A meal can meet an immediate need — but it can also open the door to hope. These stories highlight the lives being changed every day through your generosity. Start with this month’s feature story, and discover more stories of hope below.
Josefina’s Story
“Every week, I thank God for Community Link.”
When Josefina imagined retirement, she never expected to be raising two growing boys.
Today, she’s the primary caregiver for her 12- and 13-year-old grandsons, making sure they have everything they need to grow, learn, and thrive.
Like most boys their age, they’re always hungry.
And during the summer, when school is out, they’re home all day.
“They’re eating all the time,” Josefina laughed. “I cook, and before long they’re asking, ‘What’s next?'”
Living on a fixed retirement income, keeping enough healthy food on the table can be difficult—especially when grocery prices continue to climb.
That’s why Community Link has become an important part of Josefina’s family’s life.
When she visits Community Link, the volunteers fill her car with fresh produce, meat, eggs, pantry staples, and other groceries that help her prepare nutritious meals for her grandsons. Instead of worrying about whether there will be enough food to make it through the week, Josefina can focus on what matters most: caring for the two boys who depend on her.
“It’s a big difference,” she shared. “Before, we had much less. Now there’s always something on the table.”
What touches Josefina most isn’t just the food.
It’s knowing that someone in her community cares.
“Thank you,” she said with a smile. “Thank you so much for everything.”
Every time she visits Community Link, she says she offers a prayer of gratitude—for the volunteers, the donors, and the neighbors who make it possible for families like hers to receive help with dignity.
Because of you, Josefina doesn’t have to choose between paying bills and feeding two growing boys. Instead, she can spend her summer making memories with her grandsons, knowing there will be healthy meals on the table. For families like Josefina’s, your kindness provides far more than groceries—it provides the peace of mind that comes from knowing they won’t have to face the season alone.
