Programs

Family success stories

Family Success Story

Hilda Valencia was born and raised in Mexico. At eighteen years old, she courageously came to the United States in hopes of new opportunities.  Her first years here proved to be difficult, especially because of her various health concerns and illnesses. As a single mother of three children, she struggled to maintain her family as she battled several medical challenges and searched for a full time job.

When I first met Hilda, I soon recognized working with her would be a great reward. She is a vocal person and is very capable of being positive- regardless of what crisis comes her way.  When we first assessed her family’s needs, her first priority was to receive access to medical attention for her children. Due to her inability to obtain medical insurance through her employer, she was not able to obtain medical coverage on her own.  I worked with Hilda to connect her to medical and dental insurance for herself and her children. While her application for medical insurance was being processed, Hilda’s son suffered an accident while visiting his father in Mexico. This accident left him incapable of walking or playing soccer, his favorite activity.  He had to get metal plates in one of his legs. Unfortunately, around this time, her younger daughter was rushed the emergency room, leaving Hilda with a three thousand dollar bill requiring full payment within three days. Despite these overwhelming events, she managed to stay strong and focused for her children. Although her daughter’s insurance was not activated until after the accident, Hilda and I worked closely with the insurance companies to ensure that the hospital fees would be paid.

Because of Hilda’s initiative and determination to set up medical coverage for her family, she was able to provide for her family in a time of desperate need.  Hilda is now looking forward to her son returning home and receiving the medical attention and physical therapy that he will need to overcome his accident. With the help of SJEF, Hilda has the opportunity to continue to better herself and her children’s lives. She is very proud of her three children and manages to maintain them active in extra-curricular activities. Hilda’s love for her children is shown through all the hard work and effort she puts into constantly improving her family.

Irene Camarena, Family Partner

Irene F. Camarena was born in Gilroy, CA and moved to San Jose at the tender age of 3 years old and lived here since. Both her parents arrived in California “illegally” from Jalisco, Mexico. She is currently attending San Jose State University to pursue a degree in Behavioral Science and minor in Psychology. She enjoys spending time with her family that consists of her 3 sisters, younger brother including her niece and nephew. She enjoys traveling and sharing food with friends and family. Irene joined the San Jose Education Foundation team mid June 2006.

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