In recent years, the journey of immigrants seeking a better life in the United States has become increasingly common. One such family is from Angola, who traveled across continents to find a new home. Their journey began with a flight from Angola to France, and from there, they made their way to the bustling and vibrant city of New York. This family’s story is not just one of resilience and hope but also of the critical support they received from organizations like the Good Helper Foundation (GHF), which provided them with essential resources during their transition.
Upon their arrival,José and his family first impressions were overwhelmingly positive. “We saw a beautiful country,” they remarked, filled with hope for what lay ahead. However, like many immigrants, they faced significant challenges. Finding a decent place to live proved to be a daunting task. The family shared, “It’s hard to find a decent house for living!” This struggle is a common narrative among many immigrants as they navigate the complexities of housing in a new country.
Adapting to American culture was also part of their experience. The family noted that it wasn’t difficult for them to adjust, as they encountered mostly respectful and kind individuals. However, they did notice some stark differences in food. “The food here is very sweet in most cases; I feel like people consume a lot of sugar,” they observed, highlighting the cultural shifts they have had to embrace.
Without the support of extended family or friends, the family has sought to maintain connections with their relatives back in Angola. “We try to connect with our relatives in Angola as much as we can,” they said, illustrating the importance of family ties even from afar. Nevertheless, they continue to face challenges, including finding suitable housing free from health hazards like lead, which has affected one of their children.
The family also expressed their desire for affordable daycare services, noting that the costs are prohibitively high. Their hopes for the future remain steadfast: “We hope to start working, buy a house for our family, and raise our kids the best way possible.” Yet, amid these aspirations, they find themselves missing certain aspects of their home country, such as traditional food and easy access to healthcare.
Fortunately, the family has found support through organizations like GHF. “Some helped us find a house, food pantries, hospitals, and grocery stores,” they shared, emphasizing the vital role that community assistance has played in their adaptation process. Looking ahead, they expressed a desire for additional resources, particularly in the form of free college education to help ease their integration into American society.
Through their journey, this immigrant family exemplifies resilience and hope, reminding us of the importance of community support in navigating the challenges of starting anew in a foreign land. Their story is a testament to the power of organizations like GHF, which strive to provide essential support to those seeking a better life.