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In 2024, 14-year-old Diego Hernandez* arrived in the U.S. with his parents, younger brother, and cousin after years of uncertainty. Their journey had taken them from Venezuela to Panama, then Peru—each move a step toward safety, but never quite far enough.
Fleeing Venezuela: The Start of a Refugee Family’s Journey
In Venezuela, life had become unsustainable. Diego’s mother, Ana, served as a nurse in a public hospital where she was forced to work onsite during political marches. Food and medicine were hard to find, and danger grew closer each day. His father, Hector, left first in search of stability, and then a year later, Diego and Ana followed. Diego was only nine years old.
Crossing into Panama came with many challenges. Though they carried Venezuelan passports and temporary papers, the family faced difficulties getting their documents accepted at the border. They were allowed to stay for a short time, but life remained uncertain.
In Peru, things seemed more hopeful—until Diego and his cousin were robbed at gunpoint just blocks from their home. Later, his father was also targeted while on his way to work.
Welcomed by World Relief: Refugee Family Support Services
Despite everything, the family held on to hope. After applying through multiple resettlement programs, they were granted refugee status and welcomed to the U.S. by World Relief.
That first day, World Relief staff met them at the airport and immediately connected them to the services they would need: housing support, school enrollment, and medical care.
A Life-Changing Diagnosis and Support Services
Through the support they received from various departments at World Relief, the family was able to identify a developmental concern in their youngest child. With guidance and care, he was soon diagnosed with autism and began accessing the services he needed—support that arrived just in time.
“It was God who brought us here,” Ana says.
Today, Diego is thriving in high school. He’s learning English by listening and speaking with his classmates and exploring sports to which he never had access before: baseball, volleyball, and tennis. At home, he helps with chores, assists his mom, and supports his younger brother, who is now receiving care for the first time.
Building Belonging Through Small Joys
What brings Diego the most joy are the small moments with his family: watching soccer with his dad, cooking with his mom, walking outside as a family. “When we’re all together, that’s what makes me happy,” he says.
The Hernandez family is no longer surviving day to day—they’re building a future. Ana dreams of seeing her sons graduate, own homes, and raise families of their own. Diego is still discovering his path, but he knows one thing: here, he has the chance to dream.
*All identities have been shielded.
Support Refugee Family Stories Like Diego’s
Thanks to your support, families like Diego’s are not just finding safety—they’re finding hope, belonging, and the space to rebuild their lives.
We invite you to learn more about our King County Office, how you can advocate for refugee and immigrant families, and donate to continue the mission.
Click here to read more stories like Diego’s in our 2024 Year in Review.