A New Beginning: Carmen’s Journey to Safety and Self-Reliance

Carmen Ortiz was born in Charco, Nariño, Colombia. At 11, her family relocated to Buenaventura, where she finished high school and watched her father build a small business. Violence in the region forced the family to move again — this time to Bogotá, in search of safety and stability.

In Bogotá, Carmen reconnected with a childhood friend who would become her life partner. Together, they launched Frutería, a fruit-selling business Carmen successfully operated for 17 years. During that time, she also became a mother to her son, Adiel Jesús.

In 2023, violence once again disrupted their lives. Fearing for their safety, Carmen and Adiel fled to Ecuador and applied for asylum through the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Life in Ecuador was grueling.

“We were homeless. I had to sleep with my son under a bridge,” she recalls. “He got sick and had to be hospitalized.”

After more than a year, IOM helped process their immigration status and arranged travel to the U.S. In July 2024, they arrived in Houston — exhausted, hungry, and unsure of what came next. The guide assigned to help them was rarely available. Desperate for help and food, Carmen approached airline staff to ask about a delayed flight.

“We were so hungry. I just wanted to know when our flight would leave and instead, three employees brought us full meals. I started to cry. I had just arrived, and people were already helping me.”

Their flight to Des Moines departed at midnight and landed at 2 a.m., where they were welcomed by Chuck, a caseworker from LSI (Lutheran Services in Iowa). He brought them to a hotel, where Carmen remembers feeling overwhelmed.

“I was scared and confused. I remember thinking: Are we safe? Are we okay?”

Sixteen days later, LSI helped Carmen and Adiel move into their first apartment. From that point, life began to change. Carmen enrolled in English classes, received assistance with legal paperwork, healthcare, and food — and soon found two jobs: one with Des Moines Public Schools, and another at Sam’s Club.

“I’m incredibly grateful. LSI helped me with everything.”

But life without a car in a Midwestern winter was difficult. Carmen walked long distances through the snow, waited for buses, or spent $60 a week on rideshares, just to get to work and get her son to school. During a routine check-in, Carmen’s caseworker Shaima heard about these challenges and referred her to Duaa, an IDA Specialist at LSI. Duaa introduced her to the matched savings program, which helps participants purchase essential assets — like a car — through financial education and support.

“I’d wake up my son very early so we could catch the school bus from our old address. Then I’d rush to work and still be late.”

Carmen had already saved $2,000 on her own, knowing a car would be vital for her family's stability. Through LSI’s Individual Development Accounts program, she opened an account at Veridian Credit Union, completed budgeting and asset-specific classes, and received one-on-one coaching from Juan Lourido, Business Development Specialist at LSI. Juan helped her understand financing, credit, and how to identify reliable used cars online. With his help, Carmen purchased a safe, fuel-efficient 2015 Toyota Prius that fits her family’s needs and budget. “I never thought I could buy a car especially one that was safe and good quality. Now I take my son to school and go to work. That means everything to me.”

She also opened a secured $500 credit card to begin building her credit history.

“These classes helped me prepare for when income slows down in the summer. I feel independent now, especially with the car.”

Today, Carmen is preparing for her driving test, building a new life, and planning for the future.

“When we left Colombia, we were running from threats and violence. Now I’m getting used to a new life, looking for opportunities to grow, maybe buy a house, and support my son’s education.”

When asked to describe her journey in one word, she answers without hesitation:

“Apoyo” — Support.