Please help us help Edwin and his family after CECOT

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Please help us help Edwin and his family after CECOT

EDWIN ROJAS GO FUND ME

Help Edwin Rebuild His Life Through Farming in Venezuela

Hi, my name is Melody and I’m starting this GoFundMe on behalf of my dear friend Edwin, a 30-year-old Venezuelan man who is rebuilding his life after surviving an unimaginable ordeal.

I first met Edwin’s sister, Elimar, through a group committed to helping free innocent people detained in CECOT, the notorious mega-prison in El Salvador. Edwin entered the United States legally with the CBP ONE app and was going through the long process of seeking asylum. I’m an activist, and Edwin and his family were among the many victims of his wrongful incarceration during this crisis. Throughout Edwin’s 125 days of unjust imprisonment, Elimar and I spoke every single morning, day, and night: Holding onto hope together, exchanging updates, and becoming deeply connected. That bond has continued long after Edwin's release, and today, my family and I consider Elimar, Edwin and their family not just friends, but our chosen family.

Despite the trauma he endured, Edwin returned home to Venezuela with humility, faith, and a renewed purpose: to rebuild his life through farming and provide for those around him.

Edwin comes from a family of farmers. Hardworking, humble people with deep roots in the land. For generations, they cultivated cantaloupes and raised livestock. But due to Venezuela’s ongoing economic crisis and political interference in agriculture, cantaloupe farming is no longer a viable option. With food scarcity rising and few job opportunities, Edwin is turning to what he knows best: raising animals to feed his family and support his community.

His Vision:
A Modest Family Livestock Farm.
Edwin is hoping to raise pigs, chickens, and goats — animals that can provide meat, milk, eggs, and income for his family and neighbors. He’s not asking for much, just the essentials to get started:
•Livestock (pigs, goats, and hens)
•Materials for safe pens and enclosures
•Bedding and feed
•Basic tools and supplies

His goal is to build something sustainable — not just to survive, but to thrive. Edwin wants to sell eggs, meat, and dairy locally, while also providing for his extended family, his church, and his neighbors who are also struggling to make ends meet.

Why Your Help Matters
In a country grappling with economic instability, government restrictions, and widespread food shortages, small local farms like Edwin’s can make a world of difference. Your donation will help:
•Feed Edwin’s family and extended household
•Create a small but sustainable income source
•Support his local church and community members
•Restore dignity and purpose after a traumatic injustice

Even $10 or $20 can go a long way in Venezuela. Every dollar helps Edwin take one more step toward rebuilding a future for him and his loved ones.

Please share this campaign widely, and if you're able, consider making a donation today. Thank you for standing with Edwin and showing him that hope, justice, and kindness still exist.

With gratitude, Melody, Edwin, and both our families ♥️

Organizer

Melody Hermanson
Organizer
Sun Prairie, WI

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