Chef Ladora came to Martha’s by life’s most fortuitous turnings and failings. After the death of her mother, feeling the emptiness of her loss, and battling with substance abuse, Chef found herself struggling with great grief. Her breakthrough began when she came to Martha’s Village and Kitchen. As Chef began working persistently on the different programs Martha’s Village has to offer, like the Case Management and the Career and Education programs, she began to feel empowered with the new life skills she had learned.
“Martha’s has helped me find order and structure in my daily life by helping me find employment. My success story is a product of the tirelessly executed work ethic by the staff here at Martha’s”
Ladora’s next goal is possibly going back to school to study psychology and work in the mental health field. She would like to one day be able to give back to the community by giving hope the way she was given hope. Another one of her goals would also be either starting a catering business or opening up her very own franchised Church’s Chicken, “Since the Desert is in dire need of one”, she says. But above anything else she plans on staying focused on her employment and maintaining permanent housing.
There are many fond memories she shared about living at Martha’s, but her favorite was working in the kitchen where she learned to follow direction. This is conducive to bringing about the new Ladora. Ladora is very grateful for her case manager Jennie Rios. She says Jennie is one of the greatest gifts that Martha’s Village and Kitchen has to offer. She is humbled by the impact Jennie and Martha’s have done in her life.
Ladora has overcome many obstacles in her life. She has secured a home and is back on her feet. She is feeling responsible and confident using the life skills she learned at Martha’s Village and everyday moving towards her goals.