STORIES OF EMPOWERMENT: Pathway of Hope
Yannia, Osmany, and their three children came to the States from Cuba seeking safety and improved opportunities for their family.
Once here, Yannia and Osmany wasted no time reaching out for help as they tried to get acclimated to the strange new culture. They knew the first thing they needed to do was break down the language barrier that kept them from securing employment. They joined The Salvation of Army’s Pathway of Hope Initiative in April 2023. One of the first things Osmany did was enroll in ESL classes. All the while Osmany was seeking out construction projects to be able to provide for his family. Due to his hard work, fair business practice, and skill as a craftsman, Osmany built up a significant client base and saved enough money to file for an LLC, start his own remodeling business, and hire 2 employees to help him meet the needs of his clients.
Yannia recognized that her personal journey to reaching her goals was going to take longer to begin because she was caring for the baby and they were unable to afford childcare. Yannia knew her role as was to help support her family in this transition. She was so proud of the resiliency shown by her 10- and 15-year-old children and how quickly they found their place in the community, made friends, and began thriving in school. Their lives turned from helplessness in Cuba to happiness in their new surroundings. As kids this age typically do… they began spending more time at activities and in social circles. They didn’t need as much of mom’s support any longer. Feeling unproductive, and missing her extended family, Yannia found herself living in a daily battle with depression and loneliness.
Patty, the Case Manager, found ways for Yannia to be able to make gains to reaching her goals while also caring for the baby at home. Yannia began online ESL classes, acquired her driver’s license, enrolled in Certified Nursing Assistant classes, and the family was able to save enough money to purchase a second car as they knew Yannia would need transportation in order to gain employment.
Like Osmany, Yannia had a strong desire to give her family things they’ve lived without for so long. She secured a job at a local hospital, and they were able to move from a 2-bedroom mobile home to a 3-bedroom home in Nokomis.
This family’s story is a beautiful example of what can happen when motivated people and The Salvation Army work together to eliminate barriers to self-sufficiency.
Through their courage, determination and hard work, Yannia and Osmany have achieved nearly all their goals, and their children are thriving. Pathway of Hope provides targeted services to families wanting to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty and today the entire family has achieved self-sufficiency and no longer are in need of assistance – goal accomplished!