“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.
Here, we all support one another — that’s the most beautiful part.
I don’t have papers yet, but I don’t give up hope. 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.
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.