If you've ever imagined yourself without your family, it probably puts your stomach in knots. Especially if you think of being without your family due to something beyond your control such as death or unjustified imprisionment.

This nightmare is happening to one Southeast Texas mom.

Johana Mercer came to the United States (Texas) from Argentina into an unstable family situation when she was only 10-years-old. Because she was a minor at the time and too young to be aware of immigration laws, her step-father took on the responsibility to be her sponsor and to eventually go through the proper protocals to get her US citizenship finalized. This would enable Johana to legally stay in the United  States on a long-term basis. However, at age 16, Johana left home because her step-father had become abusive to both her and her mother. As cycles make their rounds, Johana found herself in another abusive relationship and wound up pregnant with her now three-year-old daughter, Chiara. A then single mother, Johana worked and provided for Chiara, never asking anyone for help. But now she needs it.

Johana recently found out that at some point in the last few years, her step-father wrote the Department of Immigration and Naturalization Service to resign as Johana's sponsor for US citizenship. When we say "found out," we mean that INS came into her home this week, arrested and dragged her away from her family with no explanation. Apparently INS sent letters to Johana, but she never received them and her step-father never forwarded her mail. Instead he marked letters as "no such person at this address."

Johana and her husband Russell now face mounting legal fees and have been given a time limit of only two weeks to catch up on everything that has been neglected for the past 5 years or for Johana to "voluntarily" deport back to Argentina. Despite the fact that Johana has lived and worked here for the last 15 years, she is unable to work because she is now dubbed an illegal alien. If deported to Argentina, Johana will arrive with no family, no friends and no home.

Johana, Russell and Chiara are scheduled to move into their first home of their own next month.

A local group of women are coordinating a fundraiser for the Mercer Family at Chick-Fil-A on Dowlen Road this Friday night to help with the financial burden this ordeal has placed on Johana and her husband.

Can you help Johana? Here are ways you can get involved:

• Assist in the fundraising coordination
• Donate garage sale goods, food, drinks or other services such as musical talent or face-painting for future fundraisers
• Donate postage, signage or services such as facility rentals or photocopying
• Give a monetary donation- details to come as they are made available
• Spread the word about Johana's story- add this web address to your website or myspace page!
• Go to Chick-Fil-A on Dowlen Road for dinner THIS Friday night

Southeast Texas residents are known for their generosity. When one of our own is in need, we pull together in support and offer what we can to help one another. This time is no different. Put yourself in the shoes of this family. What would you need help with? What can you personally do to make a difference for this family?

Contact Amy Jones to sign up for volunteer opportunities or to donate your services/ products for fundraising efforts.

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