Just last week, I thought about a young woman I met while serving as CEO at Sister Jose Women’s Center. She was fleeing an abusive husband, staying at the Center’s shelter while she searched for a job and a home for her children. I remembered the joyful day she moved into an apartment and was reunited with her children. She was so excited. Thanks to VIVA PIMA! Supplies program, she received all new household items to start fresh, including sheets, pots and pans, comforters, towels, and more. "I’m so grateful to be starting over” she shared.

Then, while working at our VIVA PIMA! Kids event distributing new school clothes to children living below the poverty line, a woman and her child approached me. She said, “You probably don’t remember me, but I used to stay at the Shelter.” Ironically,

she was the young woman I had been thinking of recently. Now her son was receiving new school clothes through the VIVA PIMA! Kids program.

I didn't think I'd be able to buy him new clothes this year. Bringing him here today and seeing the smile on his face as he picked out his new shirt is the best. Thank you.

She proudly told me that she’s working full-time while raising her children. As a single mother, she struggles to pay her bills and appreciates the Kids program and new school clothes for her son. This confirmed why I am now serving at VIVA PIMA! Along with our volunteers, thrift store patrons, and donors, we are working together to make our community a better place. Thank you for making this possible through your donations and time.

Pictured left to right K.L. and J.L. at a VIVA PIMA! Kids shopping event.