Vanesa Gonzalez has survived domestic violence, sexual trauma and the loss of two children. Today, thanks to the help she received from Be Strong International, she and her remaining child are putting their lives back together and facing the future with confidence.

Vanesa is a single mother from Argentina. As a child, she experienced sexual trauma that continued into adulthood and was compounded by domestic violence. Even worse, her two oldest children were kidnapped by their biological father, and she has been unable to see or speak to them for years. Despite the trauma and suffering from these ordeals, Vanesa has done her best to move forward. She came to the United States with her youngest son to make a better life.

It has not been easy. Her son, who is now 18, has Asperger’s syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder on the autism spectrum which affects social interaction. She works as a housekeeper and struggles to make ends meet while trying to get her son the help he needs.

Despite everything, they have a close relationship. It’s “us against the world,” she says.

Realizing she couldn’t do it alone, she came to Be Strong on the Block, our comprehensive support program for children, youth and families from high-need communities in south Miami-Dade County. Vanesa requested help paying rent and utilities along with mental health counseling. It was the first step in a life-changing journey.

Since coming to Be Strong on the Block, she has been accepted into the Advocate Program, which provides rental assistance, and the Agape Network, where she will receive therapy for the trauma she’s experienced. Additionally, resources and information were given to help her son with extracurricular activities and job placement when he’s ready.

Vanesa has expressed how grateful she is that Be Strong on the Block listened to her story and that the program staff has advocated and fought for her and her son to get the help they need.