Maricela followed her family from Mexico to the United States 16 years ago. Nearly 10 years ago, she moved from the West Coast to Washington County in search of a better job and more opportunity. But Maricela was leaving her family and support system behind, moving to a new place where she didn’t know anyone and without the confidence that comes from speaking English fluently.

Maricela is the mother of four children under the age of 10 years old. She was initially referred to People Incorporated’s Head Start program for her two eldest children in 2017. In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Maricela enrolled her third child into the Abingdon-based program. It was during this process that she met her current People Incorporated family advocate and translator. People Incorporated’s Head Start staff would prove to be a tremendous support for Maricela and her growing family for years to come.

When Maricela became pregnant later that year, staff helped her enroll in the agency’s prenatal support services. After her daughter was born, she also joined the agency’s Early Head Start program, which supported her infant daughter with visits to their home.

Although Maricela had settled into life in the U.S., she still felt self-conscious about speaking English. She was delighted to watch her children learn the language as part of the Head Start curriculum and proud that her three oldest children have successfully entered the local school system.

Given Maricela’s involvement in the Head Start program, staff suggested that she also join People Incorporated’s Comprehensive Health Investment Program, or CHIP. As part of the program, Maricela now receives visits to her home from a CHIP parent educator and registered nurse. They have helped Maricela find doctors, dentists, and other resources to support her family.

Throughout this process, People Incorporated staff have been by her side, not only providing translation support when needed, but also encouragement. The language barrier once made Maricela hesitant to seek services on her own, but with the help of People Incorporated, she has learned to be braver and more proactive. With a strong support system in place, Maricela is now an active volunteer in Head Start activities. She is a loyal member of the Head Start Policy Council and can be counted on to attend meetings and add her perspective to decisions.

When Maricela was a teenager, she needed to quit school and help her family by working. Now that she is a mother herself, she wants as much education as possible for her children. She says it is important that they stay in school. For herself, she plans to continue to volunteer and help in the Head Start classroom as long as possible. Slowly, but surely, she has created a network and support system for herself in her new home.

With help from People Incorporated, Maricela feels like she and her family are succeeding.