
“Last year, I could have never imagined eating at a restaurant and opening birthday presents. I couldn’t have imagined such a happy life,” Ruth Carina smiled as she fed her daughter birthday cake.
Last year, at just 17, Ruth Carina found herself abandoned and living under a bridge with her newborn daughter after her then-boyfriend threatened to take the baby’s life. A sympathetic taxi driver helped her find the women’s shelter in Cusco where she found safety, hope and a new start thanks to your support. Read more of Ruth Carina’s story HERE.

Her birthday is extra special this year, because at 18, Ruth Carina can move out of the shelter and live on her own. Starting next week, she’ll be renting a room from Elena, a fellow mom in the Nuevo Camino program and a mentor who will help her get on her feet and learn to learn to take care of the baby. Nuevo Camino is more than a program. It’s a community of mothers fighting together for new life and purpose for themselves and their children.
Ruth Carina is also finishing up high school at night, and looking for work during the day.
She is learning to stand on her own — and knowing Ruth Carina’s drive and heart to support her daughter, we know it won’t be long!
Learn more about the mommas of Nuevo Camino HERE and DONATE to support Ruth Carina and the other moms!