Macaria Escobar came to this country 19 years ago; she was alone, and she was pregnant.
She lives in a migrant camp in the San Joaquin Valley area and has worked tirelessly in a produce packing company since her arrival, often enduring grueling 16-hour shifts. When her son was at home, she would return from work, no matter how exhausted, to cook and spend time with him. On her days off, she juggles grocery shopping, cleaning the house, and doing laundry. She has never gone back to Mexico to visit her family, “I am single mother; I cannot afford it,” she says, her voice heavy with sacrifice.
Each year, during the planting and harvest season, agricultural workers and their families migrate to California’s agricultural areas in search of jobs. To address the challenges posed by this influx, the State of California and the Department of Labor established the Office of Migrant Services (OMS) in 1965, which provides safe, decent, and affordable seasonal rental housing in migrant camps from April to November. Before the OMS, many families lived in cramped motel rooms, often shared with others, while those less fortunate resided in cars or makeshift shelters along orchards, lacking basic amenities. Although families typically return home after the season, some, like Macaria, struggle to afford the trip back and are forced to clear out all their belongings from the camp, moving between friends and family from December through March.
Currently, around 100 families reside in the migrant camp where Macaria lives. Outside the identical houses, bicycles, skateboards, and toys hint at the presence of children. However, these kids must adhere to rules, including quiet hours starting at four in the afternoon, allowing some of the adults to rest before early morning shifts.
Macaria’s weary gaze tells a story of resilience and strength, one that belongs to those who have given up so much for their loved ones. It’s a life filled with hard work and little joy. What keeps her going? The hope of giving her only child the opportunity she never had—the chance to go to college and build a better life.
Thanks to individuals like you, who recognized the importance of investing in education and family engagement, Macaria, a PIQE alumna, was able to guide her son through the college application process. Erick is now in his second year of college at CSU Sacramento. Her sacrifices have paid off!
Macaria’s testament is just one of countless success stories we’ve witnessed in over 37 years. PIQE has been able to empower families because of generous individuals like you who recognize the importance of investing in family engagement.
Today, we are inviting you to join our anniversary donation campaign, “$37 for 37 Years!” With your gift we will continue to provide families with the knowledge and tools needed to help their children in school. What may seem like a small contribution to you can mean the world to someone else. Your contribution can transform their stories.