By María Elizabeth Ramírez Pérez, Social Communicator – Journalist, El Buen Pastor Foundation (Province of Colombia – Venezuela)
On November 21, 2025, the El Buen Pastor Foundation was delighted to celebrate the conclusion of the GAM Camila Women’s Support Group at the Centro Esperanza in Caracas, Venezuela—an initiative that, over the course of four months, accompanied women through a deep process of healing and personal empowerment.
Throughout these months, 20 women opened themselves to the merciful love of the Good Shepherd, reconnecting with their spirituality, healing deep wounds, renewing their inner strength, and reclaiming their identity, self-esteem, and dignity. Each gathering became an opportunity for self-recognition, attentive listening, and movement toward a life free from violence. One participant movingly expressed the impact of this journey: “Today I love myself; I value myself; I respect myself, and I do not accept less than what I deserve. Because I am the most important person in my life.”
Sister Daisy Álvarez, coordinator of the Centro Esperanza in Venezuela, has closely accompanied each of these programs. As part of her role, she welcomes new participants to each group and presents the final topic of the session, entitled ‘Spirituality’. From her experience, she witnesses the transformation each woman undergoes—from the moment they arrive at the first meeting to the moment, as the sessions progress, a profound process of personal change becomes evident.
Upon reaching the final session and the closing ceremony, it is deeply moving to see each woman empowered, motivated, and with a clear life project. Listening to their testimonies fills us with joy and gratitude; they reflect each woman’s courage in giving herself the opportunity to heal, believe in herself, and build a life free of violence, becoming a better version of herself.
During this year, two additional workshops were also held with the participation of 31 women: GAM Esperanza, a name connected to the Jubilee Year, and GAM Camila, named in honor of Doña Camila Valbuena, benefactor of the Good Shepherd Sisters in Venezuela, who donated the land on which the Centro Esperanza is now built.
We continue walking together, firmly convinced that every space of listening, faith, and accompaniment is a seed of hope that transforms lives.
