Meet Maria R.:

A Journey of Resilience

On May 1, 2023, Maria R.* stepped into the Interfaith Works Vocational Services Program (IW VSP) seeking hope and a path forward. At 42 years old, this determined mother from El Salvador found herself in a daunting situation. With two children to care for, she and her husband were both unemployed, struggling to keep up with rent and utilities, and facing the looming threat of eviction.

Behind on rent payments totaling over $5,000, Maria was overwhelmed. Her relationship with her husband was strained, complicating their ability to tackle their financial challenges together. Adding to her struggles, Maria did not have a work permit, and her limited English skills made it nearly impossible to find a job on her own.

Recognizing the urgency of her situation, IW VSP stepped in to help. The program recognized the eviction notice weighed heavily on her mind and provided funding to cover her overdue utility bills. Maria, from the start, refused to give up. She began cooking and selling food from home, determined to keep her family fed and cover their basic expenses.

Despite her determination, Maria faced significant obstacles. Without proper kitchen facilities to prepare food commercially, she needed guidance. IW VSP not only helped her understand Maryland’s food sales regulations but also assisted her in obtaining the necessary permits. With their support, she purchased a table, chairs, and a tent to keep her food safe and fresh while selling at local sporting events.

Today, Maria proudly sells freshly chopped fruit, a venture that has blossomed with the help of IW VSP. “With the equipment I bought, I can present my product better, and customers see it as fresher because it’s not in direct sunlight,” she says. The income she earns is helping her save for a new, more affordable apartment.

Alongside her entrepreneurial efforts, Maria worked with her VSP Vocational Counselor to craft a resume and explore job search strategies. Utilizing online classified ads, she secured a part-time job with the potential for more hours. Encouragingly, her husband also found work, allowing them to pool their resources and search for a new home together.

However, their immigration status and lack of credit history posed challenges in finding a reasonably priced apartment. IW VSP took on the task of searching for suitable housing and ultimately found a new place for the family. IW also provided funding for part of the security deposit, which Maria and her husband supplemented with their savings to secure the apartment, along with assistance for their move.

Maria’s journey is a testament to resilience. She has avoided homelessness and now with a source of income she could support her family. Yet, the specter of financial instability remained. That’s why IW VSP continues to equip her with the tools needed to thrive, connecting her with the Financial Empowerment Center for ongoing support.

Filled with gratitude, Maria sent her vocational counselor a photo of her new business setup, allowing the IW VSP team to celebrate her success. Through hard work and determination, Maria carved out a brighter future for herself and her family—one step at a time.

*not her real name