GABRIELA’S STORY

At 21 years old, Gabriela is building the life she once only imagined.

An EPCC student, Gabriela has spent the past year connected to the Center for Resiliency, a place that helped her find hope, stability, and the support to keep pursuing her education and her dreams.

But getting there wasn’t easy.

Growing up, Gabriela experienced hardship in her home. Eventually, she made the difficult decision to leave and build a life on her own. At the same time, she was diagnosed with Lupus, an autoimmune disease that can bring extreme fatigue, joint pain, and unexpected health challenges—especially when she was already pushing herself too hard.

Gabriela was working multiple jobs while attending EPCC, trying to keep a roof over her head and save whatever she could. She was exhausted—physically, mentally, and emotionally. No matter how hard she worked, it never seemed to be enough.

But she refused to give up on her education.

“My priority was education, and I knew I deserved more in life than the hand I was given. It

was my life to make better.”

Then, Gabriela decided she had had enough.

On the EPCC campus, she approached Fabian, a navigator with United Way’s Center for

Resiliency.

For the first time in a long time, Gabriela felt like she could breathe.

Fabian connected her with the Center’s resources and helped her find support that addressed more than just one part of her life.

He also connected her with housing assistance that helped cover her rent.

Today, when Gabriela thinks about the Center for Resiliency, she thinks about hope.

She thinks about the struggles she once faced and the goals she was afraid might always remain out of reach.

“Without programs like the Center for Resiliency, I don’t believe I could have continued following my dreams in education and making a better life for myself.”

Gabriela knows her journey isn’t hers alone.

Through United Way of El Paso County, donors help connect young people and families with the

resources, relationships, and support they need to navigate difficult seasons and build more stable futures.

For Gabriela, that support meant more than assistance.

It meant the chance to keep going.

Gabriela’s story is one life changed. Your United Way gift can help make the next story possible.

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