A Fierce Mother’s Journey

Sherry first shared her story at New Reach’s 2024 Annual Meeting. This is a shortened version of her powerful words. Names and some details have been changed to protect her privacy.

My name is Sherry, and I’m the mother of a remarkable boy named Mica. He has a rare genetic condition that causes tumors to grow along his nerves and affects multiple organs. He’s had more than ten surgeries, including heart procedures and ongoing chemotherapy. Caring for him has been my full-time mission—one I’ve never walked away from, even when things got really hard.

After we came to the U.S. for better medical care, life became a daily struggle. I worked any job I could find to provide for us, often while juggling Mica’s school and endless medical appointments. Eventually, I lost my job—and with it, our housing.

We were homeless. For two days, we slept on a floor before being placed in a hotel through 211. That marked the start of a long, hard journey through the shelter system.

New Reach changed everything.

They believed in me. Through their Rapid Rehousing Program, I got the support I needed to secure a permanent home for me and Mica. We finally had a space of our own—a warm, safe place where healing could begin.

Since then, I’ve been working toward my GED, volunteering in my community, and dreaming of becoming a caseworker to help others like me. New Reach didn’t just help me survive—they helped me see my own strength.

Thank you for being part of the reason we’re still standing.