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Carol Stream, Illinois 60132

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© 2026 Opportunity Internationala 501(c)3 nonprofit. EIN: 540907624.

News Blog

The Hunger to Stop Global Hunger

by Gretchen Stibich

This summer, we are exploring the path from Farm to Table - exploring the many issues smallholder farmers face around the world.  Almost every night before I go to sleep, I get hungry. I’m talking about the mouthwatering, stomach growling, I-can-eat-a-whole-whale kind of hungry. I lay in bed dreaming of breakfast in the morning, telling myself it’s totally plausible to eat a 14-oz medium rare ribeye with buttery mashed potatoes for breakfast. I convince myself that maybe I can get that beautiful…

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Farm to Table

by Lydia Baldridge Meier

I love food. Going to the grocery store, cooking and eating at restaurants are among my favorite pastimes. I’m a fan of all food, be it discovering that ordering hen of the woods gets you mushrooms or trying the latest Cheeto. I’ve learned with interest about the farm to table movement and its various benefits to environment, economy, health. For us in the United States, farm to table signals intimacy and a short path from the food’s origin to your reclaimed-wood restaurant table. For farmers…

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Meet Amanda Britt

by Allison Kooser

Last year, we sat down with Amanda Britt, Young Ambassador for Opportunity and Founder of the collaborative workspace, Panzanzee. She shared with us her entrepreneurship journey and why she believes in Opportunity's work.  Allison: Hi Amanda! I would love for you to introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about Panzanzee. Amanda: Well first, thank you so much for inviting me to do this! Opportunity and YAO have been such an important part of my life for the past five and a half years and a…

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The Global Report

by Opportunity International

This month, we released our Spring Global Report. Read on for more information about our latest stats and reporting from the field.  Opportunity's Global Momentum You helped us reach more impoverished families with financial services. As of 12/31/14, nearly 12 million customers spanning 28 countries are using an Opportunity loan, savings account and/or insurance policy to improve their lives. You helped us respond to the urgent needs of entrepreneurs who invest their increased earnings back into…

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Reflections on Living Below the Line - I Couldn't Afford an Apple!

by David Simms

David Simms, President, Opportunity US and Global Chief Development Officer, joined Opportunity staff and friends spending five days eating and drinking on less than $1.50 a day as part of the Live Below the Line challenge. He completed the challenge and shared his reflections with us.  Well, it's over. Yesterday I finished my five days of "Living Below the Line" of $1.50 per day, the World Bank's definition of extreme poverty. It was a humbling experience and one which heightened my appreciation…

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Clevis Transforming Her Community

by Allison Kooser

When Clevis Berrio looked around her community in Cartegena, Colombia, she noticed a need. Pregnant women had nowhere to shop for maternity clothing. In a city with more than a million people, Cartegena did not have a single maternity store. Clevis, a seamstress by trade, operated a small clothing business with a friend.  When she noticed the need, she and her business partner decided to make and sell  maternity and children’s clothes – eventually expanding the shop to employ four  …

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Announcing Huffington Post and Crowdrise Partnership

by Opportunity International

  We are pleased to share that the Huffington Post, in partnership with Crowdrise - a crowd funding website - has selected Opportunity International as one of a handful of organizations making meaningful strides toward ending global poverty by empowering women. As part of their 10-year anniversary celebration and NEXT TEN effort, the Huffington Post is focusing on making a lasting impact around the world and creating sustainable change. As part of this initiative, the Huffington Post has partnered…

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Three Questions with a Loan Officer

by Opportunity International

We are always inspired by the many loan officers who impact our clients’ lives, whether for a single encounter or for years. Looking back at some of the amazing stories of these great people, this is one of our favorites… Sarah started her career as a school teacher, but decided to join Opportunity to better serve others in her community. Today, she serves as a loan officer in Uganda, equipping and training entrepreneurs who are working their way out of poverty. We asked Sarah to answer three…

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Meet Lauren Dillon

by Allison Kooser

We sat down with Lauren Dillon, Founder of Triad Resource Group, to learn more about her entrepreneurial journey and hear her advice for other entrepreneurs. Lauren was one of the original members of Young Ambassadors for Opportunity and is a long-time friend of Opportunity International.  Lauren: I’m Lauren Dillon and I’m the Founder and Co-Collaborator of the Triad Resource Group. We’re a fundraising implementation firm; so to liken us to a staffing firm would maybe be a better mistake than…

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Mompreneurs

by Lydia Baldridge Meier

I am blessed to be able to work for Opportunity International, a job I love, from a home office.  My search for advice for moms with home offices introduced me to a new term: Mompreneur.  There is a burgeoning industry of tools, advice, support and networking for moms creating their own income opportunities, while also caring for their family full time. This didn’t apply to me, but it certainly made me think of the Opportunity International clients I write about every day. They are the ultimate…

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