A Michigan family is back on American soil after being stuck in the Caribbean during conflict in Venezuela.

Derrick and Athena Chriss and their two children traveled for a holiday trip and were supposed to return Saturday. But conflict in Venezuela involving the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, halted flights, leaving the Chriss family stuck on St. Kitts with mounting bills and threats to be kicked out of their hotel.

Listen to our phone interview after the family's return to the U.S. below: Phone interview: Family returns to US after being stuck in Caribbean during conflict in Venezuela

The family reached out to Michigan lawmakers and Congresswoman Lisa McClain secured them seats to Miami then Detroit, ending days of stress.

Her and her office did a great job. They really did a lot to help and they really stood their ground in doing what they said they were going to do for us. So we cant thank them enough for what they did, Derrick Chriss said.

Watch our previous report when the family was stranded below: Michigan family stranded in Caribbean as Venezuela conflict disrupts flights

McClain said she was happy to help.

But its our job. I mean, it shouldnt have to be that way that we have to make calls and stuff, but Im glad we could do it, said McClain, who also credits her staff.

At Christmas time, were reminded that the smallest connections can lead to the biggest surprises.

Watch Carolyn Clifford's video report: 'A blessing': Livonia woman meets man who helped gift her a specialized wheelchair

What started as a simple meeting ended with a moment that felt like holiday magic. Kimberly Snider, a substitute teacher with special needs, met 7 News Detroit at our 10th Lets Talk event at the Coach's Corner Bar & Grill in Livonia.

She came to ask for help expanding bus service hours for people with different abilities like her.

Livonia only has one service that just goes citywide and it only runs Monday through Friday, Snider said.

She has to rely on her mom, who says a limited bus service makes everyday life a lot harder. Snider was born with cerebral palsy but knows how to bring about change.

In high school, she fought for an elevator, lowered drinking fountains and a ramp at graduation to cross the stage to receive her diploma.

She told them I am going to cross the stage with the rest of my class, so they built a ramp system for her to get up on the stage, Sniders mom Loanne said.

That was the 90s now. In 2025 at age 48, Kimberly Snider is still fighting for people with different abilities.

But during our Let's Talk, Kimberly Snider had a chance encounter from someone who made a life-changing difference in her life, Scott Cashero.

I had seen pictures of her. So she came right to me, wheeled up right next to me, so it was just unbelievable, Cashero said. Then she mentioned Scotty, her angel, so I go oh, man."

Kimberly Snider said "when he said he was Scott Cashero, I knew by the smile, because that's a famous smile... Everybody knew Scott because of his smile. He was friends with everybody."

Casheros son, his namesake, known for his big smile, befriended Kimberly Snider in high school but was killed in a car crash a couple years after graduation.

Three kids in the car and got in an accident. He was thrown from the vehicle, so he passed away, Cashero said.

That was nearly 30 years ago. Ironically, Casheros sister saw a story about Kimberly Sniders GoFundMe to buy a new specialized wheelchair that was not covered by insurance.

My daughter went and met with her and her mother and then came back and got with me and told me the story and she said lets buy it, Cashero said.

Watch when we met Kimberly Snider and Scott Cashero during Let's talk below: 7 News Detroit's 'Let's Talk' to stop in Livonia

The wheelchairs only last three to five years. Kimberly Snider stretches that to 10 years.

(Insurance doesnt) cover it because they consider standing a luxury, she said.

For Kimberly Snider, it's freedom and much more.

When I first stood up, I could give my mom a hug and she was crying, and I realized when I stood up, people saw the person and not the chair, she said.

The price tag was nearly $100,000. It took two years to raise $60,000. Casheros company donated the rest.

Thats a lot of money. I was in tears, Loanne Snider said.

Cashero had hoped to meet Kimberly Snider one day. Thanks to a little holiday timing and a lot of good energy in one room, that wish came true at Let's Talk.

I get more out of it than she does, I think, so shes the inspiration... and I can see that. So for me to be able to be a part of it is a blessing, Cashero said. Its just for me to be able to be part of it is a blessing."

As for the added bus hours for those with different abilities, the mayor responded to us saying:

We understand how important expanded hours are for residents who rely on Liv&Go to get to work, appointments, and everyday activities. While we would like to offer evening and weekend service, the funding to support that level of expansion is not available at this time. Expanding service options for Liv&Go riders remains a top priority for us, and we will continue to pursue opportunities that allow us to grow the program in a responsible and sustainable way.

A Detroit-area mother who spent two years homeless while working to support her nine children received an unexpected gift that will help transform her family's life.

Watch Carolyn Clifford's video report: Once homeless, mother of nine surprised with car donation from Detroit nonprofit

Vanessa Rodriguez, a mother of nine children ranging from 4 to 22 years old, has been cleaning hotel rooms while struggling with homelessness for the past two and a half years. After losing her job, Rodriguez fell behind on rent and found herself moving between hotels and couch surfing with her family.

"I lost my job and ended up falling behind in rent," Rodriguez said.

Her husband, Donald Williams, is disabled after being hit by a drunk driver in 2007, leaving one of his legs severely injured. The family's situation made finding stable housing nearly impossible.

"I've been on the journey with Vanessa for a while to find a house, but with nine kids, it's almost impossible," said Kimber Bishop-Yanke, who runs the nonprofit Kids Empowered On The Move.

Five days ago, Rodriguez finally secured a home with help from Bishop-Yanke's organization, which provided the deposit and first month's rent. Despite working at an Auburn Hills hotel where her boss praises her dedication, Rodriguez still faced challenges getting back on her feet.

"She is hard working, dedicated she comes to the job and takes responsibility as if it's her own hotel," said Matt Odish, Rodriguez's supervisor.

The family was starting over with almost nothing.

"We're starting with really nothing we have our clothes, that's it," Rodriguez said.

Transportation remained a significant obstacle for the family until a surprise meeting with the president and CEO of the Detroit Rescue Mission.

"I have somebody who I want you to meet," Bishop-Yanke told Rodriguez. "He's from the Detroit Rescue Mission, and sometimes he is a miracle worker."

The surprise was a donated car for Rodriguez and her family.

"So we have a car for you," Dr. Chad Audi, President and CEO of Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, told her.

"Oh my gosh thank you so much," Rodriguez responded, embracing the donor.

When shown the vehicle, Rodriguez was overwhelmed with emotion.

"What do you think?" she was asked.

"I love it. I can't wait to show my kids. I'm so happy," Rodriguez said.

The car represents more than transportation for Rodriguez it's a symbol of hope and stability for a mother who has spent years fighting to keep her family together.

"I appreciate them so much, honestly, I really do," Rodriguez said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.