Ana held a well-paying job at a local company until a
recent round of lay-offs. She was left in shock, uncertain what to do next. Ana’s mother, and two teenage sons Jose and Anthony, felt the burden of their new reality. In fact, they weren’t sure that her youngest son was going to graduate from high school with his class, his stress level was so high.
Ana came to us for help as she grappled with her unemployment. During that first visit, her mother accompanied her, quietly supporting her daughter, her body language revealed an enduring belief in her daughter’s resilience. Ana visited our team multiple times, checking off her efforts and circling back for support. Some days were better than others. Our team at the Resource Hub offered steady guidance and resources, paid her outstanding rent and utility payments through a grant, and provided a safe place for Ana to process her next steps.
Finally, after one temp agency didn’t reply quickly
enough, Ana took the initiative and found another who offered her a job. The weekly payments, versus monthly paycheck, is helping Ana pay off pressing bills and feel a sense of managing the uncertainty that wasn’t possible even two
weeks prior. We could see Ana’s growth and confidence with each accomplishment.
Our team even made job connections for Ana’s son - who did graduate by the way – so that the family has a steadier footing.
Life can often throw a curve ball. An unexpected job loss can exert new pressures that tip the scales into anxiety and fear, leaving us unable to cope or make headway on our own. Ana came to Catholic Charities at such a time, and we are grateful to have helped her, and her family, get back on their feet.