Nora’s story began with war, separation, heartbreak and immigration, and transformed into a life of public service and contribution and loyalty to her new homeland the United States of America.
With limited funds, but endless determination, Nora founded American Fraternity in 1989, presently known as the Nora Sandigo Children Foundation. NSCF helps immigrants integrate and adjust to American society, culture and legal processes. Through the organization, Nora helps stranded children find homes, raises money for clothing and school supplies, provides transportation any hour of the day and offers endless emotional support. Nora currently holds legal guardianship for over 1200 American children.
As a little girl, Nora lived a great life with her family in Comalapa, Nicaragua, but one day in 1979, her life was turned upside down.
The bloody Nicaraguan Revolution tore apart her community and within days, Sandigo was sent to live with her older sister in Venezuela.
“All my dad thought about was keeping us safe,” says Sandigo, who was just 14 years old at the time. “I said goodbye, gave him a big kiss and never saw him again.”
A few years later, she went to Miami and started working for an organization that helped refugees coming to the United States.
“I understood what they’re going through,” she says. “I realized that this is what I was supposed to be doing. I wanted to help them as much as I could.”
Nora’s American dream has come true as she continues to dedicate her life to families that need her help through advocacy and support. Her tireless efforts has changed the lives of many immigrant families with American children that are in danger of being separated.
