ORLANDO  |  Little more than a year ago, Cuban sisters Katia and Karen Soto left Cuba in the hopes of a better life.

When friends told them about Catholic Charities of Central Florida, that they were nearby and could help them get on their feet, the sisters were thrilled. Karen recalled first reaching out for food assistance. There they were informed Catholic Charities could assist in other ways as well. Karen was the first to arrive.

“Catholic Charities received us and helped us through the process of getting food. And when I became pregnant, they guided me.” Karen has two children. “Maria Claudia, assistant food manager, has always been so kind. She helped me with bags needed to store my milk and much more.”

Katia joined her sister a few months later. “I was grateful for the pampers and wipes,” she said. “Sometimes they had milk and baby clothes and that has been a great help. Sometimes we needed it to have less of a hard time.”

When Katia’s daughter arrived early, Catholic Charities donated a car seat to the family.

“We are called to walk alongside mothers as Christ walks with us—with love, compassion, and without judgment—so that every mother and child may experience the gift of life and the support of a caring community,” shared Leidy Rivas, director of the Culture of Life Office.

Katia recalled, “We were lucky to have lived in Santiago de Cuba where the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity (Caridad del Cobre) is. It is very famous and loved by all Cubans. It is a sacred place for us. I was born with a congenital defect, so my parents baptized me before surgery, in case I did not survive. They wanted to assure I was on the path to God. So, we wanted to baptize Karen’s daughter as well.” Catholic Charities helped them find a local parish to attend Mass regularly.

Much has changed for the sisters in the past year, for the better. “My life has changed a lot because I come from a country where I had no freedom of speech. There was no access to many essential resources. And I am now in a country where I can state what I believe without fear of consequences. We came with many learned taboos, like believing people would discriminate against us because we did not speak the language. But when we go to places, even though we don’t speak much English, people are always trying to communicate with us or they find someone who speaks your language,” Karen said.

“In Cuba they told us there was a lot of poverty here and people living in the streets because there was no assistance. But that is not true. For us it’s been a blessing to come to this country and receive assistance, benefits, and especially opportunities,” Karen said.

“My dream for my girls is that they remain healthy, become good people, good for society and grow helping as many as they can, and that they are studious,” Karen said. “They have advantages we didn’t. They are in a free country with many more opportunities where they can do what they want if they work hard for it. For us it is a blessing that they have these advantages. We come from a country that told us the United States was the worst country in the world. And when we arrived, we quickly realized that is not the reality. There are many organizations willing to help and support you. It is true that you must pay for insurance, but there is also assistance for those who cannot afford it. That gives you confidence that you can have a brilliant future, with millions of blessings, and that (our children) can be raised in peace, achieving whatever they desire.”

As they forge ahead, they are committed to helping each other. Karen said, “The problem of one is that of the other. The closer we are, we also have the best chance of succeeding and not making mistakes. We help each other in everything.”

Katia wanted other mothers to know, “Don’t be afraid. It can be a little embarrassing worrying about what people might say, but here no one judges you. On the contrary, here everyone is helpful and tries to help you find the resources needed.”

The sisters find gratitude in their faith, in God and the Virgin Mary who has provided for them through thick and thin. “It is difficult knowing you must flee your country because of lack of liberty, in fear of going to prison. It is hard on families and often divides them. I am grateful for all we’ve received — good and bad,” Katia said.

Karen agreed saying, “I am thankful for the freedom I have here and for a chance to get ahead through my own hard work.”

Both regard being a mother as a blessing, despite the sleepless nights. Smiling Karen shares, “when you see your daughter smile, it’s all worth it.”

Diana Garcia is a development manager for Catholic Charities. “I think mothers like the Soto sisters are admirable and brave. One can think asking for help is a weakness, but I think it is someone strong. Asking for help can be the beginning of a positive change for your life. You can change the trajectory of your child’s life.”

She added, “At Catholic Charities we are not only helping someone with a service, a resource or diapers. We give them love, understanding, compassion.”

To learn more about Catholic Charities Walking with Moms in Need ministry, click here.

By Glenda Meekins of the Florida Catholic staff, October 22, 2026