Help Me Grow Tehama

Isabel and Diego (fictional names) moved to Tehama County with their four children (infant and toddler daughters, and two school-age sons) from South America about a year ago. The transition was difficult as the family did not speak English and had trouble adapting to the cultural changes.

The family needed many resources. They were living in a small one-bedroom apartment and needed food, household items, beds, mattresses, blankets, and car seats. Isabel learned about Help Me Grow through a church and contacted them for support.

HMG connected Isabel and Diego to WIC, parenting classes, and the Salvation Army for monthly food support. Diego was connected to job services for resume and employment support. Both parents enrolled in HMG Parents as Teachers home visiting, participated in playgroups, and received referrals for housing support and medical care. Isabel signed up for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and their three-year-old was enrolled in preschool. Both parents also started English classes.

One year later, the family’s life already looks very different. They recently moved into a four-bedroom apartment, and Diego now has a stable job. Both parents earned US high school diplomas and, with support, are transferring their higher ed credentials from their home country. Because of the degree translation services, Diego has been able to accept an exciting opportunity with the County School District.

With HMG’s support, Isabel and Diego learned how to navigate systems and access resources to support their family. They now have a spacious home with all the necessary things to live a stable and better life than when they first arrived from South America.