Who We Serve 

Since 2012, almost 2 million unaccompanied immigrant children and asylum-seeking families (mostly women and children) have sought humanitarian protection at the US-Mexico border. The history of these children and families – the majority from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador – reflect larger humanitarian crises in their countries of origin. Without government protection, they are forced to flee pervasive violence, gang recruitment, climate disaster, war, and devastating poverty. Children and families then make the heartbreaking decision to flee their homelands and undertake perilous journeys to the US.

Apprehended by US officials at the border, children and families are placed into detention centers in often inhumane conditions until they are released for their pending court proceedings. Arriving in new communities, they join family and friends while facing immigration proceedings and the threat of imminent deportation. This phase is one of great transition and vulnerability, and a time when they can benefit most from a holistic, high-quality intervention. Terra Firma was created to be that intervention; helping newly-arrived immigrant children and families land on solid ground. 

Terra Firma Mission & Vision