Danais and Camila – The American Dream
Danais and Camila
Danais and her daughter Camila arrived in the United States from Cuba on July 18, 2024, under the Humanitarian Parole Program. Despite the challenges of resettling in a new country, Danais immediately demonstrated resilience and determination to rebuild her life and create opportunities for her daughter.
Danais enrolled in the Match Grant (MG) program on August 14, 2024. At the time, she and Camila were staying with her aunt who provided initial support with housing and living expenses. Danais enrolled with Youth Co-Op and was assigned to a Case Manager and a Job Developer, who guided her through the resettlement journey.
Her commitment was evident from the beginning. Danais actively participated in the General, Financial Literacy, and Employment Orientations. These sessions helped her gain essential knowledge about navigating American systems, financial independence, and employment readiness.
Danais came to the U.S. with a strong educational and professional background. In Cuba, she earned a degree in Industrial Engineering and worked extensively in the food safety and quality control field. She brought this expertise with her and remained eager to return to work in her area of specialization.
While enrolled in the program, Danais initially secured a job on her own as a cashier at a local grocery store proving her independence and initiative. However, with continued support from her Case Manager and Job Developer, she was able to transition into a role more aligned with her professional background. She was successfully hired as a Quality Assurance Specialist at a company where she could apply her skills and education in a meaningful way.
In addition to her employment success, Danais also prioritized her education and language development. She enrolled in the REVEST program in September 2024 and showed exceptional progress, ultimately completing the program at level 6 proficiency, the highest level offered. Her commitment to improving her English was instrumental in her ability to secure employment in her field.
Danais’s daughter, Camila, also flourished. She was enrolled in school shortly after their arrival and has adjusted well to her unfamiliar environment, doing exceptionally well in her classes. Her educational progress is a testament to the supportive and stable foundation Danais has worked so hard to provide.
Financially, Danais demonstrated strong independence and resource management. She received SNAP benefits and Medicaid but managed her own renewal applications without additional assistance, reflecting her growing confidence and understanding of U.S. systems.
Today, Danais stands as a model of what dedication, guidance, and opportunity can accomplish. Her journey from arrival to professional reintegration in her field, coupled with her daughter’s academic success, embodies the mission and impact of the Match Grant program. Danais continues to be an inspiration to fellow newcomers and staff alike.
