Catholic Charities, the charitable arm of the Diocese of Phoenix, is realizing success in its Unaccompanied Minor Program if the story of one recent Ethiopian refugee is any indication.

The program finds foster homes for foreign-born, unaccompanied minors living in the U.S. with no parents or guardians.

Layla, a high schooler who came from Ethiopia to Arizona in January, was one such minor who received help from the program, according to a Catholic Charities’ blog. 

She was able to find a foster home through Catholic Charities, is enrolled in school, and is getting intense help with English and math.

Catholic Charities’ Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Case Manager Becca Swick said in the blog that the Smiths, the teen's foster family, has made a big commitment to her education.

“The foster family has been extremely active with her education, connecting her with English classes after school twice a week and requesting math tutoring," Swick said. They noticed her difficulty in knowing the sounds of each letter, and now have gotten her Hooked on Phonics on her phone, which she is speeding through."

Layla's English comprehension has improved so much so that she is now was able to understand most things said in English and to respond in kind.

Her foster family has also helped keep her in touch with her culture by taking her to an Ethiopian grocery store and a mosque. She also met other Ethiopian women through a monthly meeting. 

“I am truly blown away by her progress,” Swick said. “I think a lot of it is due to how helpful the Smiths have been for her education and going out of the way to connect her with Ethiopian women in the community.”