Finding Home: Carlota’s Journey to Healing
Carlota* shared her story with us in Spanish, and with the help of her counselor Rosa, who translated her words, we are able to share her journey.
When Carlota was 15, she and her family fled Venezuela, escaping life-threatening dangers that made it impossible for them to stay. Her parents had worked in law enforcement, making them targets for violent gangs. The threats escalated to the point where Carlota herself was at risk of being kidnapped. In search of safety, the family embarked on a perilous journey through seven countries, encountering harsh conditions, hunger, and fear at every turn. Their journey took over a year, forcing them to navigate jungles, sleep in unsafe areas, and evade dangerous cartels and immigration authorities. By the time they arrived in the United States, Carlota was 16.
But even after reaching safety in Seattle, Carlota faced new challenges—PTSD, depression, anxiety, and the overwhelming sense of being far from home. She struggled to adapt to a new country, a new language, and a new way of life. Enrolling in school was difficult, as she spoke very little English and felt lost in an unfamiliar system. The trauma of her journey, combined with the uncertainty of her family’s immigration status, weighed heavily on her.
A friend recommended she reach out to YES, where she met Rosa, a bilingual counselor who provided the support Carlota so desperately needed.
YES is deeply committed to offering culturally sensitive, multilingual care, providing services in over 10 languages to ensure every young person feels seen, heard, and understood. To see how our staff embrace this approach and create safe, inclusive spaces for all youth, watch our video Many Colors of YES, where five YES counselors share their personal insights and experiences. Visit youtheastsideservices.org/manycolors to watch.
“La terapia me ayudó a procesar mis emociones [Therapy helped me process my emotions]. Hablar con Rosa me hizo sentir que tenía un plan, que podía seguir adelante [Talking to Rosa made me feel like I had a plan, like I could move forward].”
With Rosa’s help, she began healing from the anxiety and PTSD that had haunted her since fleeing Venezuela.
Despite everything she had endured, Carlota was determined to succeed. Her intelligence and resilience helped her graduate high school early, earning the credits she needed in just four months. Now, at 17, she is studying to become a dental hygienist at a local trade school.
Carlota still faces uncertainty about her future. Her family’s asylum case is pending, and the fear of being forced to return to Venezuela lingers. But through it all, she is grateful for the safe space she has found at YES.
“Todavía me siento ansiosa a veces [I still feel anxious sometimes]. Pero saber que tengo a Rosa para hablar hace que sea más fácil. Siento que pertenezco aquí [But knowing I have Rosa to talk to makes it easier. I feel like I belong here].”
Carlota’s journey is one of courage, resilience, and hope. Thanks to the support of YES and compassionate donors, young people like her can find the help they need to heal, build a future, and finally feel at home.
* While the client story told here is true, the name, image, and identifying information have been changed to protect the client’s privacy.
HELPING YOUTH LIKE CARLOTA
Recovery stories like Carlota’s are made possible through the generosity of many YES donors. Supporters provide ALL children, youth, and families in East King County with a chance of recovery.
You, too, can be a lifeline in a young person’s life today by making a gift to provide families with hope for a brighter tomorrow! Whether you donate $5 or $500, every gift will make a difference in the life of a child or youth seeking hope and recovery.
Thanks to donations like yours, no youth is turned away because they can’t afford to pay for services.
