"IT'S A MIRACLE" | Ana's Story
“IT’S A MIRACLE!”
When all seemed lost, CityTeam helped Ana’s family by providing food, strengthening her faith, and inspiring her to give back to the community.
Having eight hungry mouths to feed back home — on a single income — almost cost Ana her marriage. “It was so stressful,” Ana admits. “My husband, Ricardo, and I actually talked about getting a divorce.”
When she wasn’t working, Ana spent most days caring for her three kids, two grandchildren, and 86-year-old mother. Then she broke her leg in an auto accident and lost her job, along with the income her family depended on.
That’s when Ana admits her stress quickly turned into despair.
“It felt like so many people were depending on me,” she recalls. “I was mad and frustrated, which resulted in my husband and me fighting all the time.”
In a moment of desperation, Ana reached out to CityTeam. She says, “God touched my heart” the first time she was encouraged to open her Bible. “When I came home, I was so calm. I told my husband I wanted to be married again!”
Ana’s mom couldn’t help but notice the change. So did Ana’s sister, who became a believer as a result of Ana’s new outlook on life. “It’s a miracle.” That’s the only way Ana can explain it.
GIVING BACK
Because of her great need, Ana and her family have since received help in a variety of ways, all because of your gifts to CityTeam.
To this day, she continues to get groceries twice a month — and is especially appreciative of the fresh fruit she receives, like apples, tangerines, and mandarin oranges. Her grandkids have gotten gently used clothing. And her school-age children have obtained backpacks and school supplies.
Because of the kindness you showed her, Ana couldn’t wait to give back. “I love to help people in my own community,” she explains.
But with little money to spare, Ana has to be “creative” with how she shows love.
GOOD DEEDS
Today, she has found an outlet for her generosity by volunteering with CityTeam, helping to distribute food and clothing whenever she gets the chance. She has also discovered other available community referral resources like rent and housing assistance, which she shares with those she meets who are struggling to keep a roof over their heads.
Her good deeds have even spurred her husband on. He has started telling every person he meets who is experiencing hard times, “Go to CityTeam. They can give you food and help.”
Ana is grateful to God for the life-changing help she has received along with all the donors who made it possible for her to come to CityTeam when all seemed lost.
