Makinga Difference

Juana’s Story

Juana’s life spiraled out of control at age 11 when her parents split up. Bereft of family support and angry at her father, she soon began running with a gang as an alternative source of identification and security. Her descent into drug and alcohol abuse and violence led to several arrests and a suicide attempt. As a condition of juvenile probation, she was required to have her tattoos removed through the Second Chance Tattoo Removal Program. Although for a long time she resisted changing her lifestyle, the caring, non–judgmental support of CARECEN staff ultimately helped her take control of her life, leave the street, and unlock her potential for embarking on the path to self–sufficient adulthood. Today Juana works at a non-profit helping youth, lives independently with her two sons, and plans to study criminal justice at City College of San Francisco. Her experiences give her critical insight into troubled youth: “I know what they’re feeling because I felt that,” she says. “So I’m able to help them get on the right track.”

María Alicia’s Story

María Alicia came to San Francisco 10 years ago at the age of 17 to start a new life in the U.S. She met her husband here and had a daughter with him. At first, her husband treated her well. However, a year into the relationship he became possessive, jealous, and very controlling. María Alicia stayed with him, hoping that she could change him. Unfortunately, she was wrong: her husband increased his control over her and began to verbally, emotionally, and physically abuse her regularly. María Alicia endured this violence for 5 years, feeling that she had no alternative. One day she no longer could take the abuse and called the police. The police arrested her husband and charged him with domestic violence. While assisting in the criminal proceedings, María Alicia heard about the U–Visa immigration program, through which victims of crimes who help in the investigation of the crime can gain temporary legal status in the U.S. She came to our office for a consultation. Our legal program recognized that she had a strong case and helped her apply for a U-Visa. Today María Alicia and her daughter are safe from abuse and live in a stable environment. María Alicia wants to become a social worker so that she can help women who are victims of domestic violence.