Margaret works hard. She is well educated, has a good job and a wonderful 9 year old son. Several years ago she and her husband divorced. Her husband does not pay child support. Margaret works two additional part time jobs to make financial ends meet.

     Last year Margaret’s adjustable mortgage payment increased and money became tight. Bills began to mount up. If this were not enough, due to the economic downturn she lost both her part time jobs. Thankfully she was given additional hours at her full time job which helped some but not enough. Then her car broke down requiring over $3,000 worth of repairs…and so the story goes. 

     With foreclosure lurking and utility bills threatening Margaret began to use fewer of her precious dollars for food. She and her son were hungry, tired and in trouble.  What more can a woman do?

     Having heard about the Community Dining Room, Margaret came in for a hot lunch and advice. She found food, referral services and a kind community of caring persons struggling with many of the same issues she was working through.  

     The Community Dining Room assisted Margaret with a food stamp application and by providing nutritious hot meals and take-out dinners for her family which helped her save some of her precious dollars to pay bills. These small supports help in immeasurable ways. Margaret is presently somehow managing her finances though each day is a stress filled challenge. She often says she does not know what she would do or where she would turn without Community Dining Room support. Margaret’s is just one of many families the CDR helps every single day.