How Alex and Carmen Regained Their Joy
Alex, 12, and Carmen, 7, spent most of their early lives in a small, tight-knit seaside town. When school was out and the sun was shining, they were free to explore and play outside with the other children in their village under neighbors’ watchful and supportive eyes. On weekends, they would enjoy day-long picnics on the beach with their large extended family.
Their parents, Sofia and Daniel, decided to move their family to the United States in search of better care and therapy for Alex, who is on the autism spectrum. They relocated to Boston and were just beginning to settle into their new routines when the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
Daniel was hospitalized with debilitating long COVID and lost needed work hours. The family soon fell behind on their rent and utility bills and used their meager savings for food and additional services for Alex. Upon learning that the family was about to be evicted, professionals at Alex and Carmen’s Boston public school referred them to FamilyAid for assistance. FamilyAid swiftly secured housing for them, providing safety and stability. Throughout the family’s transitions—moving to Boston, enduring the pandemic and transitioning from one apartment in an urban neighborhood to another—Alex and Carmen lost the opportunity to spend time outdoors and remain active as they had before. Both children grew restless and frustrated.
Sofia became concerned that Alex and Carmen were losing the independence and joy they once had, becoming more isolated and confined to their home. Seeking guidance, she turned to her FamilyAid team for help to keep her children healthy, active and engaged in their new community.
FamilyAid provided information and private funding to enroll Alex and Carmen in recreational activities and programs. After discussing the available options with the children—who expressed interest in sports, music lessons, and trips to the nearby science museum—their FamilyAid case manager put together a comprehensive package to give Alex and Carmen access to as many positive experiences as possible.
“At FamilyAid, we take a holistic approach when working with children and parents under our care,” says FamilyAid Director of 2Gen Resources Matt Miller. “We understand that the solution to homelessness goes beyond finding affordable housing for families. It also involves providing children and parents with education about–and access to–the resources, tools and hope they need for long-term success.”
Now, Alex plays the piano and basketball, while Carmen has taken up swimming and joined an after-school science club. With the children happily engaged in new programs alongside their peers, Sofia and David can focus on their new jobs and devote more time to ensuring a bright and joyful future for the entire family.
