Woman with a Mission

“Breaking the cycle of poverty…how is this possible without a helping hand? As an immigrant from El Salvador, my future was pre-determined…get pregnant, drop-out of school, work long hours with minimum wages, live in West Dallas for the rest of my life. However, there was one difference in my life; the staff from TRM was not going to let this happen. With the help and guidance of my tutors, mentors and friends from TRM, my future changed and in turn, my family’s future is more promising. It’s amazing what education can do for an individual and the ripple affect that it has on their family. I am a graduate of the Government and Law Magnet High School, 1995, SMU-Bachelor of Arts, 1999, SMU-Masters in Bilingual Education, 2004, and the Gilbert Cuellar Elementary School Teacher of the Year, 2005-2006. Determination and self-motivation is the key to success but guidance and support are indispensable. Thank you for investing in the education of all the Elsy’s in West Dallas but most importantly, in the lives of our children who are the future of this beautiful country.”

Elsy Serpas-Hernandez

Laura's Story

My name is Laura Baez. I have been attending the Trinity River Mission since first grade, so it’s been a little over 12 years. I am currently a graduate of Townview’s Government and Law Magnet in Dallas. When I think about the Mission, the first word that comes to mind is “home”. It has been like a second home throughout these years because the Mission’s staff and volunteers have offered support, understanding, and above all a sense of love.

My story begins when I was about eight. My parents didn’t know a word in English, so they looked for ways in which someone could help me with my homework. I then started coming for Homework Help. I wouldn’t leave the Mission until I was finished with ALL my homework (that’s how determined I was), and sure enough there was always someone there to help and stay as long as needed. I also wouldn’t leave until I got a healthy and hearty meal from the Kid’s Café.

I was later introduced to the Tutor Power Hour, and was paired with a tutor who would help me improve my reading and writing skills. I went through several tutors, before coming to my current tutor, Christina Sears. Christy has made the greatest impact in my life. She has been my tutor for a little over 6 years. Over the years, my relationship to Christy has evolved from tutor to mentor and most gratifyingly, to friend. Most importantly, she has believed in me, even when I found myself doubting or just lost hope, and you know what sometimes that’s all you need: for one person to believe in you. I always look to her for advice and counseling and have become my confidant.

In 7th grade, I was accepted to participate in the Believe & Achieve Program. This program has made a great impact in my life. Not only has it kept me focused to graduate from high school, but they have made it possible to look beyond high school and see college. I am happy to say that with their help I was motivated to apply to college and looked to see the previous B&A graduates and knowing that I too, could make it. Most of my classmates attended different high schools but we were able to stay in touch through our monthly meetings and activities of B&A. Within this program I feel we have created a family. We even call our B&A coordinator, Terry Contreras, “grandma”. She has been like my guardian angel. She is our biggest fan, teacher, counselor, cheerleader, friend, and we love her for that.

The Believe & Achieve program has also given me a sense of accomplishment because not only does the community give to us, but we give back to the community as well. One of the many ways that we give back to the community is through a program called “Reading Buddy”. Every year we are paired with a little kid from the neighborhood to help them improve their reading skills. I am overjoyed when doing this because I was once in their position. Spanish was my native language, yet I had to learn English to be able to keep up.

As my family has grown to include three younger siblings, I have developed a strong sense of responsibility to set a positive example for my younger siblings. And the Mission has been there along my journey and helped me immensely in many aspects of life. The staff and volunteer’s support, guidance, and love gave me the confidence to make my dreams into a reality. I can proudly say that I am attending Southern Methodist University this fall and enjoying it immensely.

Lastly, I want to thank you and know that your contributions are immensely appreciated and impact our lives in the long run.