“I was one of the few in my hometown in Ethiopia who made it to high school and then college,” said Merie. “Education has a lasting impact on independence, self-sufficiency and becoming a contributing member of the community.”
Gloria made the perilous journey to the United States (U.S.) from Honduras at the age of 16 with her infant son. She was fleeing the violence and gangs that permeated her life.
After arriving in the U.S., Gloria and her son were accepted into the unaccompanied minor program (UMP) at Catholic Charities. This started her on a path of safety and hope.