I read a lot as a child and one of the poems that resonated with me was Maya Angelous’ “I shall not be moved”.  I remember always having this on my mind “ I go forth alone, and stand on ten thousand”  And man, I will go forth alone time after time because it’s a promise to myself that I can and it’s a promise to the people that fought and came before me that WE CAN y SI SE PUEDE. 

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I came to America from Mexico when I was five years old. My childhood was filled with instability, poverty, abuse, and experiences that made me grow up even when I wasn’t ready. As a teenager, I learned that I was undocumented. Soon after, both of my parents left and returned to Mexico. I refused to leave the only country I had ever known and loved, fearful that I would never return. So at 15, I was suddenly expected to figure out how to survive without the protection or stability of my parents. I had very few choices and no real safety net during that time, so I experienced homelessness while trying to finish high school.

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I often wished I had someone to protect me, but instead, I learned how to move forth, even when I was scared and quietly telling everyone, “I’m good,” when I really wasn’t.

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Eventually, someone saw past that answer, and I went to live with my aunt in Pomona. That chapter of my life changed me and my view of life. I saw so many young Black and Brown people who were full of untapped potential and resilience yet surrounded by limited opportunities. I recognized myself in them, which led me to build a different future for myself.

 

College was not an option available to me at the time, but I was able to receive a work permit and begin a career in banking. As my career and life grew, I never forgot where I came from.

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I know I’m one of the lucky ones who found a way forward. Not everyone around me had the same outcome. I thank God for His hand in my life.

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And in those moments, I realized that our communities have never lacked hard work and potential. We lacked access, resources, guidance, and someone willing to see us. Because of my experiences and upbringing, I have learned to appreciate and love my community even more. I am in complete admiration of people who have survived impossible seasons, of young people who continue to dream despite the obstacles in front of them, and of those who simply find the strength to just keep going when there isn’t anything to look forward to.

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That strength is what inspired SHG Hope.

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Through youth programs, we connect young people with mentorship, guidance, and youth development opportunities. Through our Opportunity Fund, we provide direct financial assistance to youth and individuals experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, immigration related challenges, and temporary financial hardship.

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Today, I am the mother of two incredible Black and Brown teenagers who have the opportunity to dream big, ridiculous, limitless dreams. I honestly wish that for every young person we serve. I also want them to see themselves the way I see them; beautiful, capable, and full of possibility.

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I cannot fix every challenge facing our communities. None of us can. But I can promise that SHG Hope will do its part to show up, create opportunities, solve problems, and remind our community that we are WORTHY.

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If you are struggling right now, unsure of your next step, or simply trying to make it through a difficult season, please remember this:

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As you move forth alone, know that you are not alone. You represent every person of color who fought for you to be here. You represent the woman who fought for the right to vote, the hardworking immigrant who sacrificed so his child could earn a college degree, and the Black man who worked to open his own business when he had every obstacle in front of him. You represent someone who matters, and someone before you who fought for your right to be here and become everything you have the potential to be no matter your skin tone, class, and status.

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So please keep your chin up and chest out.

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There is more, so move forth.

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Welcome to SHG Hope.

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Smile Always,

Sandra Hernandez

Founder and President SHG Hope Foundation