Changing Lives
Martinez Family
For one family in Flagstaff, the past year has been a journey of hardship, hope, and healing. A single mother, living with her two sons, ages 19 and 13, saw her world upended when she suddenly lost more than half of her income. As the bills piled up and the cost of living continued to rise, she found herself in the impossible position of not being able to provide enough food for her children. “I woke up crying one morning, realizing I didn’t have any money for breakfast or dinner for my family. As a mother, that was the hardest thing I have ever had to experience,” she recalls. On that difficult day, a sign about a local food distribution at a nearby school caught her attention. Though filled with anxiety and fear, she drove there, unsure of what to expect. What she found was a warm welcome, not judgment. Volunteers greeted her with kindness, offering not just food, but encouragement and understanding. “I was so scared, but everyone was so kind. The gentleman at the front told me to come back whenever I needed help, and the volunteers who loaded up my car were incredibly supportive. I went home and made egg omelets with the vegetables, milk, and cereal I received. It felt like such a huge relief to feed my boys when I didn’t know where our next meal would come from.” Over the next several months, this family slowly regained their footing. Thanks to the support from the Family Food Center and its volunteers, they were able to keep food on the table and a sense of stability in their lives. The food donations allowed them to stretch their budget and provide a little comfort during an incredibly stressful time. Now, with things slowly improving, this family is filled with gratitude for the support they received. “I will forever be thankful to everyone involved, from the drivers who bring the food to the volunteers who give their time to help families like ours. You saved us from going hungry, and we will never forget that.” As they continue to rebuild, they plan to give back to the community that helped them in their time of need. “Once we are back on our feet, I plan on joining you all in the work you do,” they say. This story is a powerful reminder of the impact your generosity can have. Thank you for your continued support in changing lives and offering hope to families in need.
Photo credit: Flagstaff Family Food Center
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