Tuesday, February 3, 2015

January Wellshire Microfinance Recap

The Wellshire Microfinance Committee met on January 15 and invested in 16 new loans. We made 12 loans out of loan paybacks and used four gift cards to add new funds to our account. In total, the Wellshire Kiva group made 56 loans in January (as of January 28). We welcomed a visitor, Joan Wells, to our meeting and we hope she'll return for future meetings.

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Happy New Year!

The Christmas season is over, and a new year of opportunity is here. The microfinance committee did not meet in December, but our members made 31 loans for $790 on their own. The Wellshire lending team now stands at 1296 loans totaling $33,750.

We still have $25 gift cards if anyone would like to purchase one to give as a gift. Katy Fink-Johnson gave some out at Christmas and the response has been terrific.

Our next committee meeting will be Thursday, January 15 at noon. We will have approximately $400 in loan paybacks to reinvest, and we'll look at adding some more from the restricted fund.

Monday, December 8, 2014

Giving Thanks by Giving Back!

November was a terrific month for our Kiva faithful. A small group of us met on November 20 and distributed $450 into 17 new loans, all from loan payback money. We made one loan to a person in Nicaragua that we are going to track over the next few months to see what happens with it. The situation on the ground in Nicaragua is somewhat unfavorable for Kiva loans, but recent passing of laws may help stabilize things. Meanwhile, on their own, individual team members were busy! We currently stand at 1,265 loans totaling $32,900. We have already surpassed the loan totals for 2013. I'm excited to see where we end up for 2014!

$25 gift cards are still available for purchase. Just let Katy Fink-Johnson know if you would like to buy one.

Our next meeting will be Thursday, January 15 at noon at Wellshire Church.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Our Fourth Year Is Starting Out Strong!

The Wellshire Microfinance Committee did not meet in October, but that doesn't mean our members haven't been busy! Since the end of September, WMF team members have made 42 loans for $1,050 on the Kiva website. I am so thankful for this group of dedicated individuals who continue to feel moved to help people around the world build a better life for themselves.

We will meet on Thursday, November 20 at noon at Wellshire and redistribute funds from loan paybacks to invest in new loans. We currently have $314 in loan paybacks, which I expect will increase a bit by the time we meet. If you cannot attend the meeting on November 20, please stop by our table at the Alternative Christmas Market on Sunday, November 23.

If you are interested in learning more about Kiva and the Microfinance Committee, or perhaps joining the team, please contact Katy Fink-Johnson at kafink@presby.edu, 720-488-8706.



Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Greetings from Tanzania!

Read on for updates on Leonard and his group Mafinga, recipients of a Wellshire Microfinance loan:



Greetings from Tanzania! Thank you for supporting Leonard and his group Mafinga,with the loan. With the loan he received from Kiva partner Tujijenge, he used to buy more flour, sugar, eggs and cooking fat to make more cakes. He managed to do so and his monthly profit really rose. He used the profit to pay for his welfare costs and plow back to business. He is so proud of Kiva. He and his group Mafinga, are so grateful with the loan and thankful with everyone who has supported them.

Thank you, Kiva Lenders, Please click on the following link to see other; loaning to Tujijenge Tanzania
Tujijenge Tanzania Ltd
Posted by Rita Nyaborogo from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Sep 30, 2014

Monday, September 29, 2014

September Begins a New Season

We have begun our fourth year with an outstanding month. Our members invested in 68 loans worth $1,725. We had loans made by our committee, the Pioneers, and Club 45, in addition to many loans made by individuals. Many thanks to all who contributed. It was a team effort.

September was also a transition month for WMF. Katy Fink-Johnson has graciously volunteered to take over as moderator. She brings energy, enthusiasm for microfinance, and dedication. I have no doubt that WMF will continue to grow under her leadership. Please support her in her new calling.

I am stepping aside after three years as moderator, but I intend to continue as an active member of WMF. It has been a blessing in my life to watch WMF grow into a viable organization in the fight against worldwide poverty. I want to personally thank all of you who helped WMF succeed.

Wes Smits

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Report for August 2014

August was a slow month for WMF. We made seven loans worth $175. Our cumulative totals are now 1082 loans worth $28,175. That is not surprising, since July was a record month. Nonetheless, now might be a good time to check our portfolios for loan paybacks which we can invest in new loans. When you make a new loan, Kiva will automatically subtract your account balance from the cost of a new loan.

At our next meeting on Thursday,September 18, we will have a balance of at least $281 to invest in new loans. The balance will probably be much higher by that time. Everyone is welcome to join us at 12:00 pm at Wellshire Church for our meeting.