Sofía and Adriana* dreamed of the day they would see their mom again. When that time finally came, Catholic Charities and caring friends like you empowered these two girls to move forward together.
The girls’ mother had come to the United States from Central America in search of a job so she could provide for her daughters. Eventually, they joined her in Cincinnati after making a 15-day trek to the U.S. border. Sofía and Adriana were just 10 and 9 at the time.
That grueling experience was only the beginning of their challenges. When they were reunited with their mom, they all had to learn to live together again — this time with a new stepfather and two younger siblings in the mix.
“There’s an idea of what family reunification will be like, and that’s not always the reality,” says Laura Hershberger, Director of Mental Health Services at Catholic Charities. “Children have idealized versions of their parents. It’s not always as easy as we think. There’s a whole new process, and when kids are struggling, they tend to act out with behaviors.”
Along with supporters like you, Catholic Charities has empowered this family with the tools, resources, skills, and opportunities they’ve needed to reshape the future for themselves.
Sandy Rodriguez, Case Manager and Family Reunification Supervisor for Su Casa Hispanic Center, a program of Catholic Charities, has worked with the girls from the beginning. She helped get them into school and start pursuing Special Immigrant Juvenile classification as a result of physical abuse they suffered in their home country. While their immigration case is pending, Sandy checks in with Sofía and Adriana regularly to make sure the girls are succeeding.
And they are! A mix of individual and family counseling through Catholic Charities has helped them adjust to life in Cincinnati and process the trauma they’ve experienced. Now 13 and 12, Sofía and Adriana are increasingly confident and social. They’re showing more patience with their younger siblings, as well.
“They are doing well in school and achieving higher grades,” says Sandy. “Their future goal is to go to and graduate college.”
Starting over in a new place isn’t easy for any child. For immigrant children like Sofía and Adriana, it can be even more difficult. But with your support, Catholic Charities is ensuring more children can lead the happy, healthy lives they’ve dreamed of.
*Name changed for privacy