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We see them on the news almost every day – desperate people fleeing violence and poverty and coming to the U.S. in search of a better life. Extreme poverty, gang violence, and a lack of opportunity in their home countries have led to a steep increase in the number of migrants from Central America seeking refuge at our southern border. They do not leave their homes lightly or on a whim. They are driven by desperation to flee the horrific conditions they are facing.

Perhaps the best way we can help these migrants is to provide them with hope for a better life in their home countries, so they don’t have to make such a perilous journey to begin with. USCRI’s Livelihoods program in El Salvador is doing just that.

Begun in 2015, Livelihoods serves young people ages 18-25 at risk of migration or who have been returned from previous attempts to enter the U.S. We provide vocational training, job opportunities, and counseling, leading to new opportunities for Salvadoran youth and their families. The program offers hope to those who see no pathway to a better life other than to migrate elsewhere.
Oscar*, a 17-year old Salvadoran boy, attempted to travel to the U.S. last year in search of work to support himself and his mother. On the way, he was captured by the Mexican authorities and returned to El Salvador after 22 days in detention.

Through USCRI’s program in El Salvador, Oscar is excited to be learning skills that will lead to a productive career in farming. He’s received training in agricultural techniques and, with other young people, is cultivating vegetables and earning money to support himself and his mother. He says, “I am a young man with the desire and ability to work and improve my economic situation. I just need the opportunity.”
Our staff in El Salvador are proud to help young people like Oscar learn new skills and forge a stable future.

To date, 376 young people have received training, education, and work through the Livelihoods program. In 2019, USCRI plans to expand this program into Honduras, bringing hope and opportunity to hundreds more.

*Name changed to protect client confidentiality
This is the final email in our “Welcome to USCRI” series. Thank you for your interest in helping refugees and immigrants transition to a new life of dignity and promise. We hope you’ll choose to stay involved in helping the most vulnerable among us.

Please feel free to contact us anytime. You can reach us by email at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or call us at (703) 310-1130.

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