Good evening everyone, and thank you for being here with us today.

By a quick show of hands—how many of you are parents or caregivers?

Then you know what it feels like to want the very best for your child.

Now imagine not knowing how to get it for them.

My name is Luz María Corral. I am the proud mother of three wonderful children. My oldest daughter, Keyry, is 15 and currently in high school. Gads Hill Center gave her the opportunity to complete her service hours there. My son Christopher is 11, and my youngest, Sophia, is 3 years old. Sophia receives her early childhood education at one of Gads Hill Center’s locations.

I work as a manager at Superior Rent a Fence, a temporary fencing company I founded in 2021. I’m also a health promoter for Gads Hill Center.

I’d like to share a little about my journey.

I came to the United States in 2005 after crossing the desert and facing many challenges. I left Mexico with hope in my heart—a hope for a better life. I dreamed of finishing my degree in public accounting and building a future where my children would have more opportunities than I ever did.

But I quickly learned that without immigration status, I didn’t qualify for scholarships or financial aid. And there was no clear path to getting legal status—just closed doors and complicated rules. Still, I tried to enroll at Morton College. I showed up on registration day, only to be told to pick the classes I wanted to take. I was completely lost.

The education system here is so different from what I knew. In Mexico, you tell them your career goal, and they give you the classes you need. Here, I was expected to figure it out on my own. I felt desperate and helpless. I had the desire to study—but no one to guide me.

Language was another big barrier. When was the last time someone spoke to you in a language you didn’t understand? It’s terrifying—especially when it’s a doctor or a teacher. Even with a translator, the message doesn’t always come through. You can’t advocate for yourself, your children, or your community when you don’t have the words.

I worked as a waitress for many years. I’m not ashamed of it—but the long hours kept me away from my family. I wanted more time with my children. I wanted to be present for their milestones.

In 2019, a woman named Graciela told me about Gads Hill Center. She said they helped the community in many ways. In 2021, I joined their pregnant mom program. After my daughter was born, she began receiving home visits. Thanks to those visits, her teacher and I realized Sophia was not developing as expected for her age.

The teacher referred us to another organization for help, and last year we received Sophia’s diagnosis: she is on the autism spectrum.

I still remember the moment I heard it. I was scared—but also relieved. Because now I knew how to help her.

If it hadn’t been for this program, I might not have realized in time what Sophia needed.

Gads Hill Center gave me something I didn’t know I was allowed to have—balance. As a health promoter, I could earn an income and be there for my children. I began connecting with families who, like me, didn’t speak the language, didn’t understand the system, and didn’t know where to go.

Some were afraid to ask for help. Some didn’t even know help existed.

Now, through Gads Hill Center, I’m able to reach those families. I can say, “You’re not alone. There’s a place for you here.”

That’s why I believe organizations like this must always exist—because the need is real, and the impact is life-changing.

Working at Gads Hill Center helped me realize that I could be more than just a survivor. I could dream again. I could grow. And I did.

Through the trainings and events Gads Hill offered me, I found the courage to take the biggest leap of my life. In 2021, I started my own company—Superior Rent a Fence. That moment changed everything. I was no longer just trying to get by. I was building something of my own.

And yet, I stayed at Gads Hill too—because I see how deeply it changes lives.

Gads Hill Center prepares children for the future. Parents can go to work with peace of mind, knowing their children are safe, respected, and learning.

Today, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting this organization.

You’re not just helping Gads Hill Center—you’re helping thousands of families like mine.

You’re giving our children the education they deserve. You’re empowering parents to become advocates. You’re giving us back our belief in what’s possible.

And you’re helping create a future where mothers like me can stand in front of a room like this—not just surviving, but thriving.

Please continue to support organizations like Gads Hill Center—because with your help, families like mine can achieve their dreams.

Thank you so much for your generosity. God bless you.