Support the Rodriguez Family's New Beginning

OUR UPDATED APPEAL

Dear friends,

You may recall that last Fall we reached out on behalf of the Rodriguez family, originally from Venezuela, whom we met through music. Their story, which we shared at the time, is set forth at the end of this message for your reference.

We are writing again because as you know, events have changed drastically and quickly in this country, and we have had to reset our goals and plans. The Trump Administration is making life unspeakably terrible for immigrants across the board – including people like the Rodriguezes, who followed all the rules by obtaining Temporary Protective Status and work authorization, and filing taxes, as they continue to await the asylum hearing they applied for several years ago.

We are now raising money for their legal representation (as well as assistance with living expenses), for it is critical that they be guided by a knowledgeable attorney, particularly in this chaotic time when each day becomes a new horror and rights are obliterated unexpectedly.

Moreover, their mother and wife, Yamileth, had been approved to come to the US from Ecuador in December through a resettlement program, but it has been “paused.” Valmore is thus struggling to support his family in two countries, and is having difficulty making ends meet. Providing basic necessities (rent, food, clothing, transportation and medical care) is extremely challenging. In addition, one of the sons has been receiving outside (paid) tutoring to help him with some of his high school courses that he must pass in order to graduate.

As you can well imagine, on top of struggling to make ends meet, people in their position are terrified and insecure not knowing what the next knock on the door can mean. The possibility of ICE agents arriving in NYC to seek out people like them is equally alarming and not far-fetched.

Please consider contributing to this wonderful family, whether this is the first time or you have donated previously. We would be grateful if you to help us reach our goal of $10,000 (or more) in addition to what we have already raised to enable this family to survive during these challenging times.

*****

Our original Go Fund Me message in the Fall, 2024:

Over the past year, several of us have had the privilege of getting to know the Rodriguez family, originally from Venezuela, and witnessing their incredible journey. We initially reached out to you earlier in the fall through this GoFundMe campaign because they need our help. At first we shared their story within our own circle of contacts but everyone urged us to explain their situation to a broader constituency in the hopes of raising financial and other support as expeditiously as possible.

Three years ago, Valmore Rodriguez arrived in New York City, following a sojourn in Ecuador, seeking a fresh start after escaping the severe political and economic crisis in Venezuela. His two teenaged sons, Atzel and Samuel, arrived thereafter in December 2022. They left behind everything familiar to pursue freedom and opportunity. While Yamileth (wife and mother), remains in Ecuador awaiting approvals from immigration authorities, Valmore and the boys have been trying to build a new life in New York, but they still face significant challenge

Samuel, now 20, is an accomplished violinist with dreams of becoming a composer. Atzel, his younger brother, is a gifted cellist who this past spring auditioned and was selected to perform alongside members of the New York Philharmonic under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel. (Atzel is quoted in an April 29, 2024 New York Times article about it!) Their talent and dedication are truly inspiring. Samuel graduated from the highly selective Special Music School in Manhattan in June 2024 and is now a freshman at the Brooklyn College Conservatory. Atzel is a junior at SMS.

More recently, Atzel performed at the David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center as part of the New York Philharmonic "Sounds of the Season" winter concert. He and another very talented high schooler performed a duet with the Philharmonic backing them up. Such a proud and extraordinary moment!

Valmore has significant skills in the areas of renovation, restoration, woodworking, cabinetry, framing, painting and tile work. His work product is impeccable and reflects care and extensive experience. Unfortunately, he has sometimes encountered unscrupulous employers who have not paid him; he has only found short-term work assignments. He does not speak English, which has presented its own limitations.

When we started the GoFundMe, the Rodriguez family desperately needed a stable, long-term housing solution. For many months they stayed with different hosts while preparing to look for their own place. We are delighted to report that in late October they moved to a two-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn. Thanks to GoFundMe, we were able to cover the security deposit and other fees. (No brokers were involved.) The need for support is ongoing, however, since Valmore not only must support his sons but also sends funds to Yamileth in Ecuador. Their new home will be complete when Yamileth is finally able to join them. We have provided them with a range of housewares and furniture.

Although we don’t have a precise figure for how much they will need, we estimate that $15,000 will pave the way to better security.

We are deeply grateful for any amount you can give and encourage you to share this campaign with your network. Your support will provide the Rodriguez family with the stability they need to continue their remarkable journey and share their incredible talents with the world.

Thank you!

TEAM RODRIGUEZ