After many years of struggle, Maria’s family is thriving
Doña Magdalena is a mother, homemaker, and the pillar of her family. She has three children and is married to Don Lázaro. Since 2023, she has been part of ViviendasLeón, where she joined the first cohort of the HCT program. Today, thanks to her effort and perseverance, she has an open-field garden and a hothouse on her family’s land.
My wish is to support my children, give them fresh vegetables, and prepare good meals for them. I have seen a great change in my life, and I feel happy because I had never participated in a project like this before. Sometimes I even cry with joy when I see the changes we have experienced, not only for me, but also for my children and my husband.
Throughout this process, Doña Magdalena has demonstrated tremendous perseverance. She has participated responsibly in every activity promoted by ViviendasLeón and proudly shares that she has finally harvested her first crop. For her, this garden is not just a space for cultivation, but an achievement that has transformed her family life.
Before, her husband was often away working in the fields. However, since the family has had their own garden, he has been the one who encourages her to keep going. He has even become her main support: now he tends and protects the crops alongside her. Don Lázaro struggled with alcohol for a long time, but working in the garden has allowed him to spend more time at home, be more involved with his family, and enjoy a healthier, more united environment.
His children have also joined in this transformation. They help with cleaning and maintaining the garden, following the recommendations they are given. Today, the family not only produces its own food but also shares moments of work, learning, and togetherness.
Doña Magdalena’s garden is more than just a productive project; it’s a space where the family has found stability, unity, and new opportunities. Now they enjoy the fruits of the earth and, above all, the time they spend together.
A unique family
Maria Magdelena and her husband, Lazaro are a unique family. They are both in their 50’s and have young to adolescent children. Their parents helped them to build the fencing for their farm and get them started.
After so many years working for corn producing farms, and growing up with just corn, beans and squash as traditional domestic crops, they realized the program, with its emphasis on diversified, organic and valuable crops, was something that would be beneficial for their family’s health and their children’s future. They have also found the farm is an opportunity for the whole family to work together for everyone’s benefit.
