When Maria and Jaime moved to the Park Avenue neighborhood, their son Ruben quickly introduced them to inCOMMON. As an immigrant himself, Ruben understood how difficult it can be to adapt to a new country, build new relationships, and rediscover a sense of belonging. He knew inCOMMON could be a place where his parents would find support, connection, and opportunity.
Maria’s first experience with inCOMMON was a cooking competition at the Park Avenue Neighborhood Resource Center, where she won first prize with a favorite dish from her home country. That initial connection opened the door to much more. Maria soon enrolled in ESL classes, followed by Citizenship classes. If there was an opportunity to learn or get involved, Maria took it.
“Learning the language has helped me reach my goals. Even when it’s hard, I keep going. It’s given me a chance to pursue better jobs,” Maria shared.
Her persistence paid off. Maria became a U.S. citizen and later returned to the Citizenship class as a volunteer tutor, helping other neighbors pursue the same dream. Inspired by Maria’s success, Jaime enrolled as well, and both ultimately achieved U.S. citizenship – an important milestone for their family and their future.
For Maria and Jaime, citizenship was about more than legal status. The couple operates a home-based child care program serving working families in their community, and long-term stability and security are essential to sustaining their small business. As U.S. citizens, they are now eligible to apply for state and federal grants, participate in programs such as Child Care Subsidy, and pursue small business loans and financial assistance. These opportunities help them strengthen the quality and sustainability of their child care services while improving their family’s economic stability.
Their commitment to Park Avenue extends far beyond the classroom and their business. Maria and Jaime regularly support neighborhood soccer camps, community meals, and toy drives, and they have become trusted, engaged neighbors. Citizenship has also empowered them to take on greater civic roles, including participating in community boards, professional associations, and advocating for stronger child care policies.
Their roots in Park Avenue now run deep, and they cannot imagine living anywhere else. Their next goal is homeownership.
“Owning a home isn’t just about having a roof,” Maria and Jaime shared. “It’s about keeping the family together, where everyone can be close and feel safe.”
Maria and Jaime’s journey reflects how access to education, citizenship support, and community connection can lead to lasting stability, economic opportunity, and stronger neighborhoods – for one family and for many more who benefit from their leadership.
Watch Maria & Jaime’s story here!