Elena's Dream: Empower her Social Work Journey!

Dear friends, supporters, and compassionate souls,

We are excited to introduce you to Elena Requena, a remarkable individual with a heart of gold and an unyielding passion for making a difference in the lives of others. Today, we are reaching out to you with an urgent and heartfelt appeal to help Elena pursue her dreams of obtaining a Masters of Social Work at UC Berkeley.

Elena's journey thus far has been one of resilience and determination. Originally from Argentina, she came to the United States seeking a brighter future and opportunities to create a positive impact in her community. She studied Psychology at Channel Islands University and worked tirelessly to support herself and pay her tuition out of pocket. Despite the challenges, Elena's dedication to her education and her desire to be of service to others never wavered.

As fate would have it, Elena has been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, allowing her to study and work legally in the United States. However, the financial aid options available to DACA recipients are limited, and Elena is facing significant financial hurdles to cover her tuition and living expenses while pursuing her Masters at UC Berkeley.

The Masters of Social Work program at UC Berkeley is a remarkable opportunity for Elena to further hone her skills and knowledge in the field she is so deeply passionate about. However, as part of the program, Elena will be devoting herself to volunteering and social work hours, which means she won't be allowed to take up additional employment to support herself financially.

Despite these challenges, Elena's drive to serve those in need has not wavered. She has already made a significant impact through her work at the Mariposas Project, providing support to children with disabilities, and volunteering at Santa Barbara's Hospice, offering compassionate care to end-of-life patients and their families, where she realized that a profession of Social Work where she could dedicate her life to help others is where she is meant to go.

Today, we stand united to rally behind Elena's dreams and provide her with the support she needs to overcome these financial obstacles. Berkeley's tuition cost of $64,000, coupled with living expenses, poses a significant financial burden for Elena and her family. As a DACA recipient, her access to loans and financial aid is limited, adding to the hurdles on her journey. Moreover, the rigorous demands of the program will leave Elena with little to no time for work, making it challenging for her to support herself financially. Our goal is to raise funds to help Elena cover her tuition and living expenses during her time at UC Berkeley, ensuring that she can focus on her studies and the meaningful contributions she will make to the community through her social work.

By supporting Elena, you are not only investing in her future but also empowering a dedicated and passionate social worker who will go on to touch the lives of countless individuals and families in need. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a difference and bring us one step closer to securing Elena's bright future.

Join us in making a positive impact and be part of Elena's journey to UC Berkeley's Masters of Social Work. Together, we can turn her dreams into reality and create a ripple effect of compassion and change in our society.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and for being a part of Elena's support system. Your contribution will be a beacon of hope, guiding her on her path to make this world a better place for all.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Elena's family and friends.