Propelling Families’ Futures

Stability. Good health. A hopeful future.

Like most parents and caregivers, Jennifer wants all these things, and more, for her daughter, 8-year-old Hope. It’s with these things in mind that she made the move with Hope from Texas to start fresh in Kansas City.

In the meantime, Jennifer is grateful she can turn to Harvesters’ agency partners like the North Kansas City YMCA to help supplement her grocery budget. She recalls the first food pantry she visited being closed.

“But they were willing to come out and help me and my daughter out with some food,” she says. “Even today I’m grateful to that lady.”

Jennifer encourages anyone to ask for help if it’s needed.

“I know it’s a pride thing, and nobody really likes to admit they need the help, but asking for the help isn’t as bad as it seems,” she says, as children Hope’s age who are enrolled in the YMCA day camp loaded the trunk of her car with fresh fruits and vegetables.

“I would tell anybody, if you need help don’t be embarrassed about getting help,” she says. “Everybody falls and needs help getting up. And, yes, there are people in a worse situation than you, but that doesn’t mean you need any less support. Everybody needs to eat to survive.”