Our Stories
Preventing Homelessness, Ending Hunger
Doing All She Can
The drive and heart behind Cynthia
Marty's involvement with MOM has a closer tie than just wanting to
do good in her community. She believes that helping an organization
that does so much good in the community keeps her grounded and
reminds her of where she came from.
"Growing up in a single parent
household, my mother often needed to use a food pantry for us to
eat," she recalls. A lack of education and having two children to
feed on a minimum wage income led Cynthia's mom and her family to
rely on others to help them get by.
"When guests come in to MOM, I
completely relate because I've been there. Without organizations
like MOM I would have gone hungry as a child."
Three Generations
"I enjoy the clients and volunteers I work
with and the opportunities to give back. I started
volunteering because my mom and son volunteered and they kept
telling me some amazing stories. We've had three generations
of MOM volunteers in our family." - Michele Joslyn
Tell Us your Story
What's your story? Has your life been affected by MOM's
work in the community? Did poverty affect your life in a
surprising way? Do you donate to MOM in a unique way or would
you be willing to tell us why you make it a priority to give back
to your community?
One of the best ways for us to explain the importance of MOM's
work to End Hunger and Prevent Homelessness in our community is to
hear and share your stories, in your own words.
Growing Community
"It's empowering to know that you can do something on your own,
and not to be beholden to the grocery store or the food pantry. I
think everyone should be able to take part in community gardening.
It allows you to grow, be part of a community, think about food and
where it comes from," says Jessica, a first-year client
gardener.
Win, Win
It's a Win-Win situation! eCycle for Hope not only
recycles your items (such as computers, monitors, printers, ink ,
toner, phones , batteries and more), but they will ensure that your
products are recycled safely and remanufactured in the
USA. Your cost? Just a donation of 5
cans of food or a donation of $5 given directly to a food pantry,
such as MOM. What a great and creative way to support the
community in more way than one.
Tanks of Thanks
Tom Thousand unselfishly drives Seniors to doctor
appointments, errands, and other short trips. He also drives to
local businesses to pick up donated food and transport it to our
food pantry to help feed the hungry. Reliable and faithful, Tom has
always been there for the clients at Middleton Outreach Ministry.
In 2010 alone, Tom volunteered close to 330 hours. Tom's dedication
to the elderly and hungry in our community truly makes a
difference.
That weekly bag of free groceries can make all the difference.
Giving Back through the Gift of story
Leslie is many things to many people. Mom. Wife. Partner.
Actress. Teacher. Mentor. Yogi. From suffering debilitating
health set-backs during her many years of acting, Leslie
understands what it's like to struggle, adding to her sympathy and
open heart approach to the work she and her production company do
for MOM.
This past December, Heartline Theatricals, which she and her
husband and writer Tony Reitano co-manage, produced the Live Radio
Play "Young St. Nick: The boy who became Santa Claus" as part
of the Home for the Holidays fundraiser.
Beating Hunger
The Canstruction display "Beating Hunger Day and
Night" won first place for best Construction during the Good
Neighbor Festival parade on August 28, 2011. The Van Haren
family dedicated 85 volunteer hours planning and building the
float/display for the parade. All the food used in the
display (2,700 cans) went to MOM's Food Pantry.
A constant struggle
John and Jeff, two brothers who live with Jeff's four year old
daughter, live in an apartment in our area. Both had
full time jobs, but each had their hours significantly reduced
until they could no longer afford the rent. After falling for
a few months, they were issued an eviction notice. John
and Jeff heard about MOM and hoped that we could help them with
their hopeless situation. MOM helped them apply for a grant
through the county that was enough to stave off eviction.
John and Jeff were also approved for a Rent Subsidy which
will assist them with a small grant over the next six months.
One of MOM's case managers helped with employment search
counseling which led to a job offer for Jeff - he started his full
time job just last month.
A Hero with a Heart
The pocks of adversity she faces don't show through her
sweet smile and selfless devotion. Her strength, dedication and
faith eclipse any struggle. And every Monday morning since
2006, Anita Poehlman and her son, Curtis, pull up to the
MOM distribution center, their car loaded with food donated from
the local grocery store. They dutifully unload the bags and boxes,
always bringing a warm "hello" without interrupting the bustle of
the busy food pantry.
Though Curtis suffers from special needs and depends
on Anita fulltime, she sought a volunteer opportunity
that he could do with her. So Curtis rides with her for one to four
hours every week as she transports clients to appointments around
town.
Up Close and Personal
The DC manager recently gave a presentation at a local school.
Afterwards, a girl very sheepishly told her that her family
also uses the pantry and she "feels kind of embarrassed about it."
She told her how her father always puts on his nicest dress
clothing when he shops at the pantry so he doesn't "look" poor.
How can we erase her worries and fears? Food is
something everyone needs. There is no shame in doing
what it takes to provide food for your family and with so much
excess food in the world, the real shame is to not share it with
those in need.
Contributing to her health
This growing season, the Food Pantry garden has given several of
our customers their own garden plots, complete with a volunteer
mentor. Participants keep some of the produce, and give some
back to the Food Pantry to share with others. Here is what
one participant said about the opportunity:
"I like
being in touch with nature and getting dirty and watching plants
grow. I feel blessed to have my own dirt to bond with my
plants.
I like the community effort we all
pull together having the same mission and enjoy learning
together. Community gardening helps build team effort and
creates friendships.
And most of all, lots of great food is
generated to eat and contribute to the MOM's food pantry which
takes good care of so many families that don't have the luxury
of gardening."