Natalyia Cruz Family’s Story

My name is Natalyia Cruz, and I’m 25 years old. I’m a proud mom of two amazing children: my 6-year-old daughter Annalise and my 9-month-old son Giovanni. They’re my pride and joy, and everything I do is for them. I started working for CTI in 2019. My daughter’s aunt encouraged me to apply because I was struggling to find a full-time job. I was young and had no real work experience, which made it hard to find stable employment. For a while, my daughter Annalise was being cared for by her grandmother, but eventually, she couldn’t anymore. I went to my boss, explained the situation, and within two weeks, my daughter was able to join the program.

Before joining Community Teamwork, life was really tough. I became a young mom at 19, and I had no experience. I was navigating being a single mom without much support from my daughter’s father, who was in and out of the picture. At the time, I didn’t have a steady job and relied on food stamps, but it wasn’t enough. I was just trying to survive, make the best of my situation, and be the best mom I could be. Living with my mom and three younger sisters provided some support, but looking back, it was very hard. It was a challenging time, but I’ve always been determined to make it through. My goals have always been to create a better life for my children. Now, I’m focused on going back to school and eventually buying a home for my kids. I want to give them everything I never had, and I’m determined to make that happen.

Community Teamwork has been incredibly supportive. It gave me the opportunity to secure a full-time job and provided childcare for both of my children, which allowed me to work. They also helped me when I was struggling to find an apartment. The program gave me the stability I needed to focus on my family’s future. My bosses, Kristin Hovey and Amanda Medeiros, have made a huge difference in both my work and parent life. They’re incredibly supportive and understanding. I feel comfortable going to them with anything, and their encouragement has meant the world to me. I also want to give a special shout out to my co-teacher, Natalie Luna. She’s been a joy to work with, and reconnecting with her—someone I’ve known since middle school—has made my work environment so much easier and more enjoyable.

My advice to parents in a similar situation is simple: there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Keep pushing and be the best for your babies because, at the end of the day, they’re all you’ve got, and the same goes for them. Never be afraid to ask for help when you’re struggling. And always speak up for your children—they need you to be their voice. Natalyia Cruz’s story is one of resilience, love, and the determination to build a better future for her children. With the support of those around her, she is breaking barriers and carving out a life filled with hope, strength, and endless possibilities.