Reason to Give first met Catherine in December 2009. From the very beginning, it was apparent that Catherine was raising two remarkable children by herself, eleven year-old Angelis and ten year old Javier. Catherine came to Reason to Give mainly for help with her children's education. After coming to the US from Puerto Rico, both children were held back a grade in school because they are still learning to speak the English language. Although, they sound like native speakers to us. Angelis suffers from a learning disorder, and Catherine is desperate to find ways to help her daughter. She asked Reason to Give for any educational tools that mother and daughter can use together to advance her reading and writing skills. Catherine is also asking for school uniforms and school supplies for her children, as well as school supplies for herself because she hopes to further her own education. She would also greatly appreciate a computer for the family.

Although being a single mother is hard for Catherine, she takes great pride in her family. Every morning Catherine walks her children to school. She then spends the majority of her day searching on foot for employment. Catherine picks Angelis and Javier up from their after school tutoring program, and after cooking dinner, she helps them with their homework. 

Catherine and her children are struggling more now than they ever have. Catherine came to Reason to Give a little disheartened at the lack of support she felt from her community. She has been struggling to find a job and affordable housing. She worries constantly about the safety of her two young children. Everyday, she struggles with how to put food on the table; some weeks she cannot even afford to do the laundry.

All Catherine wants is to provide a safe and secure home for her family. She wants to help her son and daughter advance in school. She is also asking for winter coats and boots, bedding, and household items. Catherine tells Reason to Give that once she gets on her feet, she promises to give back anything that she can. Angelis and Javier tell us they would appreciate any help they can get for their small family.