By: Diana Murillo
Marketing Specialist
Center for Human Services

Lucrecia Pérez-Yepes, mother of four, has faced many barriers in her life as a single mom. Her children, ages 17, 8, 5, and 2, are her biggest motivation in life. From economic hardships to self-doubt, she reflects on the difficulties of providing for her children’s needs while managing her own aspirations. Despite facing these challenges, Lucrecia’s determination and resilience shine through.

Lucrecia is part of TwoGen, a pilot program for single moms and their children to break the generational cycle of poverty. During the pandemic, Lucrecia lost her job as a farmworker and, with it, her income. Her housing was dependent on her employment, and she received a 30-day eviction notice. She sought assistance at Ceres Partnership, where she was encouraged to join the TwoGen Program. As part of the program, she receives assistance for housing, for her financial challenges, and access to basic necessities such as food and diapers. She describes the program as being instrumental in providing crucial information, guidance, and resources that she might otherwise struggle to access.

For Lucrecia, one of the most impactful aspects of the program is the sense of respect and empathy she receives from the staff. The warm and welcoming environment provides her with a safe space to seek help, share her struggles, and find solutions. This environment allows her to shed the stigma and hesitation that sometimes accompany seeking assistance and makes her feel valued and understood. The program’s resources, such as parent cafés and financial literacy workshops, are essential tools in her pursuit of personal and professional growth.

Lucrecia wants to share her story so that others know how much the program has helped her and that it’s available to other people who need it. She shares, “There are many people who do not even know the program exists or who believe there are barriers to participating without knowing how the service actually is.” The TwoGen program enables her to envision a brighter future for herself and her family.

Lucrecia’s goals are to continue to further her education and improve her English, allowing her to be a better advocate for herself and her children. She believes it is never too late to go back to school and have a career. She has interests in careers that relate to finance, real estate, and law. She will remain involved with the program, hoping to take advantage of all the opportunities available to her and her children.

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