Stories From Those We Serve: “Ms. E”

As part of the ABB family, you’re not just giving people food or teaching them English. Instead, you’re helping neighbors in need develop meaningful relationships—connections that are absolutely crucial to flourishing. Long before a problem is resolved, Marlen, our Care Coordinator, takes time to listen, weep and pray with those we serve. And when possible, provide practical help. Here’s one such story, in Marlen's words:

While a woman stood in line to receive food, I approached her to talk. Her face said more than a thousand words could: worry, exhaustion . . . restrained sadness.

With just a few words, I knew Ms. “E” needed to vent. We walked to a private room where she opened her heart to me: she suffers from lupus, and two years ago she received a kidney transplant. She lives with her son Michael, a teenager who has lost interest in school, and whose staying in the apartment depends on either studying or earning at least $300 a week.

Ms. E feels powerless. She knows her son is not building a future, and as a mother, it hurts her deeply. That anguish has caused her headaches so severe she has ended up in the emergency room. She doesn’t speak English, which prevents her from communicating with teachers or asking for help. She feels trapped. As we prayed, her tears were as deep as they were sincere. And though the burden remains, she was grateful to have a place where she could be heard… without judgment, with love, and with faith.

[Note: names have been changed for the story, but please pray for Ms. E and Michael, and how we can help.]