STORIES OF COMPASSION

“I have a four-year old baby girl, who has Down’s syndrome, and I need to be home with her all the time. For the past eight months I have been doing all that I can to make ends meet like going to labor pools. My family and I live at the Salvation Army right now and times are tough but being able to come here and get juice, eggs, milk, bread and anything else I can, makes my family happier. Thankfully, the [Compassion Outreach Center] has given me the opportunity to get my kids Medicaid. I will always do all I can for my kids but having this place makes all the difference.”

-Venessa George, single mother of four

"For the first time, ever, I am without a job. I was just laid off two weeks ago and this is the first time I’ve been here. I love it! I am not ashamed or afraid to ask for help. It’s those who hide away in a shell and don’t ask for help who never make it back on top. I am going to go from where I am now and only move forward. Faith keeps me going and places like this help me never to forget that. If you lose faith, you lose everything. I deserve a helping hand because I’ve worked hard all my life. Everyone deserves a chance to make themselves better.”

- Damaris Beltran, abandoned mother of two

“The [Greater Orlando Food Outreach] lightens my family’s grocery bill and takes that burden off; which is a BIG burden! It’s amazing all the resources that are offered under one roof. I have taken advantage of the parenting class! Pastor Scott is a blessing and it is thanks to him I found the [Greater Orlando Food Outreach] and the [Compassion Outreach Center]. Since I know that everything here is brought in and given back out to people of the community, I always try to donate what little bit I have to help others. My son has literally come up to me and said ‘Mommy, I know I said I wanted to keep this shirt but I thought about it think there’s another little boy out there that needs it more than me.’”

- Genevieve Sullivan, single mother of five

“When I was thirty-nine I was told I needed gastric bypass surgery. My doctor told me that I had sleep apnea and could die in my sleep without this surgery. In 1986 I had no choice but to go ahead with the surgery which literally put me on the streets. I now have my health and have learned that I should not let anyone make me feel bad about myself. People don’t know me and, in turn, shouldn’t be allowed to have control over my feelings. I am thankful for the [Greater Orlando Food Outreach] because the people here actually care about me and don’t judge me; they just want to help.”

- Iris Silva Rodriguiz

“I have been a member of the food pantry since the first week it opened. Being here, I know that people will go above and beyond for me in any case. All the resources here help make ends meet and that is why I come here so often. I’ve learned that I’m not failing at my life because I’m here; I’m just asking for that extra push to get me back on my feet.”

-Madeline Perez, married mother of one

There’s people at my church who I would recommend the [Greater Orlando Food Outreach] and [Compassion Outreach Center] to. People need help and this place is where they can find it. I love being here because I know I’m around people like me who either need help or want to help. I always help who ever I can! I wish I could paid for that! But I do get paid…from God. I will never forget that.”

- Mildred Rivera, single mother of two

"After twenty-three years of being married to my husband he left our family suddenly. I still can’t tell you what exactly went wrong but I do know I’m working through it. I’ve been coming here for three months and I’m here today with my two best friends. We are each other’s backbone. What one doesn’t know the other does. We always help each other which is why I brought them with me today. I know that things could be worse off than they are now so I try so hard to stay positive. It’s never too late to start something good.”

- Sarai Beltran, single mother of two

Destiny Foundation of Central Florida 501(c)3 #59-3731057Division of Consumer Services www.800help-fla.com

Publicize information about nonprofit organizations