economic independence in Kenya and Haiti to expanding access to rehabilitation services for children in Peru, the updates below share how community-centered solutions are supporting healthier, more hopeful futures.

Kenya Sustainable Livelihoods Program

From Despair to Dignity: Uyeni Mbondo’s Story of Hope

Uyeni is a 53-year-old widow and mother of ten from Kitoo Village in Mutomo Ward, Kitui County, Kenya. In 2018, her life changed dramatically when she became paralyzed after a serious illness that also affected her speech. Today, Uyeni continues to struggle to communicate and has limited mobility, walking only short distances with a walking stick.

Out of her ten children, five are adults and living on their own. The remaining five depend on her; four are still in school. The burden of caring for the family has fallen heavily on Samson, her sixth-born son, who, despite being a child himself, is responsible for cooking, fetching water, and managing most household chores.

When Uyeni first encountered CMMB in 2019, her situation was dire. She lacked proper shelter, had no reliable food, could not afford medication, and had lost hope for the future. Survival was uncertain.

Support came not only from CMMB but also from the kindness of a neighbor, Titus, a teacher, who stepped in as a guardian for the younger children after noticing that the children’s education was at risk. Titus helps manage Uyeni’s monthly cash transfer and ensures the household remains stable. Through CMMB’s assistance, Uyeni received basic livelihood support, including two chickens that multiplied to eleven and goats, which she later sold to cover her medical expenses. This small but meaningful support has made a big difference in her life.

Today, Uyeni has access to essential medications and can meet her family’s basic needs. While her physical condition remains challenging, her ability to walk short distances has restored independence and dignity.

“Even though I cannot walk or speak well, I now feel supported, and my children still have a future,“ Uyeni shares through her caregiver.

Uyeni’s story is a reminder that timely support can restore families, not by removing all challenges, but by restoring hope, dignity, and the ability to keep going.

Haiti Sustainable Livelihoods Program

A Roof That Changes Everything

The Bruno family has ten children. Every day, the parents wondered how to feed everyone, pay for school, and provide necessities. When the Sustainable Livelihoods Program supported four of the children (Ericka, Mastery, Fatima, and Rapphaella), hope slowly took root.

“For us, it was more than a blessing,” the mother said with a smile.

With school and daily expenses reduced, the family was able to set aside money for the first time. At first, it was just a few gourdes, then, month after month, the savings grew. One day, the dream came true: they began building their own house.

Today, the Brunos finally live under a roof of their own. The walls aren’t just concrete; they’re made of hope, work, and gratitude.

“When I look at our house, I tell myself that my children will always have a place to come back to. And that’s priceless,” confides the father. They warmly thank CMMB: “Thank you, it’s thanks to CMMB that this dream has come true.”

Peru Rehabilitation with Hope Project