Childhood sweethearts, Sofia and her husband came to the United States from Colombia having no family or friends to greet them, but wanting a better life for their family. She was expecting their first child at the time. Politics had made it unsafe for them in their home country and jobs were scarce. A teacher with a master’s degree in Colombia, Sofia’s credentials didn’t allow her to continue that work in the U.S., where she ended up working a minimum wage job. Her husband, a construction worker in their home country, found similar work here, but weather and seasonal changes caused instability. Because her salary wasn’t enough to cover the cost of childcare, Sofia became a stay at home mom to her beautiful baby boy, Nicolas. Unfortunately, with no friends or family around to help her, Sofia was extremely isolated.
Family & Children’s Agency (FCA) staff were providing in-home visits to Sofia’s neighbor, who in turn referred her for help. Sofia was very shy at first, feeling she had nobody, and she was therefore “glued” to her baby son. Having had little contact with people other than his parents, it was clear Nicolas had trouble interacting with others. Sofia worked with FCA staff and received information, support, and encouragement, while learning about healthy child development for her son. FCA helped Sofia connect with other moms and children. Her confidence grew; her baby began to trust and to socialize.
Sofia’s FCA social worker suggested she apply her master’s degree credits to a bachelor’s degree in teaching. Now she is working at the same pre-school her son attends, putting her teaching skills to use, boosting her confidence, and giving her hope. FCA provided the support system that Sofia so needed.
Sofia’s story is just one of countless success stories that Family & Children’s Agency has made possible. FCA provides many programs and services serving infants to seniors. It does so with the support of caring people such as you.
Simply stated, our vision is a thriving community of empowered individuals and healthy families. Please consider partnering with us to help us to meet this goal by making a contribution to our annual fund. Thank you on behalf of Sofia and her family, and the thousands of others who depend upon FCA, and upon you.
Sincerely,
Robert F. Cashel
President & CEO
Family & Children’s Agency
P.S. Sofia’s little boy is thriving in pre-school and now runs to hug his social worker when she arrives at their home. A huge milestone from where he was before FCA intervened.
