At just six years old, Cahuec has already experienced more adversity than many face in a lifetime. She arrived in Chester County under circumstances no child should endure. Originally from Guatemala, her native language is Q’ueqchi, and she was brought to the United States by her father—used as a “passport,” as many immigrants believe that traveling with a minor improves their chances of safely crossing the border. It’s a harsh truth, but one that defines the beginning of Cahuec’s story.

Her life changed the day a Migrant Education Program (MEP) recruiter met her father during community outreach in Oxford. Recognizing the urgent needs of the family, the recruiter enrolled Cahuec in MEP, and from that moment, a Student Support Specialist (SSS) began walking alongside them—changing the trajectory of their future.

Since receiving MEP services, Cahuec has made remarkable progress. She is now learning English and Spanish while maintaining her native Q’ueqchi. MEP ensured she had access to culturally appropriate translation and interpretation services, allowing her to connect meaningfully with her school and surroundings. With these supports, she is learning to express herself, build relationships, and trust her environment.

Cahuec’s resilience is stunning. She has developed a "survivor mode"—a sense of self-sufficiency beyond her years. Her SSS gently and consistently coaches her on age-appropriate behaviors, ensuring she grows safely while honoring her instinct to survive. She expresses her deepest feelings through art—creating incredible drawings that reflect her inner world, her fears, and her dreams. MEP has supplied her with art materials, and she now creates small handmade books, illustrating her story and imagining a future where she is reunited with her mother and siblings in Guatemala. Her mother, seriously ill after giving birth to twins, remains in her home country, and Cahuec holds on to the hope of seeing her again.

MEP has not only supported Cahuec, but has also empowered her father. He is now learning parenting skills, discovering the U.S. school system, and understanding how vital his involvement is. Before MEP, his focus was survival; now, it includes nurturing. With MEP encouragement, he enrolled his daughter in before- and after-school care and has begun communicating with teachers and school staff with the help of Q’ueqchi interpreters provided by the program.

One powerful moment in their journey came during a bike safety event organized by MEP. Although the father couldn’t attend due to work, Cahuec participated and received her first bicycle. The next day, her SSS met with her father, shared everything she had learned, and encouraged him to explore outdoor activities with his daughter. That one event sparked a shift—he began considering taking time off to be more present in her life.

Cahuec also participates in community events with her father and SSS through SILO and the Kennett Square Trails Alliance, creating safe, shared experiences that strengthen their bond and her development.

Without MEP, Cahuec might have remained invisible—a quiet, brilliant child navigating danger without a voice or protection. Instead, thanks to MEP and her dedicated SSS, she is growing, learning, expressing, and dreaming. Her art tells stories no child should have to live—but through those stories, she is reclaiming her future.

MEP didn’t just enroll her in school. It gave her safety, connection, identity, and a chance to thrive. Her father now sees education not as an obligation but as an opportunity. And Cahuec—brave, bright, and full of promise—reminds us all why MEP is not just important. It is essential.

CHOC’s journey is one of extraordinary resilience and transformation. She began working in the mushroom fields in Kennett Square as soon as she arrived from Guatemala at the age of 13, doing exhausting physical labor to survive. Her arrival was not by choice but the result of manipulation by her father. Escaping his control was an act of courage that became essential for her survival. At just 14, CHOC became a mother. When her baby was only eight days old, she entered the foster care system. As mandated by family court, she had supervised phone calls with relatives in Guatemala while navigating a complex system completely alone. Unsupported, and carrying the weight of trauma and young motherhood, CHOC did everything she could to survive—battling isolation, instability, and fear in a foreign land.

Everything began to change when she was identified by the Migrant Education Program (MEP). Without the MEP, CHOC might never have learned that she had the right to an education. She could have remained in the shadows, trapped in a cycle of labor, fear, and silence. MEP opened the door to a new future. Through its student support services, she received not only academic guidance but also vital social referrals that connected her to mental health support, parenting classes, legal aid, and community engagement opportunities.

With that support, CHOC enrolled in a combined high school program and became a student worker with MEP, helping families who speak Q’uechi—a native dialect shared by many community members who are often overlooked. She helped these families understand their rights and access services, just as she had once needed. Her bilingual skills in Spanish and English allowed her to serve as a cultural and linguistic bridge in a community where many are voiceless.

