When Erica stepped off a plane in New York in July 2024, she was exhausted but hopeful. Originally from Nicaragua, Erica fled political violence and endured years of instability in Costa Rica before being granted refugee status in the United States. Speaking softly in Spanish through an interpreter, Erica shared that she wanted to give her children a better life — one with more stability.
Refugee stories often begin in crisis, but they are ultimately about resilience. Erica’s story is no exception.
Erica was born in Nicaragua but was forced to leave after her father was killed under orders from the current regime. Fearing for their safety, she and her family fled to Costa Rica, hoping to find refuge. But without permanent legal status there, Erica was unable to work legally or access essential services.
This lack of opportunity ultimately compelled her to seek refuge in the United States.
With the assistance of HIAS and the Westchester Resettlement Coalition, Erica and her three children resettled in New York. Soon after, she connected with Catholic Charities of New York, which provided critical resources and a support system to help her rebuild her life.
Erica recalled that the early days were incredibly difficult. She had arrived without family, without speaking English, and without certainty — only with her three children and her determination.
Building a New Life
From the moment she arrived, Erica was surrounded by people committed to helping her succeed. The Westchester Resettlement Coalition helped secure housing and provided logistical support for everything from school enrollments to doctor appointments. Volunteers even drove her son to football practice.
Erica’s three children — Kendy (19), Jeremy (11), and Josmyr (9) — have all adjusted well. Kendy, the eldest, is about to graduate from high school. She loves school and her friends. “She’s learning English so fast,” said Mariana Duenas, Erica’s caseworker at Catholic Charities.
Catholic Charities helped Erica secure employment as a hotel housekeeper, cleaning rooms and doing laundry. Soon, she will begin a new job as a school custodian. It is a more stable position offering better hours and benefits. Erica is very grateful — the support makes her feel safe.
The employment assistance went far beyond job placement. Erica received help writing her résumé, participated in mock interviews, and continues to receive support from a job developer. One year after her arrival, Catholic Charities is helping Erica begin the process of securing permanent residence in the United States.
Leukemia: A Sudden Diagnosis
Just as life seemed to be stabilizing, Erica was dealt another blow. In November 2024, she was diagnosed with leukemia.
At that moment, it felt as though her world was falling apart. She feared for her children — wondering what would happen to them if she could no longer care for them. Erica considered returning to Costa Rica for treatment, but her doctor urged her to stay in the United States, where she would have access to the appropriate care.
It felt like a godsend to be in the United States, where access to quality healthcare made all the difference. With Medicaid coverage and support from the network around her, Erica connected with specialists and began treatment. She is now taking medication and remains in remission.
“She looks back and sees how strong she’s become in just one year,” said Mariana.
Erica never lost her sense of humor, even in the darkest moments. “Her sense of humor lifts up everyone,” said Wendy Naidich, Director of the Westchester Resettlement Coalition.
Erica believes her faith has carried her through the hardships and connected her with the support she needed. “God exists. God is here. Through God, I found all my sources of strength,” said Erica.
Commemorating World Refugee Day
World Refugee Day, observed annually on June 20, is an international day designated to honor refugees around the world. It recognizes the strength, courage, and resilience of people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict or persecution.
Refugees like Erica don’t just survive — they contribute. They work, raise families, build communities, and dream of a better future.
Erica lives day by day, guided by faith. But she still dreams: of seeing her children finish school and find good jobs, and of owning a house where they can all live together in peace.
“World Refugee Day is an opportunity for all of us to recognize the folks who are coming here. The refugee community deserves a second chance,” said Wendy. “Refugees want to get to work, they want to settle here, they want to be able to afford their lives.”
“Erica is really thankful for the United States and she’s determined to give her best — as a mother, as a worker, as a friend, as a woman in the United States,” said Mariana.
“It’s a difficult time to be a refugee or asylee in this country,” said Wendy. “Erica is so positive about what’s going on — in spite of everything all around. It is really admirable.”
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