Growing up in poverty is difficult for most people, but for Zully Alvarado it was tougher than most. As she grew up in Ecuador, she contracted polio, and there was treatment to be found in her village or anywhere nearby. It wasn’t until she came to Chicago, thanks to the generosity of a missionary priest that she was able to receive treatment.

When she did the Self-Expression and Leadership program, Alvarado knew she wanted to do something to make a difference for impoverished communities back in her home country. She founded Causes for Change International, a non-profit agency that contributes in a variety of ways, including distribution of clothing, medical supplies, and school supplies; implementing youth training programs and recycling programs, and much more. Here’s a video about what’s been accomplished: