That question stayed with me, and it’s where Enraizando began.
I’m Antonia, though most people call me Toni. I’m a daughter of immigrants, a mother of five daughters, and a grandmother. My parents came to the United States separately in the 1970s. They met here, built a family, and raised me in Los Angeles.
As a mother, I know how much it means for a child to trust that someone will be there. When I think about children suddenly not knowing where their parent is, or when they’ll see them again, I think of my own daughters and grandchildren.
What first moved me was immigration enforcement, and that remains at the heart of this work. But children are separated from the people who care for them in many ways: divorce, foster care, adoption, the loss of a parent, or a family crisis like a parent’s struggle with addiction. Whatever the reason, a child’s heart feels it.
Enraizando exists so that no child has to face that alone.
We’re taking our first steps. Here’s what we hope to do:
Walk beside children and families through hard moments, like appointments and court dates.
Hold toy and clothing drives.
Offer comforting activities that give children a sense of belonging.
Connect families and caregivers with trusted services and resources.
Every family’s experience is different. Our focus is on listening to what each child and their caregivers need, and helping them find the right support.
Soon we’ll open our shop, with talavera, artisan woven bags, and Mexican decor. What it raises will help support this work.
If you’d like to be part of this, follow along, write to us at info@enraizando.org, or share this page with someone who might help.
Because walking beside someone is also a way of loving them.
With love,
Toni