Refugee mother seeks stability in America, promising brighter futures for her children 

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In 2013, Venezuela’s economic downturn hit Evany hard. Prices had inflated and she couldn’t even buy milk. Life had previously been good in Venezuela. She was a university student pursuing Industrial Relations and expecting her first daughter, Vida – meaning life. 

Despite the growing hardship, Evany was determined to provide the best for Vida. However, as the years passed, she recognized the futility of staying in Venezuela. Chronic food shortages and lack of employment opportunities made it impossible for Evany to support her daughter. She entrusted Vida, now a toddler, to her mother, and traveled to Peru. 

“It was hard to [leave Vida] in the beginning, but I needed to trust in my mother… When you want a better future, you need to sacrifice for your children.” 

In Peru Evany worked in a chicken restaurant and sent money back home to support her family. She longed for her child. Eventually, she saved enough money to reunite with her mother in Colombia, where she finally held her daughter in her arms again. 

“When I see her again it was wonderful. She was so happy,” said Evany. Together, they moved to Equador where Evany gave birth to her second child, Oceana. 

Desiring stability for her daughters, Evany applied for resettlement in the U.S. 

Meanwhile, escalating crime rates in Venezuela forced Evany, her mother, and her sisters to flee the country. They joined the ranks of over seven million Venezuelans seeking refuge.  They had no choice but to change their plan once again and meet Evany in Ecuador. 

In Ecuador, Evany opened a small restaurant called El Buen Sabor Venezulano Las 4 Eva. Her restaurant faced severe backlash from the locals because of her migrant status – against all odds, business was booming! Evany thought she would be able to rebuild her life, until her landlord doubled the rent forcing her to close the business. 

There is xenophobia among the Ecuadorian community towards Venezuelans. This shows up particularly in housing transactions.

Global Compact on Refugees

With her wellbeing in mind, Evany’s friends suggested she apply for protection under the Safe Mobility Initiative – a program that was discontinued under the new administration. This program provided opportunities for refugees to relocate to countries like Canada, New Zealand, Spain, or the United States, prioritizing safe and organized migration in the Americas. Evany was approved to be resettled in the United States. 

When Evany and her daughters arrived in the U.S. a case manager from World Relief Spokane greeted them at the airport. Evany laughed as she remembered stopping to pick up ramen from a restaurant in Spokane before being escorted to their new home. The United States was a bit strange, but she felt at home. 

Her mother’s love continues to be a source of strength from afar 

Evany’s mother remains her steadfast support, a constant source of unwavering love and strength. “My mother is life. She is a four by four,” Evany said, expressing her deep admiration. “She’s the best cooker. She done everything for us.” 

Evany hopes to be that same source of strength for her daughters. “My goal is to work and be stable, to benefit for my daughters and learn English.” 

Evany enrolled in World Relief Spokane’s early childhood program where she worked with Halle, a case manager, to find a school and daycare for her daughters. Evany complimented Halle, saying that the process was “very good.” She even enrolled herself into online English classes with SCC. 

Sunday church services provide Evany with a space to praise the Lord and grow. The English-speaking environment allows her to immerse herself in the language, fostering both her spiritual life and her English skills. 

Every day Evany feels a deep sense of longing for her mother, still in Ecuador.  “I want to be reunited with my mother, but I can’t.” Her mother’s application for U.S. resettlement hangs in limbo amid discontinued programs, leaving her future uncertain. 

“They need to be strong,” said Evany regarding her daughters. Her focus is on preparing them for the future that lies ahead – whatever that may look like. 

Evany faces the immense challenges of single motherhood, compounded by the refugee experience, and she remains hopeful. She finds strength alongside other refugee mothers in Spokane.  They have resiliency and the desire for a brighter future for their children in common.   

With unwavering faith, Evany declares, “Nothing is big for a woman.” 

About the Author

Keri Bambock is the Communications Coordinator at World Relief Spokane. Her hobbies include sketching and painting. She likes riding her bike to the office and always gets the best parking spot.