“When I arrived in the U.S. through CBP One, I had no money for a lawyer and didn’t know where to start with my asylum case. CUASVAHH, INC. welcomed me with compassion and helped me for free. What meant the most to me was being able to speak with someone in Haitian Creole—someone who had lived in Haiti and truly understood the danger I was fleeing. I was persecuted because of my political beliefs, and I didn’t think anyone would listen. But CUASVAHH, INC. did. Thanks to them, I now have my work permit and a sense of stability. I’m forever grateful.”

“I came to the U.S. as a child through my father, but my life took a painful turn when the aunt I was living with stole my green card and sent me back to Haiti at 18. I stayed there for nearly 30 years, raising my children and struggling in silence—until I found CUASVAHH, INC.

“They listened to me when no one else would. They helped me recover my green card and guided me all the way to becoming a U.S. citizen. Because of them, I was able to return with my three children, including my son who lives with schizophrenia. I don’t know how he would have survived in Haiti without proper care.

CUASVAHH, INC. didn’t just handle the legal work. They supported me with rent assistance, connected me to services I didn’t even know existed, and treated me with dignity. I’m forever thankful for the love, care, and justice they gave me and my family.”

“I fled Haiti after being brutally attacked for being gay. During that assault, my arm was cut off with a machete. I escaped to the Dominican Republic and eventually made it to the U.S. as a refugee. When I settled in Jacksonville, I was desperate to find a place that would accept all of who I am—a place that was Haitian, Christian, and supportive of LGBTQ people. I never imagined such a place existed until I found CUASVAHH, INC.

As a survivor of sexual violence, speaking to someone who understood my pain—and in my own language—was a relief I can’t describe. CUASVAHH helped me apply for my work permit and now my green card, all for free. They never made me feel ashamed. They saw me as a human being with dignity and purpose.

I’m a singer, but finding a job has been hard without a prosthetic arm. CUASVAHH, INC. has been helping me with referrals so I can get the support I need to rebuild my life. I look forward to the day I’m no longer a client—because I can’t wait to become a volunteer and help CUASVAHH, INC. reach more people like me. They saved my future.”

" Navigating the U.S. immigration process for my mom and younger brother has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. The process is overwhelming, constantly changing with the political climate, and full of unexpected hurdles. For months we struggled, trying to find someone willing to work with us while so many immigration organizations were overwhelmed by the sheer number of people suddenly facing unstable status. We weren’t sure how to move forward or where to turn until we started working with CUASVAHH Inc. Immigrant Services Program.

Working with CUASVAHH has given us the support and guidance we needed to keep going, even when things still feel uncertain. They’ve helped us pivot multiple times as new rules and policies came out, and they’ve stayed up to date on important changes that directly affect my family’s case. What’s made the biggest difference is that they can communicate with us in English, Haitian Creole, and French, which has helped my mom and brother fully understand what’s happening. It’s been a huge weight off my shoulders knowing they can take ownership of their immigration process and feel empowered to ask questions directly. CUASVAHH also uses multiple forms of communication (email, text, and phone) which has made it easier to stay connected when things felt urgent or confusing.

An unexpected benefit of working with CUASVAHH has been the opportunity to learn more about my mom and brother’s life experiences. I thought I understood what they had gone through, but helping my brother develop his narrative statement revealed so much more. It’s heartbreaking to think about the things they endured and felt they had to hide for their own protection. Their resilience inspires me daily, and CUASVAHH gave us the space to bring those stories forward.

While the immigration system itself still feels overwhelming and discouraging at times, CUASVAHH has been a steady source of help. They’ve been honest about our options and have worked with us to make sure my mom and brother stay safe, especially with how dangerous things remain in Haiti. I’m terrified of the idea of them ever having to return, but CUASVAHH has ensured we don’t face this process alone. Their guidance has helped us take important steps toward securing my family’s safety and future here.

I’m deeply grateful for the work CUASVAHH is doing for families like mine and for the role they’ve played in helping us through such a difficult and emotional journey. "