Lilia's Story

At the age of forty-eight, Lilia left her abusive husband. But as his threats of violence continued, Lilia was forced to leave Mexico City, traveling to the U.S. in hopes of finding a way to better her economic situation so her three teenaged daughters could finish school... Although leaving her country was very difficult, leaving children behind was much harder.  

Lilia encountered many difficulties and had trouble finding enough work to support herself and her daughters. When a friend told her about Seattle, she decided to move and begin anew. She found work as a day laborer through Casa Latina. She took jobs painting and doing yard work, but it was not until we started the Household Helpers Project, to organize and support domestic workers, that Lilia really found a home at Casa.

Lilia’s dedication, persistence, and active participation in Household Helpers have helped her gain several steady customers who have recognized her hard work and initiative to get ahead. With her current jobs she has been able to send more money home to her daughters to keep them in school. As an active participant of the program, as well as a dedicated English student, Lilia has been an influential leader for the new women who have recently arrived.