Romero Fernandez Family

About 8 years ago, the father of this family went to the US illegally to find work. Meanwhile, the mother stayed in Tijuana with their three children. She went to various places to look for work in exchange for receiving some food for her kids. At the time, her kids were very timid and insecure. Everyone in this family desired a better life, but wasn’t quite sure how.

Over the next couple years the father returned from the US and started driving a taxi. The mother found out about Doxa and she eventually applied for spots in the after-school program for her children. She thought that confidence in school and success scholastically were most important for them. On a home visit, Rosa (Doxa’s Director of Operations) saw a very small one-room structure. Everyone sleeping, cooking, and living in one space. Therefore, Rosa talked to the family about Doxa’s house building program and how to apply. After a successful application, a group came to build alongside the Romero Fernandez family. Everyone together finishing the house in 4 days. Upon completion, one wouldn’t believe the children’s faces struck with happiness and excitement. For the first time they had a place to call their own, a room where they could put their things and hang out. The parents were overjoyed at the reality of now having one space to cook and other spaces to sleep. Both parents now realize how far they’ve come from their separated and insecure lives 8 years ago.