Vivian has reached her fundraising goal on HandUp!

About me.

I am from Guatemala. I moved to San Francisco in 2013. Though I am currently unemployed, I've previously worked as a nanny and back in Guatemala I had my own restaurant. I live in a 2 year transitional program and I have a lot of requirements to fulfill. So my time is spent on various meetings. Ie. individual therapy, therapy for my children, parenting classes, housing search, etc. Besides the program requirements I am also taking ESL classes at City College of San Francisco.

My backstory.

Originally I'd been living in Southern California with my son and his father, but moved back to Guatemala fleeing domestic violence. But the father of my child followed me there and repeatedly threatened me. He sent people to burn my car and threatened to burn my house as well. So I fled to California. My son and I were in an immigration detention center for a couple of months. When released from the detention center, I moved to Missouri to stay with an uncle but later left because my son's father found out that I was staying there. I then came to San Francisco and was couch surfing for a while. Then I was given a voucher for a room at a hotel. Afterwards I was accepted at an emergency shelter and from there I was accepted at the transitional program where I'm currently living.

My goals, moving forward.

Up until now, I've been an independent woman. I've been working since the age of 10 and my goals going forward are to better my English skills and be able to find a job. I want to become independent and self sufficient again. I want to be able to support my children. And with the support of the transitional program, I am working towards that. That's why I need a little extra support with the funds so I can finish my U-Visa process. Thank you in advance for your support. Many blessings.

Other things I'd like to share about myself.

What makes me happy is my children. Knowing that right now they are in a safe place. My biggest dreams are to eventually have a job, support my children and be able to have a stable home for my children.