This is the story of transformation, resilience, and the life-changing support provided by Penny Lane Centers. For many immigrant families, the path to stability in the United States can be filled with fear, uncertainty, and trauma. Manuela Gonzalez and her family know this reality all too well. After experiencing not just one, but two violent robberies—first at their beloved taco stand, and then at gunpoint with their daughter present—the family was left shaken, traumatized, and unsure of what the future might hold. The emotional scars from these attacks left Manuela with symptoms of PTSD and heightened the daily anxiety of being an immigrant trying to build a safe life in this country.
But through the strength of community and the commitment of Penny Lane’s Enhanced Care Management (ECM) team, Manuela’s story took a hopeful turn. With the guidance and compassion of her therapist, and the advocacy of her ECM care manager, Manuela was connected to vital resources she never knew existed—including the opportunity to apply for a U Visa. This legal protection has now given her and her family the security of knowing they can stay in the United States and continue to contribute to their community without fear of deportation. It is a powerful reminder of how Penny Lane Centers is not only addressing immediate needs but also working to transform lives and create long-term stability.
This success is not an isolated story—it represents the mission of Penny Lane Centers in action. Every day, our ECM teams walk alongside clients who are navigating complex challenges: trauma, poverty, housing insecurity, mental health needs, and systemic barriers. By weaving together mental health support, case management, and connections to legal and community resources, ECM is a lifeline for families like Manuela’s. The dedication of our staff ensures that clients are not only surviving but also learning how to thrive, advocate for themselves, and feel a genuine sense of belonging in their community.
Manuela’s journey is a testament to what is possible when care and compassion meet action. Penny Lane Centers doesn’t just provide services; we build relationships that empower individuals and families to reclaim their strength and voice. From Lancaster to North Hills, Commerce to Antelope Valley, our programs are rooted in the belief that every person deserves safety, dignity, and the chance to reach their fullest potential. Whether it’s securing housing, navigating the healthcare system, or supporting immigrant families through legal challenges, Penny Lane is proud to stand as a beacon of hope across Los Angeles County.
Manuela Gonzalez, who was born in Sinaloa, Mexico, and her husband from Guerrero, Mexico, have both brought their ancestral flavors to their local community by way of street food vending. For the past six years, Manuela and her husband have been beloved local taco vendors in Lancaster, CA. They have utilized their love for cooking (and baking) as a form of cultural expression, resistance, and economic need. They have been subjected to city official raids, rising food costs, and victims of an unstable economy. They have been forced to find new ways of securing their income as the family suffered two robberies a year and a half ago. With a passion for baking, Manuela provides for her family by securing private jobs baking pastries for parties, meanwhile her husband secures income by selling tacos twice a week and finding odd jobs.
On March 13, 2024, Manuela and her husband were victims of a robbery at their taco stand, losing their only way of financially surviving. Ten days later, the family, along with their 13-year-old daughter, were robbed at gunpoint—once again taking a huge financial hit. Manuela sought out mental health services after realizing she was suffering from PTSD. While in treatment with her current therapist, Barhaza Franco, Manuela shared her immigration story and the anxiety and worry her family profoundly felt. Manuela also shared she was a cancer survivor and was experiencing other chronic health issues.
With the help of her therapist, Manuela was connected to ECM and began working with Gabriela Rincon. While working with ECM, Gabriela learned that Manuela needed legal support as well as help addressing her health concerns.
Gabriela quickly mobilized in aiding Manuela and her family in gathering documents, including police reports, to begin the initial steps for the U Visa application. Gabriela Rincon was pivotal in assisting the family navigate the U Visa process, as the family had no idea such a thing even existed.
Concurrently, Manuela was connected with a primary care doctor. Unfortunately, Manuela was experiencing severe health challenges that made it difficult for her to wait for the scheduled appointments, so Gabriela was instrumental in helping her find faster care. Manuela had uncontrolled diabetes, and this was affecting her eyesight to the degree that she was unable to see. Gabriela educated Manuela on how to navigate medi-cal and helped Manuela learn how to advocate for herself and her healthcare.
Manuela expressed, “Without Gabby, my family would not be in the position that we are in now. I am very grateful.”
Manuela happily shared that she has received her U Visa, with the help of an immigration lawyer, has been “pardoned” by immigration, and is now waiting for her worker’s permit to arrive. Through her time with Penny Lane Centers, Manuela has enhanced her ability to advocate for herself and show up every day in the face of adversity. Despite physical, emotional, and financial impediments since the robberies, Manuela and her husband have proven to be examples of strength, courage, resistance, and resiliency to their daughter and community.
