Yanira’s journey is one of resilience, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to becoming the best version of herself, no matter how many times life tested her strength.
Born in Washington, D.C., to two immigrant parents, Yanira grew up facing significant challenges at a young age. Family instability and hardship meant she had to mature quickly, often putting the needs of others before her own. Though her early years were difficult, Yanira learned how to survive, carrying herself with strength even when she was hurting inside.
School was another challenge. Language barriers made it difficult for her parents to help with homework, and learning didn’t always come easily. Still, Yanira pushed forward. Despite everything happening at home, she persevered and graduated high school. She went on to attend community college, balancing classes, work, and playing basketball for the school. From an early age, starting with her first job at just fourteen, Yanira developed a powerful work ethic, one that has remained a constant throughout her life.
As a young adult, Yanira faced a new struggle. What began as social drinking slowly became dependence. Alcohol gave her confidence and relief from the shyness and pain she carried, but over time it took more than it gave. For nearly twenty years, Yanira cycled between sobriety and relapse, losing pieces of herself along the way. Eventually, homelessness became part of her story.
After years of struggling and cycling between progress and setbacks, Yanira reached a personal turning point. Faced with the reality of where her life had led, she knew something had to change. She made the difficult but courageous decision to seek help and commit to rebuilding her life.
She entered rehab and committed fully to the process, reflecting deeply, doing the work, and allowing herself to be vulnerable. After rehab, Yanira continued her recovery at the Wells House, where she embraced treatment in a new way. For the first time, she asked for help and accepted it. That choice changed everything.
Through recovery, Yanira not only focused on healing herself but also on supporting others. She took on leadership roles within her program and earned a position as a house manager, an accomplishment that came with responsibility, trust, and stability. She worked hard, followed the program, attended meetings, and found joy in structure and purpose.
Then, life tested her again. In June, Yanira received the devastating news that she had breast cancer and would need a mastectomy. The diagnosis was overwhelming, and recovery, both physical and emotional, was difficult. But once again, Yanira chose not to give up. Leaning on her faith, her support network, and her inner strength, she fought to refocus and move forward. Through it all, she discovered something powerful: she is a fighter.
Today, Yanira continues to push forward with gratitude, resilience, and hope. Receiving her vehicle through United Way of Frederick County’s Pathway to Transportation program marked a major milestone in her journey. A vehicle allows her to attend medical appointments related to her breast cancer, get to work consistently, and stop spending much of her income on rideshares just to get by. It also makes it possible for her to attend school, she enrolled for the spring semester, and to stay connected to her family, who live more than an hour away.
Through United Way of Frederick County’s Pathway to Transportation program, Yanira is gaining more than a vehicle; she is gaining freedom, stability, and the ability to keep building the life she has worked so hard to reclaim. No longer afraid to ask for help, Yanira stands tall, grounded in faith, supported by her community, and determined to keep rising.
Her story is a powerful reminder that when people are given the right support at the right time, resilience turns into possibility, and strength becomes a pathway forward.
