Edited by Kathy Medved
In 2009 when both Karen and her husband, Gerardo, lost their jobs, they didn’t know how they would be able to survive. And what would happen to their three small children? When their savings ran out, they couldn’t afford to pay their rent and found themselves homeless. They sought the help of Martha's Village & Kitchen. Although they were distraught over their circumstances, they appreciated the fact that there were things they could learn in the classes that were offered at Martha’s Village. They could change how they lived so they could prevent becoming homeless in the future.
In the fall of 2009, while the family was staying at Martha’s Village, Gerardo was hospitalized with complications from H1N1 Influenza A. He was in a coma for over 2 months and wasn’t expected to live. While waiting and hoping for his recovery, Karen spent her time attending classes at Martha’s Village and studying to take her GED test. Gerardo did finally recover and was there when Karen achieved her GED in April, 2010.
Spurred on by her own success, she enrolled in the Medical Assistant program at the Milan Institute in Indio. In addition, the Case Managers at Martha’s Village introduced her family to the “Habitat for Humanity” program and, amazingly, this family will shortly begin to help build their own house. Meanwhile, they are working and saving money for their new start.
Karen’s progress was so inspirational that she was asked to tell her story at the 2010 Bridges to Independence graduation ceremony at Martha's Village. When she was finished, she received a standing ovation from the entire audience.
Kathy Medved is on the Charitable Giving Team at Martha's Village & Kitchen
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