While working as a dishwasher in a Mexican restaurant, she embraced the culture, traditions, and language. She also volunteered with The Community Garage, Mighty Writers – El Futuro Kennett, Kennett Trail Alliance, and participated in Casa Guanajuato in their traditional dance group for nearly a year. Even while facing the effects of a recently diagnosed heart condition, CHOC remains determined to heal, grow, and give back.

Receiving a T Visa—reserved for victims of trafficking and serious crimes—was a turning point. It gave her legal status and renewed hope for the future. Though college remains a goal, her current focus is overcoming personal barriers and creating stability for her and her son.

CHOC loves to read, write, and dance. She dreams of launching a podcast in Q’uechi to help educate her community about their rights and available resources. Her voice is no longer silent. She is no longer living in the shadows. She is a survivor, an advocate, and a symbol of strength for others who are still fighting to be seen.

Hernandez arrived in Pennsylvania from Mexico at the age of 15, carrying the weight of exploitation, abandonment, and stolen childhood. In Mexico, she had never attended school. Instead, she was forced to work on the streets, collecting tips—money that was immediately taken from her by the very people who controlled her. She was trafficked to the United States under false promises of a better life. Once here, those promises were shattered. She was forced to work again—this time in the housekeeping industry in Coatesville—where she endured long hours of labor, only to have her wages stolen again by her abusers.

Her escape came thanks to the bravery of a pastor’s son, who helped her flee to West Grove. There, she began to seek out safety, support, and honest work. She found employment in the local mushroom farms. It was a community family helping her that first reached out to the Migrant Education Program (MEP) recruiter. That call changed everything. At just 16 years old, Hernandez was enrolled in school through MEP, began virtual ESL classes, and was immediately connected to the critical social services she needed to begin healing from deep trauma.

However, her journey to stability was far from over. Shortly after, she moved in with a woman who rented her a room but quickly took advantage—stealing her wages, forcing her to babysit for free, and allowing her to enter into a relationship with an older man. Hernandez disappeared again—until tragedy struck. A fire destroyed the apartment complex in Oxford where she was living. Amid the devastation, MEP staff found her once more and sprang into action.

Working in close partnership with local nonprofits and county agencies, MEP’s Student Support Specialist and supervisor coordinated her enrollment into the Chester County CYF foster care program. She was finally placed in a safe and stable environment—now seven months pregnant, traumatized, and deeply in need of protection and support. With continued advocacy from MEP and school staff, she began attending family court and received mental health services, understanding for the first time the depth of her own trauma and her right to live free of harm.

Despite losing everything in the fire, Hernandez held tightly to one thing: her survivor spirit. She chose to attend cyber school through Esperanza, where she began to build a future. Though she had never learned to read or write before, she now studies with discipline and pride. She practices English daily, attends virtual therapy, and is learning to express herself with courage and clarity.

Today, Hernandez is a single mother of a baby girl, a volunteer, and a symbol of what happens when education meets compassion. She is part of MEP’s summer camp team for a second year this year and is always present at family engagement events in our Chester county MEP. She volunteers with SILO, The Community Garage, Mighty Writers – El Futuro Kennett, Oxford Neighborhood Services, and Kennett Trail Alliance. She recently earned her driver’s license, is saving for a car, and dreams of graduating in 2026 and attending college.

Her motivation is simple but powerful: to give back to others who feel trapped, to show them that education is the way out. Hernandez tells her peers: “We all have rights. And we deserve to know them.”

Her story is not only a testament to the strength of the human spirit, but also an undeniable example of why the Migrant Education Program must exist. Without it, Hernandez might still be hidden, unheard, and unsafe. With it, she is becoming everything she was meant to be.

Ixim, the eldest of six children from Guatemala, left his home country in August 2021 to escape violence and unsafe conditions. He first arrived in New Jersey with a friend, then moved to Pennsylvania on his own, finding a place to stay with another friend. Determined to continue his education, he enrolled at Kennett High School in 2022 with the goal of graduating and building a better future for himself and his family back home—his parents still live in Guatemala.

Life in the United States has presented significant challenges for Ixim. As a young father to a son with a serious health condition, he balances school, work, and parenting responsibilities while also sending what support he can to his family in Guatemala. Despite these pressures, Ixim remains remarkably independent, steadily improving his English and recently earning his driver’s license. He now sets his sights on purchasing a car and attending community college, with a long-term dream of becoming a police officer to protect and serve his community. Ixim’s story is a testament to courage, determination, and a steadfast commitment to creating a better life for himself and those he loves.

