Karen Torres, 24, and Pedro Guerrero, 23, separated after losing their home, and Karen began living in her car with their then 1-year-old daughter, Josie. A woman saw them in the car and referred them to the Alliance for Children’s Rights, which connected her to Upward Bound House where she received not only shelter but also help securing a part-time job and enrolling back in school. They were ultimately able to move into their own apartment, thanks to rental vouchers, and Karen was hired as a case manager for Crystal Stairs, a nonprofit serving families. Pedro, who also found employment, reunited with the family. “We are happy to be where we are in life,” Karen said. “We are doing all this for Josie, to show her that anything is possible even when you hit rock bottom.”
