The following is a true story and the names have been changed for safety reasons.
As a single mother in Apopa, El Salvador, Dulce Ferreira and her young son, William, faced the daily threat of violence, struggled with poverty, and had no sense of community in her city. With her elderly grandfather as her only support, caring for William was a constant struggle, compounded by the limited opportunities for employment and the constant threat of gang violence. Dulce made the difficult decision to escape from El Salvador and seek asylum in the United States, determined to provide William with a chance at a safer and brighter future.
Dulce and William embarked on a courageous journey for a better future. Throughout the journey the young family faced many hard decisions, sketchy strangers, and difficult situations that could have derailed their goal of reaching the United States. They eventually made it to Juarez, Mexico and found refuge at the El Buen Pastor Shelter.
After a long wait and process, she was able to connect with her godmother, Angelica, in Santa Fe, New Mexico and Dulce's journey took a new turn. Upon arriving in Santa Fe, Dulce was referred to the Santuario del Corazón program, to help her begin to rebuild her life in a new country. With the support of a Family Navigator, Dulce focused on securing the essentials for her family: medical care, transportation, food, and housing. Despite facing numerous obstacles, Dulce's determination never wavered. With additional support, she navigated the complexities of the asylum process and obtained a work permit. Dulce persevered through many job applications and interviews. It all paid off when Dulce was offered a job at a local restaurant around the same time she was able to enroll William in a HeadStart Program. Through hard work and accumulating savings, Dulce achieved the dream of homeownership, purchasing her own mobile home.
But Dulce's journey was not just about personal success; it was about being part of her community and creating a better future for her son. With a heart full of love for William, Dulce sought opportunities to be actively involved in his education and development. Dulce has applied for work at William's Pre-K school and is enrolled in ESL classes at the local community college with the vision of a brighter future.
Looking ahead, Dulce dreams of pursuing a career in Early Childhood Education, driven by a desire to support families and empower children to thrive. Her journey embodies the strength of the human spirit, the resilience in the face of adversity, and the power of giving back to the community that has supported her along the way.