Stories of Hope - Dawn

“I first heard about CCS from a friend of mine in early 2004. I had just moved here, was pregnant, unmarried and looking for a job. Of course no one want to hire the pregnant girl . My children's father and I were in our early 20s, our skill sets for work are not where they are now, the baby was now here and there were 3 of us, so money quickly became tight. WIC was a thing, but that did for baby and not much for mom and dad. Food stamps were not there, because my caseworker told me that at $9.00 per hour for da d and zero for me made us over income for help. I didn't know then what I know now so I was bewildered and felt very defeated. A friend told me to go visit CCS, They don't always have a lot, she said, but something is better than nothing and I agreed.

Shyly, I walked in the door. I thought it would be just me and I would get harshly judged. I was worried about a Christian organization and I though I would be bombarded. I was very wrong.

I signed up and walked thru the pantry. It was like a little grocery store. I got to pick what I would use and I wasn't forced to take home canned carrots. There was no judgment but instead help and compassion and I left with a lot of meat, bread and fresh vegetables and a lot less shamed. I think I made about 15 dinners out of what I got that first day. I was blessed beyond belief. I visited every month for a few years.

CCS helped me when I was short on money, short on friends and short on hope. It's an awkward world we live in and I still visit sometimes, although not nearly as much as I used to.

CCS is awesome. Please, you all keep on doing what you do. This county is a little brighter because of you all. Thank you.”

-Dawn