As Central Florida slowly takes steps toward a semblance of normalcy, many families are still feeling the devastating impacts of the pandemic. For Domingo and his wife Briseida, they are working hard to provide for their children.
“We both have lost our jobs due to COVID,” shares Domingo. “I was a driver and my wife worked as a housekeeper in a hotel. We have been unable to find jobs in our field since we came to the United States, but we are not giving up.”
Domingo and his family sought asylum in the United States several years ago, leaving behind professional careers as radio producers. They became patients at Grace when Briseida’s brother told them about the clinic.
“It is not easy being an immigrant. There is a whole world of possibilities and instabilities,” says Briseida. “ When we decided to leave, there was so much uncertainty and fear – it was overwhelming. But we found Grace despite it all. We found people that cared and helped us find a way.”
As patients at Grace, the couple not only receives medical care for their physical health but also their mental health through counseling and spiritual care. It wasn’t until a wellness call from Pastor Omar, Grace’s Director of Mission Integration, that the couple knew the service was offered.
“This counseling has saved our family in so many ways,” Domingo said. “Every aspect of Grace has given us trust and confidence and renewed our belief that others genuinely care. Grace is an important part of us. Grace is part of our family. Grace is the hands of God on Earth – there is no better way to express it.”
In 2019, Grace had more than 1,000 spiritual care and mental health visits. Learn more here.
