Friend,

At 14, I arrived in the U.S. as an unaccompanied child—a journey that changed my life forever.

Learning a new language and adjusting to a new culture were difficult transitions, but with my family’s support and encouragement, I was able to navigate them more smoothly.

After many years of adjustment and becoming a legal resident, I became involved with the Young Center, where I worked with unaccompanied children for six years. This experience has been transformative.

While advocating for and mentoring unaccompanied children in shelters, I discovered my passion for teaching. I’ve had the opportunity to provide guidance, encouragement, and support to youth who were once in the same situation I was. I hope that through my personal experiences and support, these children will one day have the chance to build the lives they aspire to.

In the meantime, while we wait for unaccompanied children to be reunited with their loved ones, I will continue to show up and advocate for them.

Your donation to the Young Center will make sure that volunteers like me keep offering the guidance, support, and encouragement we can give as these children navigate this uncertain process.

Warmly,

Jorge Sandoval

Volunteer Child Advocate