A Dream Realized: Maria's Journey from TRP Leader to Citizen
When Maria first walked into her children’s elementary school in Back of the Yards in 2012, she had no idea that her path to citizenship would begin there — or that it would lead her to become a community leader, advocate, and trusted source of support for other immigrant families.
Maria stands proudly with her Certificate of Naturalization.
“I used to work nights at a factory so I could be with my kids during the day,” she recalls. “But when the factory shut down, I lost my job.” One afternoon, as she was picking up her children, the school’s parent mentor coordinator invited her to volunteer. That moment became the starting point of a journey deeply connected to The Resurrection Project (TRP).
Her first time volunteering in a first-grade classroom left a lasting impression. Soon after, Maria attended a training hosted by TRP. “I had never heard of them,” she says, “but they became part of my life very quickly.”
It didn’t take long for Maria to grow within the organization. With encouragement from TRP’s then-community organizer, Mayra Lopez, Maria traveled to Washington, DC — a moment she remembers with pride. “We were a little afraid, but also excited. I felt empowered marching and meeting with legislators. Through TRP, I began developing my skills and learned how to speak up.”
That was just the beginning. Maria became a Parent Mentor Coordinator and later one of the first participants in TRP’s Community Navigator Program. In 2017, she and fellow navigators facilitated dozens of Know-Your-Rights workshops in schools and parishes throughout the area, helping immigrant families access vital information.
Over the years, her leadership grew as she organized for immigration reform, advocated alongside elected officials like Senator Dick Durbin and former Congressman Luis Gutiérrez, and traveled across the country representing her community.
Maria’s personal immigration journey was also shaped by the resources she accessed through TRP. At a Community Navigator training, she first heard about Parole-in-Place, a policy that allows certain family members of U.S. military personnel to adjust their status. She soon learned she would be eligible to apply through her son, who was serving in the military.
“I was very sad because my son was traveling so far — but grateful to benefit from that opportunity,” she shares. Through the Chicago Legal Protection Fund, she was able to get the legal support she needed. “I applied in May and received my work permit in October.”
Once she became a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), Maria set a goal: to become a U.S. citizen within five years. She enrolled in English and citizenship classes, studied hard, and passed her exam. Just last week, she participated in her naturalization ceremony.
Reflecting on her journey, Maria is grateful.
“I thank God for being part of TRP. I’ve had firsthand access to crucial information — from DACA, which helped my daughter, to my own adjustment process. I trust the leadership here, and I love what I do.”
Maria’s story is a reminder that when community organizations and committed leaders work together, transformation is possible — not just for one person, but for families and entire neighborhoods.
Congratulations, Maria! We’re proud to be a part of your journey.
