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A young Haitian couple and their toddler arrived in the U.S. hoping to build a better life. Though they entered with legal status, they later needed to apply for asylum and came to us for help. When the father’s work authorization was canceled, he could no longer provide for his family, and they struggled to meet basic needs.
After being evicted, the father called Yveline Dorlean, JFS Case Manager, in a panic. The fear in his voice was palpable—his child had nowhere to sleep and nothing to eat. JFS responded immediately, providing food pantry access, grocery gift cards, diapers, clothing, and mental health referrals.
Working closely with the CT Department of Children and Families and the JFS Intensive Case Management team, we placed the family in a shelter. Legal services supported their asylum case, and eventually, the father received employment authorization. With authorization restored, he was referred to our workforce department. Over time, the family regained stability.
Even after services ended, the father continued to visit—a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of compassionate care. He shared: “I remember thinking we might end up sleeping on the curb. We are forever grateful and feel truly blessed for the day we walked into the JFS office.”
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