The Road Less Traveled - Favio's Journey

Would you consider becoming a giving partner with Family Service? Your gift will help provide life-changing opportunities for families. Better yet, consider a monthly gift of $25, $50, or $100. Our goal is to find 25 monthly giving partners. Monthly gifts help ensure program sustainability and more opportunities to access life-giving programs. We’d like to share the story of Favio, a graduate of our Familias Unidas program. CLICK HERE TO DONATE!

Favio grew up in Venezuela, where over ¾ of the population lives in extreme poverty with severe food shortages, unemployment, and lack of basic healthcare.  As the country’s economic and political crisis worsened, Favio’s family struggled to afford food and his father was forced to leave Venezuela to find work. With the collapse of the country’s healthcare system, Favio’s mother did not receive adequate care for her Varicella (chicken pox) and tragically passed away in 2018.

After his mother’s passing, Favio and his father lived in Peru as they worked through the immigration process to join extended family in the United States. They arrived in Pennsylvania at the end of February 2020. Just three weeks after starting at Henderson High School, Favio’s world was rocked again with the onset of COVID-19 and a shift to remote learning. As a Spanish-speaking student, he was even more isolated and alone.

We were grateful to be introduced to Favio and his father through their participation in our Familias Unidas program. Family Service was able to contribute to Favio’s growth by providing clothing, food, and support services. Determined to succeed, Favio took advantage of every opportunity presented to him. He excelled in high school and was accepted into the National Honor Society, all while still learning English, working a part-time job, and playing on the soccer team. This fall, Favio enrolled at West Chester University where he is studying Computer Science.

He had every reason to quit. He could have been jaded by his circumstances and let them get the best of him. Yet, he has shown incredible resilience and an indomitable spirit. Favio refused to be defined by his circumstances.

These are the kind of outstanding individuals with whom Family Service works. Family Service has the incredible opportunity to be a part of people’s stories. Our dedicated team walks with clients through their most vulnerable periods and connects them to valuable community resources.

Favio said, “I really appreciate everything to help me [sic] and it motivates me to work hard. I am truly excited to be the first person in my family to attend college!”

Thank you for your support of Family Service, whether that be with a one-time or monthly gift. As a monthly partner, you would be helping to ensure Family Service can continue providing life-giving services and help us expand to serve more families. Any contribution is extremely appreciated and will be used thoughtfully to provide for our community.

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