Stronger Together: A Family's Journey with Fiver
By: Nathalie Perez-Trinidad
For ten years, Fiver has been more than just a program for my family and I—it has been a life-changing community. My name is Nathalie Perez-Trinidad, and I’ve had the privilege of being a part of Fiver’s incredible program. Currently, I’m working with Fiver’s development team through the Allianz Fellowship, an opportunity that has furthered my professional skills and opened new doors for my future. But Fiver’s impact extends far beyond my current role. From high school to college applications, internships, and job training, Fiver has been a guiding light, equipping me with tools and experiences that have shaped who I am today.
Fiver’s influence deepens beyond just me but also my sister. My older sister, Nicole Perez-Trinidad, is a 2021 Fiver alum who has benefited immensely from Fiver. Nicole’s journey with Fiver—from camper to counselor to Teen Adventure Program Manager—has been one of growth and discovery. One of her favorite memories is working at camp in 2022 as a counselor, where she assisted with horse barn classes. As a camper, horse barn was always one of her favorite classes. The bonds she built with fellow Fivers and the staff members—who always leave a lasting impression—she cherishes them deeply. Nicole attributes her professional success to Fiver’s job training program, which taught her essential skills like resume writing, interviewing, and networking. These tools helped her excel in her career, and she still uses them daily when engaging with clients and media. She often thanks the help of staff members like Allessandra and Anthony who helped her navigate the college application process, ultimately leading her to an exceptional education, and for her major achievements.
The impact of Fiver extends beyond just me and my sister; it has touched our entire family. My parents, Paula and Emmanuel, often express gratitude for how Fiver has empowered us: “Fiver has helped our daughters grow into confident leaders and brought our family closer together. It’s given us tools to support each other and build a stronger future.”
They’ve seen firsthand how the program has helped my sister and me grow into confident, capable individuals. My dad always emphasizes the importance of taking advantage of Fiver’s unique opportunities, encouraging new parents to engage fully with the program. My mom, meanwhile, is especially thankful for the workshops and resources tailored to parents. For example she had the opportunity of being able to participate in the nutrition program for parents which helped her learn about healthier habits, and other resources which helped her navigate the high school and college application processes for the first time. Together, we’ve become a stronger, more connected family, learning to support one another and celebrate our individual growth.
The biggest takeaway from our Fiver experience is the incredible potential that lies within a supportive, nurturing community. Fiver is not just about skills or milestones; it’s about people—staff, campers, and families—who truly care. It’s about fostering self-confidence, respect, and resilience in every individual. For my family and me, Fiver has been more than a foundation—it has been a family that has guided us to become the best versions of ourselves. We are eternally grateful for everything Fiver has done for us and are excited to see how this remarkable community will continue to shape lives for years to come.
Thank you Fiver for everything you have done and continue to do for us, from the Perez-Trinidad family.
