Maria's Second Chance
Donation protected
When Maria ran away from foster care, she hit rock bottom. She said, “I felt like I had lost myself completely. I used to like myself and I used to laugh every day. I didn’t recognize myself at all.” As soon as she realized what life was like on the streets, she begged to come back to foster care. I have never seen her so determined to put her life back on track.
Unfortunately, her attorney missed a crucial deadline for her immigration paperwork. Because the papers were not filed before she turned 18, she cannot come back to foster care; she cannot receive any services at all. She has no health insurance, no money of her own, and no transportation. She doesn’t qualify for food stamps. At the moment, Maria needs critical dental care to address residual pain from a traumatic injury.
Before Maria can find a job, she needs to wait for her work permit to be processed by the federal government.
There is no legal action that can undo this life-altering mistake. Instead of being resentful or angry, Maria said simply, “Where would any of us be without second chances? Everyone makes mistakes. We just have to keep trying.” Maria has endured every category of abuse, neglect, abandonment, rape and trauma. But that is not who she is. She is a generous, sweet, hilarious teenager who has altered my perspective in every way.
Maria has a chance to move to Virginia in June, where my parents will help her study for her GED exam and help her practice reading and writing in English.
Maria is a girl who would give you half her drink, half her lunch and half her napkin… no matter how hungry she might be. Thanks so much for helping me help her this summer! Your donations are making this happen: every contribution means more healthy groceries, basic hygiene supplies, quality health care and HOPE.
Unfortunately, her attorney missed a crucial deadline for her immigration paperwork. Because the papers were not filed before she turned 18, she cannot come back to foster care; she cannot receive any services at all. She has no health insurance, no money of her own, and no transportation. She doesn’t qualify for food stamps. At the moment, Maria needs critical dental care to address residual pain from a traumatic injury.
Before Maria can find a job, she needs to wait for her work permit to be processed by the federal government.
There is no legal action that can undo this life-altering mistake. Instead of being resentful or angry, Maria said simply, “Where would any of us be without second chances? Everyone makes mistakes. We just have to keep trying.” Maria has endured every category of abuse, neglect, abandonment, rape and trauma. But that is not who she is. She is a generous, sweet, hilarious teenager who has altered my perspective in every way.
Maria has a chance to move to Virginia in June, where my parents will help her study for her GED exam and help her practice reading and writing in English.
Maria is a girl who would give you half her drink, half her lunch and half her napkin… no matter how hungry she might be. Thanks so much for helping me help her this summer! Your donations are making this happen: every contribution means more healthy groceries, basic hygiene supplies, quality health care and HOPE.
Organizer
Lisa Liguori
Organizer
Darien, GA