Lilia and Judith Garcia

     Lilia Garcia, proud mother of Judith, was born in Morelos, Mexico.  She spent her first thirteen years in Mexico moving frequently  for her family of  seven to find work.  Lilia attended many schools, including a boarding school for a time, and for three years she was unable to attend school at all.

     At age 13, Lilia moved to San Diego, finished high school and began college.  When her scholarship support ended, she had to leave school and move to Bend to live with a brother.  In Bend, Lilia has worked in the food service and hospitality industries and is now employed as a cook at Harmony House residential care facility. 

     Lilia�s day begins at 4:00 am when she wakes and gets ready for work.  Judith is at Lilia�s sister�s home by 4:30 am and by 5:00 am Lilia is at work.  After work there is time for Lilia to prepare meals, play with Judith, and visit with her family. Lilia is bilingual and her sweat equity hours have included translating for the Latino radio station, Habitat for Humanity applicants, and for the Re-store.