To further achieve its goal of helping the underserved become self-sufficient community members, La Maestra Foundation becomes the first organization in San Diego to have a Microcredit Program for Women. Through this peer microlending program based on the Grameen model, low income women in 10 areas throughout San Diego County receive financial literacy, business planning assistance and small loans ranging from $250-
$1,000 repaid in weekly installments. Weekly meetings provide a forum for peer support and mentoring. Speakers are invited to the meetings, sometimes to talk on small business or financial literacy related topics, but also to talk about issues that affect women in the group, such as cancer and chronic disease, domestic violence, or immigration issues.
