Unwavering Motherhood in a Pandemic: Tammy’s Story
In the tapestry of human resilience, some stories stand out like beacons of hope and remind us of our shared struggle and humanity. At MAF, we often hear these stories when talking to clients. Tammy’s remarkable journey as an undocumented migrant from Honduras is one of these stories and a testament to the power of perseverance and the human spirit.
On the move to find a place to thrive

Tammy’s journey has not always been an easy one. From facing the harsh realities of a difficult relationship to enduring the heartbreak of two miscarriages, she found herself at a crossroads. Fueled by the unyielding love for her children, she took a leap of faith, leaving Georgia’s shadows behind and venturing to New York.
She told us, “I felt there was no way out; we owed a lot of rent, and it was coming; I could see that I was going to lose the apartment with the two children.” Leaving Georgia turned out to be what she needed to find community and support. She began rebuilding her life in New York with the support of her mother. She also relied on her faith to bolster her through trying times and provide her with the strength and courage she needed to overcome adversity.
“But I feel that it has made me more of a warrior than I already am, it has made me a woman who makes my decisions when I have to make them.“
Even though New York came with its own set of challenges, including contracting COVID-19 in the first month and having to live in a shelter, she remained focused on her goals and never lost sight of what was important. She was able to find ways to provide for her children and was proud that they always ate three meals a day. Her love for her children was a driving force that kept her going, even when times were tough.

A bright road ahead
Tammy’s story isn’t just one of survival; it’s a testament to her transformative journey. She went from shelter living to securing her own apartment, a reflection of her strength and commitment to her children’s future.
Tammy is always looking ahead. She is working hard to finish her GED and exploring the potential opportunities the real estate industry could provide for her family. Even though her children are only eight and four years old, she thinks about them graduating in the future and starting a job, such as becoming real estate agents. She is having conversations with her children early on and teaching them the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
“To see my children, to educate them in a good way, for them to be better than me, better than me in every way. And that’s why I try to be the best so that they see that I’m making an effort, so that they make an effort in every situation so that they never let themselves fall.“
Tammy’s dreams are tangible, and her goals are firmly grounded. Completing her GED is high on her list of aspirations. She already completed courses and is waiting to hear back about a scholarship that would allow her to take the exam this year. But more than that, her dream is to instill compassion and community service in her children, echoing the invaluable lessons she has learned on her journey. She told us that no matter their obstacles, she always reminds her kids to be respectful and polite to others. She reminds us that despite the obstacles that life may throw our way, we must never lose sight of what is truly important.

With her experiences, she leaves our community with some incredible advice:
“… we should always believe in ourselves because that is the first thing we should do as a human being, always believe in ourselves.”
Tammy’s story reminds us of resilience and hope, shining light on the strength of a woman who, against all odds, embraced life’s challenges and carved her destiny. Her journey from Honduras to the United States embodies the essence of the human spirit and reminds us that, no matter the circumstances, our dreams can be realized through unyielding determination and unwavering belief in ourselves.
We’re grateful to Tammy for sharing part of her journey with us after we met her through the Immigrant Families Recovery Program (IFRP). Join us to support families like Tammy’s here.