At 16 years old, Hernan was slipping through multiple cracks at once. With the sudden loss of his grandmother, his only steady caregiver, he was left without a guardian, without income, and three months behind in school. He returned to the house he inherited, but it felt unfamiliar and empty. The path before him was narrowing fast: isolation, instability, and the quiet fear that his dreams were stalling out before they ever began.

But God.

And then, a neighbor who refused to turn away. 

Alejandro, who had lived beside Hernan’s grandmother for years, knocked on his door, offering what every vulnerable teen needs most: presence, consistency, and belief.

“I can help you, keep an eye on you, and support you however you need, so you can return to school and live a full life again,” he told him.

It was a conversation that changed the trajectory of Hernan’s story.

Without intervention, Hernan’s days could have been swallowed by grief, unfinished schooling, and economic pressure far too heavy for a teenager. But because someone stepped in, and faithful advocates ensured programs like Strong Families are available, Hernan didn’t fail; he found stability, dignity, and a new path forward. 

Today, Hernan and Alejandro are a unique but powerful example of what family can look like within Monterrey’s Strong Families program. Though they live in separate homes, they talk daily. And Back2Back staff visit Hernan every 15 days, offering emotional/social support, money management training, and behavioral support as he navigates unique seasons as a teen, and respecting the safe adults in his life. Alejandro helped Hernan secure two jobs, assists with food, water, and gas costs when it’s needed, and most importantly, offers emotional and social support. His care is a constant reminder to Hernan he is not alone, forgotten, or without people who care about his future. Hernan also re-enrolled in high school virtually, with the help of social workers, and continues to work and attend electronic classes every Saturday.

This is what your generosity makes possible. Strong Families exists for children who would fall through the cracks without a safe, consistent adult. Supporters like you make it possible for caregivers like Alejandro to stand in the gap with confidence, tools, and a team behind them. Historically, this program has reunited children with their biological families. But Hernan’s story also shows us this truth: sometimes family is chosen, and felt-safety is forged one intentional “yes” at a time.

When donors step in, young people like Hernan don’t face life alone. They get to rediscover possibility, pursue education, stay connected to community, and believe again in a future that’s worth reaching for. 

Will you help ensure more teens like Hernan are never left to navigate life alone? Your partnership strengthens families, equips caregivers, and builds a safety net that holds steady when everything else feels uncertain.