Christina has known what it felt like to be homeless once before. She fought and was able to overcome her circumstances. She put herself through college and got a career in the medical field as a scrub nurse in Los Angeles County. Life was going well for her and her family until she started forgetting some of her medical procedures. Slowly she begin to realize that something more was going on. In the midst of a transfer to the Coachella Valley, Christina found herself laid off from her job and with no family in the area to help support her.
At that time when she had no hope left, Christina found out about Martha’s Village and Kitchen and began coming to eat at lunchtime.
It was then that a volunteer serving food gave her the hope that she needed. The volunteer suggested that Christina go check back in at the front desk and ask for help, and a start for a new tomorrow. Although it was a hard transition at first, Christina is now thriving.
When asked what her favorite thing about Martha’s is, Christina replied, “The staff. All of them. We can tease and joke but they are there to really help you too.”
“If it wasn’t for my case managers and Rosa (Senior Manager of Programs) I don’t know where I would be.”
Christina shared about the classes offered at MVK including the Challenge to Change Program and Healthy Relationships, to name a few. Challenge to Change is a one-week course which provides exercises and lecture presentations on subjects related to enhancing self-esteem, increasing motivation and setting realistic goals. This class is a favorite among clients because it allows them to understand that the possibilities of the future begin with them.
“These classes and the women who help teach them are inspirational”, Christina shared.
With help from staff, Christina was able to get help with the medical condition she was experiencing that forced her to leave her job in the medical field. She is now on track to overcome this obstacle and get back on the road to self-sufficiency. In the near future she looks forward to being fully self-supporting and on her own and wants to help give back to others.
“I think I want to change direction of my career and help troubled kids instead. To work with kids in juvenile hall and make a difference.”