In times of scarcity, people often turn inward—focused on surviving, providing for their families, and getting through each day. Poverty can be isolating. When resources are limited, shame and loneliness can take root just as quickly as hunger.

This is why one of the most powerful transformations within Plant With Purpose program watersheds is not only economic or environmental—but relational. Purpose Groups bring people together, reminding them that they are not alone and that change is possible when a community moves forward together.

In the mountainous region of Puebla, Mexico, one woman is helping make that transformation visible. Her name is Lucrezia.

A Catalyst for Connection

Lucrezia lives in Zacapoaxtla, a region often called the “Switzerland of Puebla” because of its steep slopes and cool, mountainous terrain. While beautiful, this landscape presents real challenges for farmers. Growing food, maintaining soil health, and earning a stable income all require perseverance and creativity.

That’s where Purpose Groups come in.

Purpose Groups combine community savings and loans, agricultural training, and spiritual encouragement into a single space where trust can grow. For Lucrezia and her neighbors, the group became a source of both practical support and renewed hope.

“When I started participating, I felt confident,” Lucrezia shared. “However, some of my neighbors felt hesitant. But as we’ve worked as a team, their confidence has increased. The training sessions have helped us greatly.”

As members learn together, save together, and problem-solve together, isolation gives way to belonging—and confidence multiplies.

A Trusted Voice in the Community

In rural areas far from medical services, traditional and homeopathic remedies are deeply valued. Lucrezia is widely known in her community as an expert in herbal medicine, a role that has earned her trust and respect over many years.

That trust became a bridge.

“I’m very active in my community, and people know me well. They trust me,” she said. “Because of this, I’ve invited more people to join the group, and some have accepted.”

Her leadership didn’t come from authority—it came from service. As neighbors saw the benefits of the Purpose Group in Lucrezia’s life, they became curious. Slowly, hesitation turned into participation.

“I feel happy to be part of the group,” Lucrezia reflected. “We've all acquired new skills and knowledge. As a team, we support each other to keep moving forward.”

Caring for Families—and the Land

As the group grew stronger, members began thinking beyond immediate needs toward long-term well-being.

“We decided to plant trees that would give us fruit to eat and also help us a little financially,” Lucrezia explained.

Fruit trees are a cornerstone of Plant With Purpose’s work—strengthening family nutrition, income, and ecosystem health at the same time. But Lucrezia and her group wanted to do more.

“Another goal was helping the environment,” she said. “That’s why we also decided to plant pine trees for reforestation. Many people cut down trees but don’t replant them. They don’t realize that this affects us all.”

Through environmental training, participants begin to see how soil, water, forests, and livelihoods are deeply connected—and how caring for creation is a shared responsibility.

“We are all responsible for taking care of the environment,” Lucrezia said. “This should be taught at home. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be so much garbage thrown in the streets. When it rains, all that trash goes into our rivers.”

A Community Moving Forward Together

In places without public utilities or formal waste management systems, environmental problems can feel overwhelming. But Lucrezia chose action over resignation.

“The members and I have organized garbage collections,” she shared. “Some neighbors have joined because they see how garbage pollutes our community.”

Reforestation followed naturally.

“When I go to my husband’s farmland, I find small pine trees that aren’t growing well where they are,” Lucrezia said. “I move them to better places so they can grow without problems.”

She also plants illites–a type of alder tree–near water sources, knowing they help conserve water and protect streams; simple acts with lasting impact.

Transformation That Multiplies

From improved nutrition and income to cleaner rivers and renewed forests, Purpose Group participation has transformed Lucrezia’s family, her neighbors, and the land they depend on.

Already a respected leader, Lucrezia is now leveraging her influence to spark change throughout her entire watershed—proof that when people are empowered, transformation doesn’t stop with one household.

It spreads. 🌱