Hope Restored: Maria’s Story

Maria, a mother of two young teens, Eduardo, 15, and Jeffrey, 16, was looking for help. Her son Eduardo’s behavior had started to become worrisome, and she was concerned for his well-being. She reached out to various agencies for help, and even reached out to the police several times. Nothing worked.

Unfortunately, her efforts backfired. Because she called the police, the landlord asked them to leave. Maria, her husband Nathan, and her two sons were left homeless.

“I never thought as a property manager for 15 years that I would be in a shelter, with my family on the other side of the counter,” says Maria. “It’s not like I’m not an educated person, because I am.”

How this family ended up sleeping in their car is a painful story. But the dark clouds are beginning to part, thanks to our donors.

After finding UMOM, Maria and Nathan were able to get Eduardo into a residential treatment center where he finally spoke up. Unknown to anyone, Eduardo had been abused by his biological father. With the truth revealed, the family was able to get Eduardo life-saving therapy.

However, more tragedy has struck this family.

In a completely unrelated incident, Nathan’s 20-year-old son was tragically killed. What money they had for a down payment on an apartment had to go toward funeral expenses. The money was not the worst of it – Nathan’s grief is immense. “He’s not the same,” says Maria of her husband, who is on disability.

Through it all, Maria’s determination to keep persevering is unrelenting and inspiring.

We will figure it out. I refuse to not find a solution.

Through UMOM’s help, Maria and her family are moving into a new apartment. They are thrilled to have their own place and a chance to start over, so they can continue healing together as a family. Maria is supporting the family with a steady job, while Eduardo is continuing to improve after therapy. Jeffrey is outperforming his peers at school, and has just received a full scholarship to Northern Arizona University and an offer to visit Notre Dame with scholarships.