Page 18 - FoC 2024 Summer Newsletter

Providing a Hand UP

Sophie Ramirez’s Transformation

The story of Sophie Ramirez highlights what we often miss when we
do not stop and look deeply and listen to the lives of those suffering
in extreme poverty. The complexity and human side of the people
we work with can be missed when we think of people living in Upper
Cambio Puente as a group rather than unique people who deserve
the dignity that God created them to have.

Sophie was living in dire need with her three children, her daughter
Valeria (9) Grethel (5) and Karlo (3) . This was clear from an initial
visit, but what was not clear until we deeply listened was that Sophie
was very close to completing her technical nursing certificate and
wanting more for herself and her children. However, suffering from
severe depression and other health ailments she was truly lost.
She needed a hand-up and to be supported as her family support
was lost with the sudden deaths of her parents and absence of the
father of her children.

Withthe
partnership of
Be the Light Get
Lit Mission Team
and our ACAF
Social Workers
identifying
Sophie’s need for support, her life began to improve. The
visitors built her a new house equipped with belongings,
beds, mattresses, compartments, three bedrooms, living
room, dining room, and a usable patio space. They also
provided financial support to pay for her nursing certificate
documents and medical supplies to help support her dream
of being a nurse. The ACAF team supported her in receiving

counseling and strategies for dealing with stress. Between ACAF’s
attention and the visiting team’s generosity, she saw a ray of hope
for a better future. From that point, she was able to complete her
degree and find stable work.

Today, with her degree in hand, Sofia has the opportunity to apply
for stable jobs! In addition, she participates in training workshops and
comprehensive support programs of ACAF, which provide her with
health monitoring, legal and psychological support. All essential to
improve the anxiety and depression disorder she suffers from after
the death of her mother, her greatest support.

Sophie has learned that she is not alone. We have been reminded,
as we are so many times by the people we serve, that in the midst
of despair are human beings trying to survive. These people were
created for more than basic survival. As with Sophie, their dignity and
potential can be restored through the work we do together to create
a better future in the communities we serve.

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