Ignacia, born in El Salvador, came to the United States in 1990 after living in poverty and abandoned by her mother, as a teen mother, she followed the train as an undocumented immigrant to find her father who lived in the U.S. After finding her father, things became difficult, and the American dream seem far away from her to grasp.

She worked hard cleaning houses and could not go to school. She has been able to raise four U.S. born boys.  But it was difficult to be a father and mother to these boys.

Living a neighborhood her boys were exposed to gang and drug. Her oldest son was targeted and by an officer who had been harassing for son. Labeled a gang member he was easily convicted to 60 years to life. She was devested.

She was referred to Homies Unidos by another family member who was a close friend. Thanks to the support of Homies Unidos and the opportunity to advocate in Sacramento to fight for those incarcerated, José’s sentenced has been reduced and with good conduct he will be able to go to a parole board hearing on 2033.

Through attending our monthly meetings, Ignacia gets support from other family members who are going through the same experience. She started getting involved not just for her son but for all the other families who are not able to be there for their loved ones.

For a mother, to have a loved one incarcerated is very difficult. It is devastating when they have to close the door of their homes, knowing someone is missing or having dinner and not know if your son is hungry. These meetings gave me the opportunity to heal along others who know my pain and I’m grateful to have this support system.

When they visit Sacramento for our advocacy trips, they discuss bills that impact us and we do not feel afraid to speak to policymakers. I feel empowered knowing that we are fighting a good fight, I found my voice, that we are the voice of those incarcerated and that they are speaking through us.

What inspires me to keep moving forward is that I know that at the end of the tunnel there is hoped to see our loved ones freed, all with the help of God.