t/w: sexual assault
Antonella* brings a vibrant energy to Casa Alterna. Raised in South America among ten siblings and by what she describes as a temperamental mother, Antonella’s journey has been shaped by her love for soccer, poetry, and singing since her early years. In high school, an inspiring teacher introduced her to geography and culture, sparking the idea that a future in the U.S. or Canada was within reach.
After completing high school, Antonella served in her country’s military. Driven by her aspirations, she meticulously planned her journey to the U.S. at 22. However, during her travels through Central America, Antonella experienced a traumatic event—being assaulted by five men—which resulted in an unplanned pregnancy. Undeterred by this tragedy, Antonella persevered. She arrived at Casa Alterna in July of last year, and we welcomed a healthy baby girl into our community this past November.
Antonella is determined to resume working once her temporary protective status is granted, pursue her educational aspirations, and become an advocate against violence toward women. Antonella loves attending Casa Alterna’s English classes; she also finds joy in exploring the greenery of Atlanta during strolls with her daughter and fellow community members.
“Community means supporting each other.”
From Antonella’s perspective, the essence of community lies in mutual support and recognizing that we are not isolated individuals but interconnected beings sharing a collective experience. She emphasizes, “Community means supporting each other and acknowledging that we’re not just individuals in our own bubble; we’re multiple people in a shared bubble. It’s about saying, ‘If you need something, I’ll help you,’ and vice versa.”
Casa Alterna is there for Antonella, offering food, shelter, access to counseling, and a caring circle of volunteers. Together, Antonella and her baby girl have our support as they heal from trauma and begin their journey as a family.
Written by Kaitlyn Waters, Casa Alterna resident with Anton Flores-Maisonet
*name changed to protect identity
Casa Alterna 