Nathalia’s Story
My name is Nathalia, and I am 25 years old. I first became part of FAD when I was 7 years old, after Cristina, who knew my mother, invited me to join the program.
I grew up in a difficult family situation. My parents were divorced, my mother struggled with alcohol, and I had to grow up quickly to help care for my younger siblings. Later, my mother remarried, and our family went through more difficult years because of my stepfather’s struggles with drug addiction.
FAD became a safe place for me. A place where I felt loved, welcomed, heard, and at peace. FAD invested in my life in so many ways, both spiritually and financially. I received guitar lessons, dental care and braces, college entrance preparation, and four years of English classes. I will always be grateful for the opportunities they gave me.
At 18, I began working and was less involved with FAD for several years. During that time, I grew up, started a family, and became a wife and mother. Today, I have a 2-year-old son, Leonardo, a stable family, our own home, and I am studying Business Administration in college.
About a year ago, I returned to FAD and became actively involved again. Today, I teach 9- and 10-year-olds during the week, teach English to 11- and 12-year-olds on Saturdays, and participate in the FAD band.
FAD represents grace, transformation, and love to me. I am so grateful for the way FAD invested in my life. Now, as an adult, I have the privilege of giving back and pouring that same love into the children who are growing up at FAD today.
I will always be grateful for FAD and the difference it has made in my life.
