From Haiti to Hope
When Rose, a devoted mother of two, left her home in Haiti, she carried with her both heartbreak and hope. Life in Haiti had become increasingly dangerous and unstable.
Insecurity and political violence touched her family directly. Rose’s partner, a politician, was targeted by violent groups, putting their family at risk. This forced Rose to make the difficult decision to flee Haiti. “We were often attacked in our home,” Rose shared through an interpreter. “It wasn’t easy for my children. There was no security, no safety.”
With violence escalating and few opportunities to protect her children’s future, she made the courageous decision to leave. With the support of her uncle in New York, she and her children were able to come to the United States through a humanitarian parole program.
Rose’s faith, perseverance, and dreams of a better life kept her going. “You have to believe in your destination, in your dream, and believe that you will get there,” she said.
Finding Support in a New Land
Arriving in New York in August 2024, Rose knew her hardest work was only beginning. “It is America, it’s a new country. I had to fight to adjust,” she reflected.
She was determined to build a stable future for her sons, ages 16 and 8, who quickly enrolled in school. Despite the challenges of moving to a new country, her sons thrived — making top grades at school.
Rose’s strength as a mother was matched by the support she found at Catholic Charities of New York. The Immigrant and Refugee Services Division of Catholic Charities Community Services offers a lifeline for newcomers — providing help with immigration legal services, housing support, employment, language training, citizenship classes, access to benefits, and more. This holistic approach ensures that families like Rose’s not only survive but flourish.
“I did not have many difficulties because, thank God, when I got here, I had my Catholic Charities case manager,” Rose said.
Her case manager, Mirela, visited her home, accompanied her to appointments, and helped her complete paperwork. Together, they applied for food assistance, enrolled in vocational training to become a home health aide, and found job opportunities. Catholic Charities even covered the cost of her home health aide certification and provided MetroCards so she could travel to classes.
A Partnership of Trust and Care
For Rose, the support she received from Catholic Charities was transformative. “Even if my case was closed, my case manager was still supporting me,” Rose shared. “My case manager said, ‘Rose, don’t stop. You have a profession. You want to go somewhere, you must go.’”
Mirela, a case manager with over two decades of service at Catholic Charities, described working with Rose as deeply rewarding. “She is one of the kindest, most responsible, and motivated people I have met. She is a strong mom and a hard worker,” Mirela said.
This relationship exemplifies the mission of Catholic Charities: walking alongside immigrants not as clients but as neighbors and partners in hope.
Valerie — Rose’s interpreter and a supervisor in the Immigrant and Refugee Services Division at Catholic Charities — reflected on why this work matters. “When I look at people who are vulnerable, whether they are children or adults, there is something that pushes you to lend a hand. Just a smile or listening makes a world of difference,” Valerie said.
Dreams for the Future
Rose’s story is one of resilience, but also of dreams still unfolding.
Before arriving in the United States, Rose’s life in Haiti was defined by her dedication to caring for others. “I wanted to become a nurse. For a long time, I had this dream,” Rose said.
Her love for the elderly was nurtured by her close relationship with her grandparents, who inspired her to pursue a career in nursing.
Rose is on track to advance in her nursing career. She is currently working as a home health aide, and after completing her certified nursing assistant training, she plans to become a registered nurse.
“I always wanted to become a registered nurse and continue in the medical profession, but I don’t want to stop there. I want to go higher and higher,” Rose said. “I want to be proud of myself in the future, and I want the people who are helping me to be proud of me as well.”
Now, with greater stability in her new life, Rose is focused on building a future for her family. She dreams of seeing her children becoming doctors, purchasing a home, and planting lasting roots in their new community.
A Message of Gratitude and Faith
When asked what message she had for Catholic Charities supporters, Rose did not hesitate. “Don’t stop the work because it’s good work. Thanks to Catholic Charities, I learned a lot. They did a lot for me. Don’t stop,” she said.
Her advice to fellow immigrants echoes her own strength and determination. “Move forward. When you come here, follow the principles of the country. Don’t stop,” Rose said.
Rose credits her perseverance to both her faith and her community of support.
“To find strength, you have to pray,” Rose shared. “You have to believe in your dreams and believe that you will get there. And you will get there.”
Welcoming the Stranger
For over a century, Catholic Charities has welcomed immigrants and refugees, offering compassion and resources.
Rose’s journey is just one example of how the Immigrant and Refugee Services Division helps families navigate the challenges of resettlement while empowering them to build a better future.
As Mirela reflected: “We all had needs and challenges at some point. I didn’t want my clients to go through what I went through, so I take this work seriously. Catholic Charities gives people the tools and the support they need. It’s an honor to serve people like Rose.”
Rose’s story is a reminder that behind every immigration statistic is a mother, a nurse, a dreamer — someone whose resilience, when met with compassion, transforms not only their life but strengthens our shared community.
As Rose continues her education and works toward her dream of becoming a registered nurse, she is not only changing the trajectory of her own life but also building a brighter future for her children.
Rose is showing others that no dream is too big to achieve with determination, support, and faith.
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