“Yessenia” along with her children “Erik” and “Isabella” (not their real names), embarked on a journey of courage and resilience, leaving their homeland of Honduras in late 2018. Fleeing poverty and the escalating threat of violence against women, Yessenia made the difficult decision to protect her family from the violent gang "La Mara" and the dangerous environment.
Settling in Coahuila, Mexico, Yessenia faced another heartbreaking challenge when her husband passed away in November 2020, leaving her to navigate the complexities of life as a single mother. The family then sought refuge in Mexicali, residing in an immigration shelter for a year, where they encountered advocacy groups and attorneys who would play a pivotal role in their quest for asylum.
After successfully crossing into the U.S., Yessenia and her children found themselves in Pasadena, California, initially staying in a shelter. In July 2022, destiny led them to Santa Fe, where they found temporary refuge with a friend. Despite facing personal challenges, they later had to endure cold nights in a garage, sharing an inflatable mattress.
With the compassionate support of a Las Cumbres Santuario del Corazón Family Navigator, the family secured temporary shelter in a local hotel, ultimately finding permanent housing in a rented studio apartment. This marked a pivotal moment in their lives after a three-year migration journey stabilized.
Yessenia's dreams of a new life for her children began to take shape. She secured employment at a bakery, and the family received essential support from food pantries, as well as clothing and hygiene items. Yessenia was able to purchase a car, ensuring her children could attend school and appointments with ease, and she could become more independent.
Both Erik and Isabella are now attending school, and the family is actively engaged in therapy with a bilingual and bicultural Santuario Program clinician to process the chronic trauma they have endured. Despite the challenges, Yessenia's resilience and the support of our community has transformed their lives, illustrating the power of hope and the strength found within a determined family.