MAY 24, 2017
Amanda Jackson, Economic Opportunity Organizer VISTA

“I don’t know what all food banks are like, but ours is awesome. I am glad I came in. If it wasn’t for them, I don’t know what I would do.”

The New Braunfels Food Bank serves over 100 families and individuals every day. Each client that walks through our doors brings with them a story of strength and determination to overcome adversity.

A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to get to know one of our clients, Holly, a little better.

Twelve years ago, Holly survived a domestic violence situation that left her in a coma for two months. Her doctors did not think that she would ever walk again, or even speak, but through physical and speech therapy, Holly has come a long way.

“In the hospital, I couldn’t talk, but the nurses would sit on my bed and tell me their stories. Now, I can talk, but I can’t use my right hand much.”

Holly is on a fixed income, only getting a small amount of money every month through Social Security Disability, so she came to us for food assistance and utility assistance.

Asking for help was very difficult for Holly. She expressed, “I am not supposed to be here. That’s how I feel. I am supposed to be the one helping people.”

By the time she came to the New Braunfels Food Bank, Holly remembers only having two apples left, “I was starving… and I wasn’t going to come.”

Coming to the Food Bank gave Holly a huge sense of relief and her outlook changed. “I don’t know what all food banks are like, but ours is awesome. I am glad I came in. If it wasn’t for them, I don’t know what I would do.”

The extra groceries and support that she receives here help Holly get through the month.

Even though Holly has been through so much, she still pushes herself to keep moving forward. Just last year, she got her driver’s license, which she hadn’t had for 11 years.

Holly plans to go back to college to finish her degree and her ultimate dream is to open her own non-profit.