Career Advancement Program Success Story: How Ana Found Stability, Dignity, and a New Beginning
What would it take for you to leave everything familiar behind — your home, your language, your community, and even two of your children — just to be safe?
For Ana, that question was not theoretical. In 2024, threats, extortion, and domestic violence forced her to flee Guatemala with her 5-year-old daughter, while making the heartbreaking decision to leave her two older children behind.
Stories like this remind us why our Career Advancement Program and other services exist: to help our community move forward.
Starting From Zero
The first months in the United States were difficult for Ana. She worked at a chain restaurant, learning to navigate a new country, a different language, and schedules around her daughter’s needs.
Her three biggest challenges were: the language barrier, finding hours that worked around her daughter’s needs, and accessing a wage that would allow her to truly get ahead.
Despite the hardships, Ana held on to an attitude that deeply inspires us — for her, every obstacle overcome is proof of what she is capable of.
Through our English classes, she began building the confidence that would open new doors. She practiced the language she needed for work, school communication, and daily life. And through our Career Advancement program, she received the guidance and support she needed to take her next professional step.
Our staff helped her build her resume, prepared her for interviews, and connected her with her current job. One that not only fits her and her daughter’s schedules but also allows her to thrive. Through one of our employer partners, she found a workplace that values hardworking, resilient, and eager individuals.
More Than a Job: A Door to Hope
Her new position transformed Ana’s life in ways that go far beyond a paycheck. In her own words, this job has given her peace, stability, and the certainty that she can move forward. She keeps working toward the goal that drives her most: being reunited with her children soon.
“I finally feel like I can do this. I believe in myself again.”
Ana does not see her story as a story of suffering. She sees it as a story of what she can accomplish when she has the right support. And that is exactly what World Relief strives to be for every person who comes to us.
A Story Still Being Written
Ana is one of hundreds of people who find in World Relief a place to begin again. A place of belonging and, most importantly, a place where they are seen, valued, and believed in. Her story reminds us why we do this: because behind every client is a mother, a father, a sibling, or a friend who dreams of something more and has the strength to pursue it. Sometimes, all they need is someone to believe in them.
If you want to be part of these stories as a volunteer, donor, or employer partner, reach out to us. Together, we continue to believe in more
“To protect her privacy and safety, the name used in this story has been changed.”
We are so thankful to our client for sharing her journey as an immigrant in this country and allowing us to share it with you. Through all of the current hardship, it is still so clear to see God’s love for the foreigner and his perfect plan, bringing people from all the nations together. Here at World Relief Memphis, we have seen God’s faithfulness through the support from people like you. We thank you for joining us on our journey in making Memphis a more welcoming community.
Writer: Maria Seijas
Communication Coordinator at World Relief Memphis.
If you would like to learn more about World Relief Memphis in the coming months, follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on events and volunteer opportunities.
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