Dear friends and family,

As the daughter of immigrants and a proud advocate for those striving to build a life with dignity, I’m reaching out with a heavy heart and a hopeful spirit. One of my students at our local university—whom I’ll call Valerie to protect her privacy—is facing an incredibly difficult moment, and I’m asking for your help.

Valerie’s mother was deported to Mexico about five months ago. Just recently, Valerie received the devastating news that her mother passed away in an accident. Valerie is undocumented and working toward legal status. She has no known family in the U.S. or Mexico. She is grieving deeply, unable to bury her mother, and navigating this loss without the support of loved ones nearby.

Until recently, Valerie was living out of her car. She’s now in temporary housing, trying to stay afloat while attending school and working. Unfortunately, her car now has a flat tire and other issues that make it unusable. Without transportation, she risks financial instability and difficulty paying her bills.

Valerie is resilient, determined, and full of promise. With bags under her eyes from crying, she shows up for her education and her future every single day, despite the odds! I’m asking you to show up for her.

Please consider donating any amount to help Valerie repair her car and regain the mobility she needs to work and continue her studies. Your support will make a difference in her life and remind her that she is not alone.

Feel welcome to share any resources with me so that I may direct Valerie to them.

Si Se Puede,

Rebecca Castro