Arlene moved to Orlando for a dream job, only to lose it when the company was sold. That’s when things started to unravel. At first it was small things, like burning through the extras in her pantry. Then it was her savings. Finally, she couldn’t even afford to put gas in her car. “I was embarrassed and ashamed,” she recalls. “So much time passed and I dug myself into a … [Read more...] about Arlene’s Story of Hope and Courage
Stories of Hope & Courage
Hope for Carlos
Like many of our neighbors in Central Florida, Carlos works in the hospitality industry. Without guests filling hotel beds, workers like Carlos have had their hours cut and, in many cases, they’ve been furloughed or laid off as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Carlos’s main concern was for his two school-aged daughters who rely on breakfast and lunch at their elementary … [Read more...] about Hope for Carlos
Naseeka’s Story of Hope & Courage
“When I think of food insecurity on college campuses, it’s heartbreaking,” explains Naseeka Dixon, manager at the Knights Helping Knights Pantry at UCF. “Food is something everyone needs, and sometimes we all need a little help.” Naseeka knows what it’s like to ask for help. When her sister enrolled in college, it put even more stress on her mother to support both of them … [Read more...] about Naseeka’s Story of Hope & Courage
Shelby’s Story of Hope & Courage
As a single mother caring for three kids and a niece, Shelby considers herself a whiz at managing the household budget. She frequents thrift stores when the kids need new clothes, matches coupons with grocery store flyers and finds recipes to use up leftovers so that nothing goes to waste. “I don’t want people to think I don’t care or can’t care for my kids,” she explains. … [Read more...] about Shelby’s Story of Hope & Courage
Luzmary’s Story: “Dreams do come true.”
When Luzmary Gomez was 17, she found herself thousands of miles away from her hometown, her extended family and her friends. She fled the political unrest and violence in Venezuela with her mother and younger siblings for a chance at a better life. Luzmary arrived in Orlando unable to speak English and with limited skills in foodservice but was determined to overcome any … [Read more...] about Luzmary’s Story: “Dreams do come true.”
