Life has been a struggle for Katheryn Gonzalez, 19, and her grandmother who has raised her since she was eight months old. They’ve moved around trying to get by and when money fell short, they often had to live with relatives.
It wasn’t easy. There were many family issues causing added stress. So much so, that in the middle of her senior year at Hilltop High School, Gonzalez announced she no longer wanted to go back to school.
“We didn’t even have money for the bus so I could get to school,” Gonzalez said. “It was just getting too hard. I was being bullied at school. Home life was not good. There was no end to all this. I didn’t see a future.”
Hoping to switch to independent study, Gonzalez and her grandmother met with Hilltop High School principal Thomas Grey to discuss options. It was then when they were introduced to Chula Vista Promise Neighborhood Promotora Renata Mena, who was stationed at the high school.
“We shared what was going on and the struggles we were having,” Gonzalez said. “Renata then was able to put various resources together for us, even finding us temporary shelter right away.”
Gonzalez and grandmother began taking part in CVPromise programs receiving academic support and guidance, plus access to food pantry and other resources. They applied and qualified for a rental assistance program to help supplement their only income, a $600 a month check from social security.
“It is embarrassing to ask for help. We didn’t know this kind of help was out there anyway,” Gonzalez said. “I started thinking about the future and Renata then suggested college. ‘Why not’ she said.”
In May 2016, Gonzalez turned 18 years old, graduated from high school and started thinking about her future. With support from her CVPromise academic advocate, she enrolled at Southwestern College and now in her third semester she is on track to follow her dream of becoming a clinical psychologist.
“This has been the most peaceful time of my life,” Gonzalez said. “I love my classes, even math, and I’m doing great. We have our own place to live. Money is still tight, but I don’t need things. I have a home and food and I’m with my grandmother. We are all we have. I used to think it was such a cliché, but things do get better.”
Gonzalez said rental assistance will end soon, but she is optimistic that a part job will help keep them afloat. Through all this, Renata and her grandmother continue to be involved in the Castle Park community often volunteering at the food pantry distribution in Castle Park Middle School.
“Kindness goes a long way,” Gonzalez said. “It did for me. It’s my way to give back.”
CVPromise is proud to partner with Castle Park Elementary, Castle Park Middle, Castle Park High School, Hilltop Middle and Hilltop High School to bring new opportunities and pathways for success for their students and families. For more information, visit CVPromise.org or call (619) 422-5005.
