Nazario’s new chapter

Unbound is the only major U.S.-based organization that offers sponsorship for elders.

Elder sponsorship brings hope and connection to individuals living in poverty who are in the later stages of their lives. Often, these elders are no longer able to work and struggle in isolation to meet their day-to-day needs.

Across the three regions of the world where Unbound works, elder sponsorships comprise 11% of all sponsored friends in our programs. For these individuals, hearing the words, “You’ve been sponsored,” is akin to turning the page of a book to begin a new chapter.

Nazario, an 83-year-old sponsored elder living in Guatemala, was one of these individuals.

Nazario is the father of 12 and grandfather of 30. A basket weaver by trade, he had begun to suffer from pain in his hands and could no longer complete as many baskets each day, which limited his income. Since receiving sponsorship four years ago, Nazario has been able to afford his daily necessities.

Now basket weaving has become a daily activity he often gets to enjoy doing alongside his son.

“Every time I receive my [sponsorship] contribution, I put it on the table and pray to God,” Nazario said. “I thank God for the help they send me every month.”

Watch the video “A New Chapter for Nazario” to get a peek into his life after sponsorship and his basket weaving technique that has been passed down in his family from generation to generation.

Regional Reporter Oscar Tuch contributed photos, videos and information for this story while Multimedia Producer/Editor Danika Wolf provided video editing.