Fathers: Courage, Care, and Commitment

Tammy Marino of Unbound shares how well-placed support can help dads to lead their families with strength and dignity. 

In communities struggling with poverty, the unwavering fortitude of fathers often goes unnoticed. But every day, there are dads who rise early, work tirelessly and carry the weight of hope for their children’s future.  

Through its global outreach, Unbound recognizes and supports these overlooked heroes — fathers who refuse to allow poverty to impede their love and commitment and who choose courage over hopelessness. In communities around the world, we celebrate the dignity of fatherhood and the transformative power of support that helps dads not just survive — but lead, protect and thrive. 

Entrepreneurial Salvadoran Dad Prioritizes Family  

In El Salvador, Ernesto grew up without his mother and with a father who worked hard to make ends meet for their family. Forced to leave school after the sixth grade, Ernesto entered the workforce early, first as a truck driver and later delivering cardboard. His long days on the road were exhausting and often kept him away from his wife and daughter.  

Along his delivery route, Ernesto began dreaming about opening his own store and working alongside his family. He knew if he could start a successful business adjacent to his home, he could provide better for his daughter — a child sponsored through Unbound, while also being a more present force in her life. 

Ernesto and his wife began to save, and his daughter’s sponsorship funds provided an extra boost, helping to turn a distant hope into a tangible plan. After opening a modest store, Ernesto was able to receive business management training through a microfinance training program operated in partnership with Unbound, which allowed him to improve his operation and gave him access to a loan from the local cooperative to expand his store.  

Ernesto and his wife both invest long hours to keep the store running and growing, selling a variety of consumer products, personal hygiene items and clothing items. But the benefit of being able to provide constant emotional and educational support for their daughter makes the work extra rewarding. 

Ernesto’s store has significantly improved his family's quality of life, providing financial stability, job independence and growth opportunities. He dreams of opening a second store one day and continuing to strengthen his daughter's education. 

“For now, my dream for [my daughter] is simply that she becomes a good woman,” Ernesto said. “We try to instill values in her, hoping everything turns out well. That is my dream for her to grow, be a good person.” 

Ernesto is thankful for all the support that allowed him to make the transition from delivery driver to business owner — a career change that is positively impacting his entire family. But he knows he could not have made the change alone. 

“I also want to thank my wife — she contributes to the business, coming up with ideas and doing everything within her reach,” Ernesto stated. “I am very grateful to her — and I also want to thank God.” 

Kenyan Father Helps Children and Community 

In Kenya, where Unbound programs have traditionally centered around supporting families through mothers, more fathers are also stepping forward. Recently there has been an increasing number of fathers seeking to join and benefit from Unbound’s mothers group memberships and resources.  

A salesperson by trade, Peter walks the streets selling belts and electrical accessories to support his six children. When Peter and his wife separated, life grew harder. But then a friend introduced him to Unbound, and his son James was enrolled in the sponsorship program.  

Peter became one of a few fathers to join the local mothers group — a collective that works to create lasting, positive impact in the community. Peter doesn’t only attend meetings, however. He has taken on a leadership role, managing the group’s welfare fund and serving as a mediator when needed to resolve conflicts within the community. 

Though his income is unpredictable, and Peter has faced setbacks in his business ventures, he remains grateful for the support he has received from Unbound. James, now 18, is studying mechanical engineering and automotive wiring. The sponsorship has not only helped James but also contributes to the family budget, ensuring Peter’s other children have access to food, tuition fees and other essentials.  

During recent floods that affected his area and his family, Peter was able to lean on Unbound’s critical needs funding for additional support. He remains deeply moved by, and appreciative of, the generosity of strangers. 

“They have supported us from a point of love as the Bible teaches us that we should give freely,” Peter said. “God will surely reward them. We pray for them, and personally I don’t go to bed without praying for my son’s sponsor.” 

Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2025 Tammy Marino for Unbound
Images: copyright 2025 Unbound, all rights reserved.