When Ana (pictured, left) first arrived in the United States with her family, she faced barriers many immigrants know all too well: navigating daily life with limited English while working tirelessly to create stability for her children. For years, Ana placed her own dreams on hold, prioritizing her family’s needs and ensuring her children had the support and care they deserved.
In the early 1990s, Ana enrolled her children into the PUENTE Preschool Program, marking the beginning of her family’s connection to the organization. As the years passed and her children grew into independent young adults, Ana found herself at a crossroads. She began to imagine a future that included goals of her own.
That turning point led Ana to PUENTE’s Adult Education Program. Through ESL instruction and high school equivalency coursework, she committed herself to overcoming two significant barriers faced by many immigrant adults: language proficiency and educational credentials. “My dream is to continue my education and earn my high school diploma,” Ana says. “I have the conviction—and with PUENTE’s support, I know it’s possible.”
PUENTE’s tuition-free Adult Education Program has offered Ana more than academic instruction. Its flexible schedule, culturally-responsive approach, and encouraging learning environment made it possible for her to balance her studies with ongoing family responsibilities. Just as importantly, PUENTE’s holistic model ensured that support extended well beyond the classroom.
Ana regularly participated in PUENTE Learning Center’s food distributions — an essential resource that eased financial stress and allowed her to stay focused on education. Over time, she became deeply engaged in the broader PUENTE community, joining the Adult Student Advisory Council and helping with outreach to families facing similar challenges. “It’s beautiful to see teachers, students, and the community support one another,” explains Ana. “That is what I see at PUENTE.”
Today, Ana remains dedicated to her pursuit of a high-school diploma —an achievement she once thought out of reach. Through PUENTE’s Adult Education Program and Community Services, she is strengthening her English language skills, rebuilding confidence, and creating new pathways to opportunity. Her journey reflects the heart of PUENTE’s mission: enriching the neighborhood through education and providing whole-family support that empowers individuals across generations to flourish.