Maria's Story
Parents want nothing more than to provide for their children. Caring for a child often means sacrifice – giving up your own comfort to make sure that your child has everything they need. For Maria, this is particularly true around the holidays.
Maria, an immigrant from Central America, came to the United States because she knew there was no way that she could provide for her family in her home country. To ensure a strong future for her children, she began the arduous process of relocating, thousands of miles from home. She was essentially starting over with nothing, hoping to build the life she dreamed of.
All of Maria’s efforts went towards building her new life and providing for her family. This meant that, at Christmas, finances were extremely tight and that her children may not receive any presents.
“In reality, my Christmases, since I’ve come here to the United States – I’ve not celebrated Christmas with gifts and such.”
Maria is grateful that she was introduced to The Salvation Army. After registering for Christmas assistance programs, her two children experienced the best Christmas they can remember since moving to the United States.
“I believe this is the first Christmas that we’ll be able to celebrate in a big way.” Maria said.
But Maria’s relationship with The Salvation Army did not end after the holidays. She is now a part of a program called The Pathway of Hope – a program that represents a new way of helping those who require The Salvation Army’s services. It’s goal is to break the cycle of poverty by working to strengthen the family in specific ways.
Maria has been working with a Pathway of Hope caseworker who has been tracking Maria’s progress towards several goals. Maria is hopeful that as she continues to work, she will be able to continue to build a better future for her and her family.
What started as a simple opportunity to receive gifts for her children has developed into something with far greater potential.
“I’m looking for a better life. That’s why I came here”. Maria says, committing herself to working with her caseworker at The Salvation Army.