>> Family flees government turmoil, relocates to Dallas
Victoria Tarpeh, left, son Wesley and husband Wesley model their native Liberian dress at an Early Head Start cultural event. Their favorites, they say, are jeans and t-shirts.   For one Early Head Start family, freedom means Dallas, Texas.   Wesley Tarpeh, who worked in the Liberian government ruled by exiled leader Charles Taylor, now under indictment for war crimes, feared for his life six years ago amidst civil war and a brewing coup. He sensed problems for his family. Fleeing in the midst of the turmoil, the family left Africa and immigrated to the United States, selecting Dallas.   The group assimilated quickly, the children settling into their schools, making friends and adopting American culture. Victoria recently attained her American citizenship, received her certification as a home health care nurse and found employment with the help of her Early Head Start Family Advocate. Wesley works for Seven-11.   The Tarpehs have been active in the Head Start program. Their daughter, Victoria, is enrolled in Head Start and son Wesley has been part of Early Head Start since infancy. Their older children volunteer in both programs on a regular basis, and one receives help learning English from a Head Start teacher. Both parents volunteer as well, and recently attended an Early Head Start event wearing native dress and talking about Liberian customs. They both admit to becoming “Americanized,” however, their favorite clothing being jeans and t-shirts.     Story by Debbie Mormon   >>> Return to Success Stories >>