End of the Year Campaign

Juana's Journey: A Story of Determination and Community

Juana came to the United States from Guatemala in 1993 with a big dream in her heart: to one day become a U.S. citizen. Despite the language barrier and the challenges of navigating a new country, her desire to learn English and become a citizen never wavered. However, as she settled into her new life, she found that everyday tasks were difficult without a strong grasp of English. Even making a simple doctor’s appointment or helping her son, who is deaf and mute, felt like monumental tasks.

For many years, Juana relied on others to interpret for her, feeling trapped by her limited language skills. But she knew she wanted more for herself and her family. One day, someone mentioned a place called Skyline Literacy, a community organization that offered classes to help people like her. Juana decided to visit, hoping to find the help she needed to achieve her dreams.

At Skyline Literacy, she enrolled in a citizenship class, driven by her goal to become a U.S. citizen. The teachers were kind and patient, helping her understand not just the questions for the citizenship test, but also the history and values of her new country. Her hard work paid off, and she proudly became a U.S. citizen.

But Juana didn’t stop there. She continued with English classes, recognizing that language skills would open even more doors for her. Slowly but surely, she started to see the difference. With each class, she gained confidence. The simple things she once struggled with—calling a doctor, filling out forms, or helping her son at the hospital—became more manageable. Her son, noticing her progress, once commented on her determination, calling her "intelligent" for pushing through, even when it was difficult.

Juana’s journey of learning didn’t end with citizenship and English. Her curiosity led her to ask about digital literacy, and she expressed a desire to learn about using the internet and sending emails. She laughed, admitting she felt too old to learn new technology, but her teachers at Skyline assured her that it was never too late.

Through Skyline Literacy, Juana not only learned language skills but also found a supportive community. She felt comfortable asking questions and making mistakes because she knew the teachers were there to guide her. She appreciated the opportunity to learn without financial barriers, understanding how critical that support was for others in similar situations.

How Your Donation Can Make a Difference

Today, Juana is a source of hope for many. At her job and in her church, she encourages others to take advantage of Skyline Literacy’s programs. She shares her own story, urging them to push past their fears and embrace learning, no matter their age or background. Her message is clear: "It’s not just about dreaming; it’s about taking the steps to make those dreams a reality."

With the end of the year approaching, your donation can make a tremendous impact on the lives of students like Juana. Every contribution helps us provide vital classes and resources, such as citizenship preparation, English language skills, and digital literacy training. Your support ensures that more students have access to the tools they need to succeed, whether it’s achieving citizenship, improving job prospects, or simply gaining the confidence to navigate daily life.

Your gift can transform not just one life but an entire community. By donating to Skyline Literacy, you are helping to build a brighter future for students like Juana, empowering them to achieve their goals and, in turn, inspire others to do the same.