The Heart of an Immigrant Mother
I write as an immigrant mother seeking to improve the quality of life for my family, willing to get to know and be part of the community we have chosen as our new home. A new country, a new house and school, although everything new sounds attractive, exciting, even enviable, it still carries a certain degree of unease and fear. Leaving everything familiar behind to dare to explore is for the brave or the curious. Whatever the reason that led to taking those new horizons, it does not take away the challenges that must be faced during the adjustment to that life that is about to begin.
As parents, guardians, or caregivers, we must act as guides, and seeking external help is also acceptable. Let’s remember that the emotional impact is significant for children. We haven’t just moved a few meters; we’ve moved kilometers, in some cases oceans, from our former homes. Nostalgia pervades our being and can trigger various responses, acting as a protective shield against this new experience.
This is where the support of organizations like the Family Empowerment Center is so important to the immigrant community. Knowing we have spaces that promote healthy coexistence allows for better integration into the city. The After School Program gives us the confidence to let our children socialize and participate in activities that benefit their well-being. The food distribution is a great help to parents who can’t work full-time. These programs strengthen the quality of life for those who benefit from them. Thank you to everyone who contributes to keeping these programs running.
– Mayra Alejandra Mireles Garcia (Community Member)