“Here, we all support one another — that’s the most beautiful part.“
My name is Beatriz, and I have always worked hard. Life has never been easy for me, but I’ve learned that strength comes from perseverance — and from love.
In Mexico, I lived more than thirty years with the father of my children, but he never allowed me to work. Still, I worked in my own way — making fishing nets, crab traps, and anything I could to help feed my children. When one of my sons came to the United States at just eleven years old, I sold what little I had to get a visa and follow him. I thought it would be a short visit. It became a new life.
When I arrived, I faced many challenges. I didn’t speak English, I didn’t have work papers, and I had to start over. But I’ve never been afraid of hard work. For ten years in Arizona, I cleaned houses every day — sometimes seven days a week — to pay for two of my children to finish college in Mexico. Everything I couldn’t do before, I’ve done double here.
After I moved to San José, I found not only work but a community. I began coming to Santa Maria Urban Ministry. Even when I broke my arm, I didn’t want to stay home. I love helping people — it gives me purpose and energy.
Now I work part-time cleaning homes and volunteer at Santa Maria almost every day. I help with whatever is needed. I enjoy being around others, learning English, and giving back to the community that welcomed me.
My dream is to keep studying and one day get certified to care for children professionally. I believe in working hard and staying kind, no matter how difficult life becomes.
“Everything I have, I’ve earned through hard work and faith in people.”
I’ve lived in San José for more than twenty years now, and I feel at home here. I love this city, I love helping people, and I love being part of a place where we all support one another. Together, we can build something better — one act of care at a time.