"I was lost. I didn't know if I was going to be able to handle being both mom and dad."

-Luis   

About JustAsk

JustAsk is a service campaign that brings JABBERS together to collectively wrap our arms around families in our community who are using educational resources to improve their lives. JustAskBoo has teamed up with United Way of Miami-Dade to help make a difference for families at the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education (The Center). This time, we are pleased to introduce you to Luis, one of our community's most dedicated and deserving fathers. We "JustAsk" that you support Luis, and other families like his, in any way you can.  

Luis and his wife Guadalupe did not have much in the way of money, but they had all that mattered: two beautiful children named Nayeli and Jeremiah, and each other. The family had their lives in front of them ... until Guadalupe passed away suddenly and tragically, leaving Luis a young, single father.

"I didn't know what I was going to do without their mother."

Along with the emotional pain of losing his wife, Luis had cope with his children's needs and focus on their well being. It was a complicated time for a father with very few financial and emotional resources. He spent most of his time on public transportation: dropping a child off at school via one train line, then hopping on another train to get the other child to school, and finally getting on a bus himself to take classes at ATI Career Training Center.

Though it was difficult, Luis knew he wanted his children to have a better life. So, he turned to The Center at United Way of Miami-Dade County for support. He took classes on the basics of parenting to become a better father and enrolled Nayeli in The Center's early care and education programs.

"I feel like The Center plays a big part because it's the "mother" side of my kids' life. Once I saw they got the help they needed, I was able to pick up my self-esteem and go back to school and feel a lot better."

Luis completed his Automotive Service Technician degree in June 2012. He knows that Guadalupe would be proud of the man he has become. With help from United Way, Luis has changed not only his life, but the young lives of Nayeli and Jeremiah. 

"United Way is raising positive, intelligent kids and by raising intelligent kids, you're going to raise a very intelligent community in the future."

To learn more about Luis, watch the video below by clicking the image.

How You Can Help 

Like Luis, more than half of the families at The Center are at or below poverty level, which means that many of the parents cannot afford to give their children holiday gifts. We want to bring holiday cheer to children at The Center, so we've created a registry at Target where JABBERS can view and purchase items online to help make the season bright for these deserving families. Just click the link below to help!