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Filomina's Story
Filomina and Alvaro together again
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2006: Filomina's greatest dream come true. Together with her son in a coperative community.
The idea to have my own house came about because I knew that I would not have help from my family. I had to struggle to get ahead with my son. I had to begin by having a stable place to live At this time I opened a savings account for the house with a minimum of $10,000 Pesos ($20.00 US) to start because my greatest goal was to have my house and live together with my little boy. I got this money by working as a replacement in the kitchen and a little money from the government. I hid the money in my room until I could deposit it in the bank. There were many comments because I am not very sociable and these were personal things.
During this time I finished my high school studies. In March of 2004 I had to leave the Refuge and be separated from my boy because I did not have a place to live. I went to work in a house as a live in servant and my boy I put in Hogar de Cristo (a children’s home). The separation was very painful. I dedicated myself to save almost every bit of money I earned. I visited my son every weekend. In the beginning I could be with him only during the day. After a time, I was able to be with him day and night during the weekend.
In 2005 I was left with out work. At first, I was scared and surprised because I was not expecting to be fired. I had the faith that enables me to look for other work. I thought about my son and he gave me the strength to continue foreword
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Filomina's house at the cooperative.
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I came back to the Refuge asking for work. Mother Edith again gave me the opportunity to live and work in the Refuge if I would promise to study in an institute. I am studying cooking and international cooking now. I work during the day and study during the night. This year I am able to be with my son.
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I had to open a passbook savings account for the house and then apply for a grant from the government. When both requirements were ready I could choose the house I wanted and the community that I wanted. A house cooperative helped me finish these requirements, and I chose my house in Colina. (A little town near Santiago)
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Alvaro at home ready for school
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In 2006 I am with my son. I will soon finish my studies I hope to work in a hotel, casino or restaurant. My greatest dream, to have my own house has been met. Even now I continue living in the Refuge because of money problems that do not permit me to leave right now. Put I am happy with what I have achieved.
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