A year ago, Melissa thought she and her family were on solid financial ground. She and her husband and steady jobs, their bills were paid and their kids were thriving at school. When the pandemic hit earlier this year, they both lost their jobs and watched their bank account balance drop weekly as they paid rent, utilities and other bills. Once stay at home orders were … [Read more...] about Melissa’s Story of Hope & Courage
Feeding Partners
Kandi’s Story of Hope & Courage
When the pandemic hit, Kandi’s family took a financial hit. As a special needs family, their budget was always tight but they managed to save for a rainy day. Kandi’s husband had his hours reduced and they managed to get by with the emergency funds they had set aside. However, as the pandemic endured, the funds in their bank account did not. “We didn’t know where to turn,” … [Read more...] about Kandi’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
Tikaya’s Story of Hope & Courage
If you’d met Tikaya two years ago, you would say she was on the right track. She graduated from Jones High School, earned an associate’s degree and completed cosmetology training. She worked as a stylist for several years and began teaching at a local college. Tikaya and her three children were happy, healthy and helpful. “My passion was always helping people, either in … [Read more...] about Tikaya’s Story of Hope & Courage
Heather’s Story of Hope & Courage
The 2018 ALICE report revealed that almost half of Central Florida’s residents are not earning enough income to pay for basic living expenses like rent, electricity, food and clothing. Like many families who live paycheck to paycheck, Heather and her husband try to keep their budget simple. She tries to instill the values of appreciation and gratitude in their six children for … [Read more...] about Heather’s Story of Hope & Courage