Raised by their courageous grandmother in Guatemala, the Reynoso siblings faced significant challenges from a very young age. Abandoned by their parents, they grew up with little knowledge of their whereabouts. Their grandmother, a brave and hardworking woman, did everything she could to provide food and shelter despite living in extreme poverty. Because of their financial struggles, the siblings were unable to attend school in their home country.

At the ages of 17 and 15, they made the courageous decision to come to the United States in search of better opportunities. With extended family already living in the U.S., they reached out to an aunt, shared their hopes and plans, and she generously lent them the money to make the journey. On December 5, 2020, they left Guatemala and began the long and difficult journey north. After arriving in Texas, they spent three months in a shelter before reuniting with their aunt in Pennsylvania.

In Pennsylvania, they were welcomed with warmth and support. Their aunt contacted the Migrant Education Program for assistance enrolling them in school, and both siblings began 9th grade at Kennett High School. On weekends, they worked at a mushroom farm to help repay their travel debt, contribute to household expenses, and send support back to their grandmother in Guatemala.

Focused and determined, both students committed fully to their education maintaining strong grades and actively participating in school life. One sibling currently attends Kennett High School and the Technical College High School (TCHS), where he is studying Criminal Justice. He is in the process of obtaining a work permit and plans to continue working while pursuing further education. His sister relocated to Oxford, where she is now graduating from the Oxford Area School District. After graduation, she plans to enter the workforce.

Although it was incredibly difficult to leave their beloved grandmother behind, the Reynoso siblings knew this journey was the best way to help her. She continues to be a guiding and supportive presence in their lives through regular phone calls from Guatemala.

This year marks a major milestone: both Reynoso siblings are graduating a powerful testament to their resilience, determination, and the strength of family support, both near and far.

Romo arrived in October 2023, stepping into 11th grade with quiet determination. After moving between the U.S. and Mexico throughout his life, he was ready to commit to his education and make the most of every opportunity ahead.

He didn’t just sit in class; he stood out. With steady grades, a curious mind, and a respectful attitude, Romo earned the admiration of teachers and peers alike. He became a familiar and respected face in the community; someone who represented responsibility, kindness, and drive.

Beyond the classroom, Romo participated in the Avondale Youth Garage, a community-driven program aimed at empowering young people through mentorship and hands-on experience. Within the Garage, he became involved in Career Compass, a program that allows students to explore potential career paths. That’s where Romo, was introduced to the professional world of Bavarian Motorsport. There, Romo thrived surrounded by people who believed in his potential and gave him the tools and confidence to grow.

Even with these valuable experiences, one calling stood out above the rest: the United States Marine Corps. It wasn’t a decision made lightly, it came from a place of deep purpose and self-discipline. His parents were proud but understandably worried. Their son, their eldest, was preparing to serve. In heartfelt conversations, it became clear: this was Romo’s path, and the most powerful thing they could do now was support him. As his mother once said, "There’s nothing else we can do but stand by him if this is what he truly wants.”

Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain: Romo has already made an impact. He is not only a role model to his peers but even more so to his younger brother, who sees in him the strength, courage, and example of what it means to lead with purpose.

In 2021, at just 14 years old, Valladares arrived in Chester County, Pennsylvania, after spending several difficult months alone in a shelter in New York. Originally from Honduras, she was sent to the United States by her family due to the extreme economic hardship they faced back home. But instead of beginning a new life with opportunity, Valladares arrived isolated, emotionally shaken, and educationally delayed—lacking access to even the most basic support systems.

Her story changed when a Migrant Education Program (MEP) recruiter met her in the mushroom farm and immediately recognized the urgency of her situation. Within days, she was enrolled in school, and her MEP Student Support Specialist (SSS) began building the bridge between her and a new path forward.

Her assigned school district, Unionville, collaborated closely with the SSS to conduct comprehensive evaluations—academic, emotional, and social. Valladares was quickly identified as a student with special needs and received a fully developed Individualized Education Program (IEP). This IEP unlocked the essential accommodations and services she had never received before, including life skills support, language instruction, and differentiated learning.

But her educational challenges were only part of the picture.

