Dianelys, Yenia, and their kids need a car.
So I am a true believer people's paths cross for a reason, and my new Cuban immigrant friends need some extra help. Dianelys (pronounced Diana) works with my daughter at a restaurant in Ann Arbor. After trying to find Dianelys extra work at the hospital, I learned she and her sister-in-law (Yenia) haven't had great luck recently and needed some extra help.
Dianelys came to America from Cuba with her two kids, Javier (18) and Carlos (14) six months ago. Once they arrived, her husband, who had been living here a few months before she arrived, left her and the kids for a new wife. Dianelys had to move in with her sister-in-law, Yenia (pronounced Jenia), as she was the only person she knew in Michigan. Yenia is also from Cuba and has three kids, ages 4, 8, and 10. Yenia's husband also recently divorced her for a new woman. Dianelys & Yenia are currently living together in a small apartment with their kids and Yenia's brother. There are 8 of them in one place. When I first met Dianelys a couple of weeks ago, she and her two boys were sharing one inflatable mattress every night as their bed.
They only have one car, and Yenia is the only licensed driver. She drives Dianelys, Javier, and her brother to work every day, as well as the 4 kids to school. A few weeks ago, while driving with Dianelys and all of their kids, their van caught on fire and was totaled. They had been driving a rental for a few weeks, but are now trying to get by with Uber and friends taking them places. Without a functioning vehicle, they have no way to get to work or school. Local groups and social services are helping, but they could still use a little extra.
To make matters worse, Dianelys received more bad news a few days ago. They will be getting evicted from their apartment soon because the middle man they were paying rent to was never paying the landlord. They are hardworking people who have been trying to do everything right. They are working to become US citizens legally, have followed all the rules, and work hard every day, but they just can't catch a break. They are all learning English every day, but the system is hard to navigate alone without knowing the language or area very well. They could just use a little extra help, and maybe this could get them on their feet.
Dianelys told me she thought about going back to Cuba with her kids because her luck was running out here, but she said she knew she had to stay because it is so bad in Cuba, and the only way her kids can have a better life is if she stays here. Any money raised will go directly to Dianelys & Yenia towards purchasing or leasing them a vehicle. If there is any extra, we will try to buy a second vehicle that Dianelys or Javier can use. They are both taking their driver’s test next month. Any extra funds above and beyond will go directly to the families for housing or food. They deserve a break :)
