YOU gave Melissa a way out of poverty! She thought her family would go hungry. . .
She wanted to build a good life for her family. To feed her children well. To watch them grow strong. But Melissa’s simple dream felt completely out of reach.
Her husband works full-time. Still, the bills are overwhelming. And with three children ages 11, 9 and 4, there are always more needs than there are dollars. Even if Melissa went back to work, affording childcare was out of the question.
After a friend told her about Central Union Mission, Melissa walked through our doors. “I came because I needed help feeding my family,” she says. “I found so much more than that.”
YOU GAVE HER HOPE
On months when the bills are tight, Melissa comes to the Mission for groceries. She takes her pick of fresh food, the kind that lets her cook nourishing meals for her family.
“I want to give my kids good food,” she says. “If I give them good food, they will grow strong to be good people.”
But more than physical nourishment, you gave Melissa spiritual nourishment. At first, she came for the groceries. It was a welcome relief and assurance that Melissa and her husband had enough left over to keep a roof over their children’s heads. As Melissa began to connect with people at the Comprehensive Family Resource Center, she found a community that would pray with her, encourage her and welcome her even at her lowest. And it’s thanks to you.
Now, Melissa walks through our doors for more than groceries. She walks through our doors for community. She sits with other women twice a month for Bible study. “When I come to the Bible study, the Word helps me reflect on my life,” Melissa says. “I find peace here.”
Even during the holidays, Melissa and her family are lacking nothing, thanks to you. “Sometimes I cannot buy toys for my kids for Christmas,” she says. “But when I come here, I receive toys, clothing, and food. I am so grateful.”
This is the impact of your giving. It fills a grocery bag. But it also opens a door to community and lasting stability. “I’m really thankful for everything I’ve received at this place,” Melissa says.
Thank you for helping Melissa and other families in the DMV stay in their homes and put food on the table!