As the months passed, both school staff and members of her church began to raise concerns about her living situation. There were signs of abuse, neglect, and severe emotional trauma. Thanks to the partnership between MEP and the school, Chester County CYF was alerted, and a case was opened. Valladares was removed from a harmful home and entered the foster care system.

Now relocated to a safer home with a foster family, Valladares faced a new world of rules, expectations, and accountability—elements she had never known in Honduras. Navigating this new life was terrifying, but her MEP Student Support Specialist never left her side. SSS facilitated every school transition, ensured her new placement honored her IEP, and coordinated culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health care. The SSS even participated in CYF case meetings, ensuring her voice was never left out of the conversation.

With this comprehensive and deeply personal support, Valladares was placed into a Life Skills classroom with a structured work-study program—an environment where she could thrive. She is now also receiving trauma-informed therapy through Devereux, a mental health institution that continues to help her heal.

Today, Valladares is in the 10th grade. Though she has since moved to another region, she has maintained her connection to Chester County MEP and volunteers with her foster family. She contributes time to SILO, Mighty Writers – El Futuro Kennett, and The Community Garage, building confidence through service. Last summer, thanks to the joint efforts of MEP, her school district, and CYF, Valladares received legal status in the United States—a monumental step that allows her, for the first time, to work legally. She will begin her first job as a student worker in MEP’s Summer Camp, a role she embraces with gratitude and pride this summer 2025.

She is now a young woman full of joy, resilience, and dreams. She loves to sing, dance, and laugh—things she once believed were out of reach. She hopes one day to return to Honduras, but she remains in the U.S. as she continues to be involved in her case investigation and waits to obtain her passport.

For a student like Valladares, MEP didn’t just provide access to school—it delivered rescue, restoration, and renewal. Before MEP, she had never attended school. She had never had a routine, a quiet place to study, or adults who truly listened. Now, she has academic goals, emotional care, and the belief that she matters.

Without MEP and her Student Support Specialist, Valladares might have slipped through the cracks of a system not built to catch her. Because MEP exists, she is now safe, educated, and empowered to give back—proof that when we invest in students like her, we change generations to come.

Zavala is originally from Mexico. He is the youngest of four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Zavala. Due to increasing violence in their community, Zavala and his mother made the difficult decision to leave Mexico in search of safety and a better future.

After arriving in Phoenix, Arizona, they stayed in a shelter for a few days before traveling to Pennsylvania in December 2023, where they reunited with Zavala’s father, who had already established residence in the United States.

Shortly after their arrival, the family connected to the Migrant Education Program, which provided essential support in enrolling Zavala in school. With the program’s assistance and encouragement, the family felt welcomed and supported. Zavala began attending Avon Grove High School in December 2023, starting in the 9th grade.

Like many newcomer students with limited English proficiency, Zavala faced challenges due to a new school, culture, and language. However, he gradually adapted forming connections with classmates and teachers and successfully completed the remainder of the 2023–2024 school year. That summer, he continued his academic and social development by participating in the Migrant Education Program's summer offerings.

At the start of the 2024–2025 school year, Zavala hesitated to return to school after experiencing bullying from some classmates, an issue he had not initially shared. The Migrant Education Student Support Specialist (SSS) spoke with Zavala and his parents about students’ educational rights in the U.S. and the many opportunities available to him. With support from his family and the program, Zavala regained the motivation to continue his education.

His mother has been a strong advocate for his learning, participating actively in parent-teacher conferences, community meetings, and the Familias Unidas program through Family Service. She has also taken part in PAC (Parent Advisory Council) meetings with Migrant Education. Both parents remain deeply involved and supportive of Zavala’s academic and extracurricular pursuits.

Currently, Zavala is studying Culinary Arts at the Technical College High School (TCHS), where he is thriving. His English has improved significantly, and he has become more engaged in school life. He played on the Avon Grove High School volleyball team and regularly attends both the Migrant Education Program and The Garage Community & Youth Center afterschool program. Through these programs, Zavala has participated in numerous enriching experiences, including: The United States Leadership Institute in Chicago, Latino Exploration Day at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), The Youth Give Back Program, Community service at The Bridge, and upcoming participation in Career Compass and STEM Camp this coming summer.

Zavala’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and hope. From facing adversity in his home country to building a new life in the U.S., his story highlights the importance of family, community support, and access to educational opportunities. Zavala continues to grow into a confident, capable young leader ready to pursue his dreams and give back to the community that embraced him.