When Erica stepped off a plane in New York in July 2024, she was exhausted, but full of hope. Originally from Nicaragua, Erica fled political violence and endured years of instability in Costa Rica before gaining refugee status in the United States. Speaking softly in Spanish through an interpreter, Erica shared that she wanted to give her children a better life, one with more stability.
Refugee stories often begin in crisis, but ultimately, they are about resilience. Erica’s story is no exception.
Erica was born in Nicaragua, but was forced to leave after her father was murdered by order of the current regime. Fearing for her safety, she and her family fled to Costa Rica in hopes of finding refuge. But without permanent legal status in that country, Erica was unable to work legally or access essential services.
This lack of opportunities forced her to seek refuge in the United States.
With the help of HIAS and the Westchester Resettlement Coalition, Erica and her three children resettled in New York. Shortly after, she contacted Catholic Charities of New York, which provided her with crucial resources and a support system to help her rebuild her life.
Erica recalled that the first few days were incredibly difficult. He arrived without family, without speaking English and without any certainties or guarantees; alone with his three children and his determination.
From the moment she arrived, Erica was surrounded by people committed to helping her get ahead. The Westchester Resettlement Coalition helped her find housing and provided logistical support for everything from school registration for her children to medical appointments. Coalition volunteers even took his son to his soccer practices.
Erica’s three children—Kendy (19), Jeremy (11), and Josmyr (9)—have adjusted well. Kendy, the oldest, is about to graduate high school. He loves school and his friends. “She is learning English very quickly,” said Mariana Duenas, Erica’s social worker at Catholic Charities.
Catholic Charities helped Erica get a job as a hotel maid, cleaning rooms and doing laundry. Before long, she will start a new job as a school custodian. It is a more stable position with better hours and benefits. Erica is very grateful; support makes her feel safe.
Job assistance went far beyond job placement. Erica received help writing her resume, participating in mock interviews, and she continues to receive support from a career counselor. One year after her arrival, Catholic Charities is helping Erica begin the process of obtaining permanent residency in the United States.
Leukemia: A sudden diagnosis
Just when life seemed to stabilize, Erica received a new blow. In November 2024, he was diagnosed with leukemia.
At that moment, he felt like his world was collapsing. She feared for her children, wondering what would become of them if she could no longer care for them. Erica considered returning to Costa Rica for treatment, but her doctor urged her to stay in the United States, where she would have access to proper medical care.
Being in the United States, where access to quality healthcare made all the difference, was a blessing. With Medicaid coverage and the support of the network around her, Erica contacted specialists and began treatment. He is now on medication and remains in remission.
“She looks back and sees how strong she has become in just one year,” Mariana said.
Erica never lost her sense of humor, even in the most difficult times. “His sense of humor lifts up everyone around him,” said Wendy Naidich, director of the Westchester Resettlement Coalition.
Erica believes her faith has helped her overcome difficulties and given her the support she needed. “God exists. God is here. Through God, I found all my sources of strength,” Erica said.
Refugees like Erica not only survive, they contribute. They work, raise families, build communities and dream of a better future.
Erica lives day by day, guided by faith. But she still dreams of seeing her children finish school and find good jobs, and of having a house where they can all live together in peace.
“Erica is very grateful to the United States and is determined to do her best: as a mother, as a worker, as a friend, as a woman in the United States,” Mariana said.
“It is a difficult time to be a refugee or asylum in this country,” Wendy said. “Erica has a very positive attitude about what’s happening, despite everything around us. It’s really admirable.”
Beatriz Carvalho, media manager, Catholic Charities. beatriz.carvalho@catholiccharitiesny.org