LOS ANGELES — Celebrating the holidays with a new family photo in the United States is now reality for 12-year-old Melany Rivera, a teen currently receiving shelter at the Union Rescue Mission with her family in Skid Row.

Rivera said her family came to the U.S. from Colombia hoping to create a better life.

“At the beginning, it was very difficult. We didn’t have clothes. We had nothing. We came here with nothing. But there are a lot of people who helped us,” she said.

There are more than 100 children and teens like Rivera living at the shelter, where stays are temporary. But one program hasn’t been. For the last two months, she’s been able to take part in Mondays at the Mission. It’s 100% volunteer-led program that helps teens identify their goals, stay in school and focus on their future. On a recent Monday, they spent the day with all the youth at the mission celebrating the holidays.

“It changed my life because I followed a lot of the guidance that they gave us and it was entertaining at the same time,” she said. “Because it’s hard to come from another country. It’s stressful. Not economically, but more mental. Here I can relax and feel a lot better. I am very fortunate to have these classes.”

Justine Sophia, who is the creative director, has been leading Mondays at the Mission for years. She’s also been a mentor for Rivera. Sophia said the program has helped more than 1,000 students over 10 years. With the holiday season upon us, she said it’s important to keep teens uplifted during these challenging times.

“Sometimes it just takes an older adult to look at a child and say ‘you are really creative’ or ‘you’re very intelligent’ and that can be the seed that’s planted for them to start to believe in themselves in a moment when they’ve been forgotten by society,” she said.

Through the sessions, Rivera’s met tango dancers, artists and more.  

“I feel proud to be here because doors were opened for me for future opportunities.”

Mondays at the Mission is in need of guest speakers and volunteers. Those interested can find more information by searching Mondays at the Mission on Instagram or visiting URM.org.