Help the Rivera Family Stay Safe

My name is Maggie and I am a receptionist at our local public middle school. I was fortunate enough to meet the Rivera family this September when Francisco came to register his oldest daughter for school. Needless to say, learning about their story has impacted me in more ways than one. But it is perhaps getting to know this family beyond their tragedies that has forever changed me. A native of Honduras, Francisco is a profoundly talented furniture maker (I've attached a photo of his work). A true maestro. He started his workshop from the ground up back in Choloma Cortes and grew it quickly. For a time, his wife, Ondina, and he were able to enjoy the simple pleasures of life alongside their three daughters, Scarlet, Litzy and Dana. Life seemed good, fruitful, even idyllic on some days. They were happy, healthy and owners of a thriving business.

As first-world citizens, we are often blind to the everyday horrors that happen in other countries. Tragedies and corruption have become so commonplace for people there, it's almost impossible to think about a life without it. Unfortunately, the Rivera family was not immune to this: the daunting but terribly common extortion calls from an infamous transnational gang started coming to Francisco's shop. Fear enveloped them all. To say their lives were on the line is an understatement. Unable to pay the "tax" the gang insisted on, they burned his workshop to the ground (please see the attached video - it is in Spanish but the damage is universal). Then the death threats followed. They were forced to flee their hometown but the gang soon found them. Given the severity of their situation and with no time to spare, they were granted asylum and work visas in Mexico. But their trauma didn't stop there. An attempted kidnapping and assault later, they were forced to flee Mexico as well.

For good or for bad, their journey has led them here...to North Carolina...with us. And I personally feel so fortunate that our very different worlds collided. But I also feel an inherent obligation to help this family.

Their future lies now in the hands of a foreign, not-so-friendly system at this point...which is why I've created this fundraiser. The judges in Charlotte are notorious for being the toughest in the nation for asylum cases. Therefore, strong legal representation is essential for this family. Immigration and lawyer fees creep into the thousands and are simply unattainable for families whose belongings were literally smoldering ashes. Francisco and Ondina's young daughters have a chance at normalcy; of living a life without fear of losing it; of waking up everyday in the same bed. Please consider donating to this family. Every cent earned will go towards them - food, shelter and a chance at life again. Thank you in advance.

The photos pictured below are the girls upon arriving in Raleigh.