Meet Maria: Building Confidence and Hope for the Future

For Maria, citizenship means being able to plan ahead with her daughters without fear and taking a fuller part in the community she calls home. As she put it, “Citizenship classes, for both me and my family, would provide peace of mind, emotional stability, a sense of security, a voice and a vote, and better opportunities.”

Maria, who is originally from Mexico, first came to us after seeing a social media ad for a family literacy class. Learning English was her first step. “The classes at Burton are very important; they have helped me understand when people speak to me, communicate in stores and with my children’s teachers, and grow as an individual,” she said.

In her class, she heard about our citizenship program. Offered in partnership with the Hispanic Center of West Michigan, it was made possible by the generous donors at last April’s Spellebration. The class not only helps learners understand the vocabulary on the naturalization application, but also prepares them for the citizenship interview process. Learners may also meet with a DOJ representative.

Right now, that goal feels especially urgent. “What we are experiencing these days is truly sad. We see so much discrimination and racism, all of which takes a toll on us, both morally and mentally,” she shared. For Maria, becoming a citizen offers a path toward belonging amid that uncertainty.

Even so, Maria remains hopeful. “It is a difficult time, but I want to thank everyone who helps make our dreams possible and helps us secure a better future,” she said. “Thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart!”

At the Literacy Center, learners like Maria build the English skills they rely on every day while working toward goals for themselves, their families, and their communities, including citizenship. Community support makes that learning possible. Find out how you can volunteer with learners like Maria.