Rivera* Family Journey

In December 2023, the Rivera family of five, made the impossible decision to flee their home in Venezuela. Rafael* and Adriana* and their three children: Ana* (17 years old), Miguel* (15 years old), and Daniela* (10 years old), journeyed north.

When they finally arrived in Ciudad Juárez, they found some refuge at the Oscar Romero Shelter where Adalberto Sanchez, a JRS/USA mental health clinician, met the family and provided psychosocial support sessions.

Crossing the border, while significant, was just one chapter in their journey.

Fr. Brian, along with another Jesuit priest, Fr. Flavio, continued to accompany the Rivera family as they navigated their new life in the US.

Their next destination was Cleveland, Ohio, where a family friend awaited them. With assistance from Catholic Charities in Houston, the Riveras flew to Ohio. However, upon arrival, their plans shifted when their friend was unable to host them.

Undeterred, JRS/USA helped connect the Riveras to a shelter in Columbus.

Once there, they were provided case management services to help them integrate into the community. While their situation remains complicated—Adriana and Rafael are not legally married, which may cause them to be processed separately—they continue to look at the future with hope.

“We are very grateful for JRS, for everything you did for us,” Rafael said in a recent conversation.

“We wish to one day to return the favor by helping others in need like us.” The Rivera’s have already referred another family to the JRS/USA Domestic Programs Team. JRS/USA is working with JRS Mexico to accompany them. *Name changed to protect safety and anonymity

Learn more about Caminar Contigo