Originally from Mexico City, Lea learned about Onward Neighborhood House through another student. She had never taken a computer class before, and on her very first day in Onward House’s Computer Class, she was afraid to even touch the computer.

“I was really scared,” she recalls. “Professor Juan told us we had to turn on the computer, and I had never used one before.”

Lea also has limited vision in one eye, which made learning even more intimidating. But
instead of giving up, she stayed.

“After I started the class, I started learning a little more,” she says. “Now I don’t get scared of doing tasks on the computer. Now I can send an email. Before, that was impossible for me.”

Week by week, Lea’s confidence grew.

“I feel very good in the Computer Class,” she says. “All of this is new for me, but I like it. It makes me feel like a new person.”

But Lea’s experience at Onward House went beyond learning how to use a computer. She joined a community.

“For a long time, I wanted a birthday party,” she shares. “I wanted to feel like a young girl again.”

Last November, she asked Professor Juan if she could celebrate her birthday at Onward House: the answer was yes. On her cake, it said she was turning 15 years old, a nod to the celebration she had always dreamed of. Staff and classmates gathered to celebrate with cake, laughter, and community.

“I felt very happy,” she says. “Like a new person.”

Today, when Lea walks through the doors of Onward House, she feels something she had been missing for a long time.

“When I come here, I forget about my personal struggles. I feel like I have a family.”

She has attended the Free Farmers Market and the Health Fair. She talks with classmates outside of class. She is excited to continue learning and hopes to join even more programs in the future.

Most importantly, thanks to Onward House, Lea knows she is not alone.

“If I need help or need to talk to a social worker, I know they’re going to help me,” she says. “I’m grateful for every person here.”

Lea’s journey is still unfolding. But already, she has gained something invaluable: confidence, community, and the belief that it is never too late to learn.