Their Stories…

Words of thanksgiving from families assisted through GRACE Ministries…

“Isabel” is a single mom, with a 7 year old child. She does not have a drivers license so she asks friends to give her a ride to the church to pick up food and clothing at GRACE Ministries. She says, “The help I receive from GRACE Ministries makes a big difference in my monthly budget. Receiving rice, noodles, different grains, and bread helps me save for my family…I am very grateful and it is for this reason that I like to help with the cleaning after GRACE Ministries, for this is a way to pay back for everything GRACE Ministries does for me. Those who provide help give from their heart, their love and their time, they pack things and they call us. The bottom line is I am very grateful. I hope they will continue to donate food to help our homes.”

“Helga” is married and has two daughters, age 12 and 4. The youngest has serious health problems, which limits the amount of work Helga can do during the day, because she takes her daughter to various therapies and appointments. She is only able to do sporadic work and cleaning during the night. When Helga first started coming to GRACE Ministries she asked how she could help and she soon became a volunteer. Helga shares that the assistance she receives is invaluable to her family.

“Yvonne” is recently married and receives food from GRACE Ministries to support her home. She says, “GRACE Ministries means a lot to me because there have been many times when I had nothing. It was a relief to receive this help on the days when there was no money or source of income in my home. I just started working this month and will stop coming to GRACE Ministries so that another person who needs help can take my place.” She is now a volunteer for GRACE Ministries.

“Dolores” is a single mom of an eleven year old daughter. She helps with registration each month. Dolores says, “GRACE means many things at the same time. It is serving others and a source of spiritual growth and support. To give is an act of generosity. I am a volunteer because I want to feel useful. This is the best way to give back for what one receives. I am doing a little bit better financially because I have a stable job taking care of a child. I have stopped receiving GRACE Ministries food because there are other people who need it more than I do. It is comforting to know that I can always count on this support during my difficult times.”

“Sylvia” shares, “I went to a clinic and there was a flyer with information about GRACE Ministries. Since I am divorced with two children, I began coming to GRACE Ministries two years ago. What I receive from GRACE Ministries helps me save money I can use for other necessities”

“Mario” and “Glenna” are a couple with four children, ages 11, 7, 6 and 4, one of which suffers from cerebral palsy and has frequent convulsions. Last year her parents had to take her to many doctors and hospitals. Mario works in construction and Glenna cares for her own children and others in her home. The support they receive through GRACE Ministries is invaluable to the family. Glenna shares “GRACE Ministries has been a great help because we receive the basic foods that we need such as beans and juices. These things are an indispensable part of our daily diet and with what I save through receiving this assistance I can use for other necessities. I am thankful for all the people that make this possible for us to receive this help.”

“Orlando” is a divorced father with an 11 year old child. They spent a lot of time together, playing, swimming and going to church. A little over a year ago, while working in construction, Orlando suffered a severe fall that left him with serious medical problems. He was unable to walk without a cane. His medical needs and his slow recovery has prevented him from working. Orlando started coming to GRACE Ministries after his accident. The distribution has been a great help to him because he has been unemployed for a long time. Orlando is grateful for all the help that this program has provided for him.

“Gloria” is married and has a three year old son. There are many months when it is difficult for her husband to find work and for this reason, the support they receive through GRACE Ministries is a blessing. Gloria says, “It doesn’t matter if there is nothing for me to eat, what matters is that my son has proper nutrition.” She is a good cook and she creates new recipes by combining the variety of foods she receives each month. Gloria says her son anxiously waits for her to come home on GRACE Ministries distribution days. He helps her unload the bags, and asks with a big smile, “is this for me?” Gloria and her family are thankful for the help they receive.

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Their Stories…

Words of thanksgiving from families assisted through GRACE Ministries…

Lives are changed…