- A
Please support Maria and her son Alan
We are three volunteers in Portland, Oregon with an interfaith organization. We want to tell you about a lovely mother and teenage son whose compelling story deserves our compassionate support. We are asking for your help.
Maria and her son Alan, who is profoundly autistic, fled their home state in Mexico because of the extreme violence they suffered. One family member was kidnapped and has not been seen since. Another family member was assaulted viciously. They feared for their lives from the violent cartel activity in their hometown.
In addition to their fear of the cartels, Alan faced bullying and discrimination because of his disability. In an act of amazing bravery and strength, Maria fled with him and arrived in the US asking for asylum. Maria and Alan deserve a chance for a better and safer life here—away from trauma. Their case is proceeding through the legal system. As with all asylum seekers, it is a long road with few supports along the way. Because of Alan’s special needs, housing stability for this family is very important.
We are seeking funds to cover rent and food until Maria obtains her work permit, is able to work and can become self-sufficient.
Maria will be allowed by the Immigration court to apply for her work permit in late April. Hopefully the permit will be approved by late May. Until she can legally work, they are in urgent need of this support.
Before the outbreak of coronavirus, Maria was collecting recyclable cans and bottles throughout her neighborhood to earn what she could through her own efforts. Maria is very anxious to work (which she is able to do while Alan is at school).
She is incredibly industrious, and until the COVID-19 epidemic, it seemed that she would be working by the end of May. Like for so many people, life has changed now. Alan's school is closed and all plans have had to be altered as he cannot be left alone. It is possible that, if his special school remains closed until fall, Maria will not be able to work until then.
All funds are going into a dedicated bank account for basic human needs for Maria and Alan.
Maria and Alan are so grateful for your generosity, as are we. We have come to know and love them, and are so aware of the hardships they continue to endure.
They offer very sincere gracias.
We are three volunteers in Portland, Oregon with an interfaith organization. We want to tell you about a lovely mother and teenage son whose compelling story deserves our compassionate support. We are asking for your help.
Maria and her son Alan, who is profoundly autistic, fled their home state in Mexico because of the extreme violence they suffered. One family member was kidnapped and has not been seen since. Another family member was assaulted viciously. They feared for their lives from the violent cartel activity in their hometown.
In addition to their fear of the cartels, Alan faced bullying and discrimination because of his disability. In an act of amazing bravery and strength, Maria fled with him and arrived in the US asking for asylum. Maria and Alan deserve a chance for a better and safer life here—away from trauma. Their case is proceeding through the legal system. As with all asylum seekers, it is a long road with few supports along the way. Because of Alan’s special needs, housing stability for this family is very important.
We are seeking funds to cover rent and food until Maria obtains her work permit, is able to work and can become self-sufficient.
Maria will be allowed by the Immigration court to apply for her work permit in late April. Hopefully the permit will be approved by late May. Until she can legally work, they are in urgent need of this support.
Before the outbreak of coronavirus, Maria was collecting recyclable cans and bottles throughout her neighborhood to earn what she could through her own efforts. Maria is very anxious to work (which she is able to do while Alan is at school).
She is incredibly industrious, and until the COVID-19 epidemic, it seemed that she would be working by the end of May. Like for so many people, life has changed now. Alan's school is closed and all plans have had to be altered as he cannot be left alone. It is possible that, if his special school remains closed until fall, Maria will not be able to work until then.
All funds are going into a dedicated bank account for basic human needs for Maria and Alan.
Maria and Alan are so grateful for your generosity, as are we. We have come to know and love them, and are so aware of the hardships they continue to endure.
They offer very sincere gracias.