“At the blink of an eye everything can be gone and you’re sitting at the bottom asking yourself why and will it ever get better. Then guilt and blame set in. In life, we take things for granted and we don’t realize what we have until it’s gone.”
Stacy and her grandson walked into Martha’s Village and Kitchen with nowhere to turn. She lost her home, car and her job. Stacy had run out of resources from family and friends. She and Tre (her grandson) stayed in MVK’s auxiliary program until they could place them in their own room in the Residential program.
“I will always remember how people come together to help one another in a time of need. MVK provided a private room for me and my grandson, supplied us with food and necessities. Gave me support and encouragement. Julie, Eddie and Irene, residential staff, were amazing! I’ll never forget the late night talks with Julie and staff to help me relax and go to sleep.”
During Stacy’s stay, it didn’t always go smoothly. Stacy said she felt angry with herself causing her to be on guard with staff. “I realized I was the problem. I had to change my thoughts and attitude to become successful. Sometimes it is not the people that you feel have a negative vibe, it’s you and that was me.”
Stacy utilized MVK’s Career and Education department which helped her gain employment in the field she is familiar with. “Julie was a tremendous help with helping me with my resume and encouraging me to get out there and try again. I also liked the mock interviews with the volunteer Sam.”
With the help of MVK and the City of La Quinta, Stacy found a new home for her and Tre right in time for the New Year. “Martha’s taught me to have faith in myself and confidence. They taught me that people are here to help and they do care. MVK taught me that failure is not an option for me again.”
“I know I still have a rough road ahead of me, but Martha’s Village & Kitchen helped me out. They gave me hope, had faith in me so that I know there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Now that Stacy and Tre are settled, she plans on buying a new car and saving to buy a home. “I will take pride in everything I do, you really don’t know what you have until you lose it all.”