By Marzena Maksym
Since Spring 2024, we have been working with immigrant Latinx youth in the Medical-Legal Partnership. A model based on Terra Firma in The Bronx, New York.
One of the program components is mentoring youth. Eager to learn about their experience and share their perspectives in a new place, our team asked them during the mentoring sessions to share their dreams, hopes, and recommendations for other youth and their communities to support them.
For young people who have come to the U.S. alone, dreams are more than aspirations—they are blueprints for transformation, resilience, and hope.
We asked them a simple yet profound question: What do you dream about? Their answers were as diverse and inspiring as they want to be doctors, boxers, chefs, clothing designers, car mechanics, artists. But beyond careers, their dreams carry deep personal meaning:
“To repay my mother for all she has done for me.” “To reunite with my family.” “To study and build a better life.” “To have a better future.”
Yet, making their dreams come true isn’t free of challenges. They mentioned language barriers, racism, transportation struggles—the road isn’t always smooth.
Listen to their powerful voices on Youtube here.
Our team presented this project, Voices, Hopes and Dreams, during the Baltimore Immigration Summit 2025. During the summit, the audience participated in this project answering the question: What would you advise to the young dreamers? Their responses were overwhelmingly supportive – words of encouragement, warm welcomes, and a simple but powerful message: “I’m so happy that you’re here!”
Together, we can contribute to making their dreams come true. Every dream, no matter how big or small, thrives on support. Do you have words of encouragement for these young visionaries?
Share your message here, and we’ll make sure they receive it.
Because the future belongs to those who dare to dream today. And with every idea, every goal, and every act of courage, the world becomes a place of limitless possibility.
Project presenters during the Baltimore Immigration Summit: Karina Aquiahuatl, Astrid Matta, Marzena Maksym.
*Youth who shared their voices participate in the Interdisciplinary Medical Legal Partnership (MLP) program which brings together experts in immigration law (Catholic Charities), mental health (Global Refuge) and pediatric care (BMS/Yard 56, Johns Hopkins). Our program replicates Terra Firma National Model of Care. Youth are receiving crucial legal, pediatrics, and psychological support. When needed, they have also been referred to individual therapy, ensuring they receive comprehensive care. Youth participate in monthly mentoring sessions; their families attend educational to learn about their rights and available local resources.
