Teen's greatest wish: Financial stability so mom wouldn't have to work multiple jobs
Since their father left five years ago, Nancy and Jose Parra-Betancurt have grown accustomed to their roles as caregivers, which was not always the case.
“Why us? We aren’t the parents?" they would ask their mom.
Juana Betancurt, 38, became the sole earner of her family after her husband was arrested and deported because of domestic violence.
Betancurt is mother to Nancy, 17, Jose, 13, Isaac, 11, Ezequiel, 9, Neome, 8, and David, 4. She also has an older daughter who is out of the house.
Meet the families2022 Season for Caring
Betancurt has struggled to make ends meet, and at times she said she feels she is not being a good mother because she’s working multiple jobs.
When she is not home, both Nancy and Jose help take care of their four younger siblings.
The Betancurt family is part of the Statesman's Season for Caring program, which helps hundreds of families each year through local nonprofit agencies. The Betancurt family was nominated by the SAFE Alliance, which is dedicated to stopping abuse and helps people who have experienced domestic violence.
Nancy said she understands her mom has to take on more roles, so she does her best, but it remains difficult. She stills want to be a teenager.
Despite that, Nancy, is looking to change schools so she can get out earlier to be able to come home, clean the house and cook for her younger siblings.
Like many high school seniors, Nancy is still not sure what she wants to do. She knows she wants to stay near home to continue helping her mom.
“I’m nervous about college,” she said. “I don’t think I’m going to live by myself because I do want to stay near my mom.”
Nancy continues to be grateful to her mom, who, despite the financial difficulties, never asks Nancy for money from Nancy's part-time job.
Nancy is looking forward to how Season for Caring can help her family become more financially stable and maybe move into a bigger home. Currently, they live in a two-bedroom apartment and use the living room as a third sleeping area.
Through the family's Amazon wish list, donors have given the family some of the things they need, including towels, glasses and mixing bowls.
The family also needs a gently used car, driving lessons for Nancy, help with college tuition; bunk beds; gift cards to H-E-B and Walmart; and kitchen supplies, including pots and pans, dishes and utensils.
To find out more about the Betancurt family or to give an item on their wish list, contact the SAFE Alliance, 512-665-1858, safeaustin.org.
How to donate to Season for Caring
Find the daily coupon in print on Page 2B or go to statesman.com/seasonforcaring.
Now through Christmas Day, $500,000 in donations will be matched by the Sheth family.
P. Terry's Giving Back Day, with all profits going to Season for Caring, is Dec. 10.
The Driskill hotel's Cookies for Caring cookie tins are on sale at exploretock.com/thedriskillaustin.
To donate:Use the form below or click here: https://statesmansfc.kimbia.com/statesmanseasonforcaring
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Season for Caring family wants financial stability so mom can work less
