A life of giving becomes a blessing: Jennifer’s story

The most powerful tool in this life is often a personal testimony. 

Jennifer is a loving wife, a hardworking mom and a woman of great faith. She and her husband have two grown children, but their child-rearing days are not over. They have lovingly taken four more children into their home — two of their grandchildren and two of their nieces.

“We thought we were going to be empty nesters,” Jennifer said, “but we have been raising our grandson since he was born and have had my granddaughter for two years.

“My sister’s husband got her into drugs, and she lost her two daughters. Because I did not want them in DFCS custody, my husband and I also took them in.”

Jennifer’s husband has been having some serious health issues, so there is a lot of pressure on her shoulders. 

“With his health conditions, he can’t work, so we rely solely on my income. But because I work and I’ve been a medical assistant for 20 years, my income is too high to receive any kind of help [from a lot of resources]. It’s a daily struggle.

“When I found Streetwise it was like a blessing. It was a big, huge, tremendous help.

“We didn’t have any food, my payday wasn’t for another three days and there was nothing that I could put together [for dinner].  I was crying, and I was praying, and I grabbed my computer and was just Googling food pantries or free food giveaways.

“StreetWise just so happened to have [their Mobile Food Pantry] on a Saturday, and it wasn’t sold out! I knew this was my sign from God. 

“I packed all the kids up, we got the trunk full of food and at the end when they [the StreetWise volunteers] asked if we wanted them to pray for us, I said, ‘yes, yes, yes!’ We pulled over, and I told them what was going on. I just needed prayer that God would lead me in the right way. We prayed, and the kids prayed and we all felt just this relief when we left.”

StreetWise values prayer highly, and its volunteers make an effort to pray with anyone who wants to, at every visit. Jennifer and her family have felt blessed by this support. 

“It’s helped me learn more about myself and my strength and know there are other people who care and don’t judge. They are willing to help and many have been in your same situation and just [show you] love and compassion from when you walk in the door. People greet you with a smile. They want you to have whatever you need. It’s just tremendously amazing. Everyone is so loving and it just spreads love and joy,” Jennifer said. 

“You can’t help but learn that no matter your circumstances, you should still be happy. You will always reap your benefits and your rewards from doing what God wants you to do by always showing love and compassion.

“All StreetWise wants to do is help you have what you need by providing food and prayer. At Christmas, they help you not feel like you’re less than a parent. There’s no judgment; it’s like a family.” Jennifer said.

the kids with gifts from StreetWise’s Christmas store, chosen and purchased by Jennifer

Jennifer has also been able to take advantage of the Working Families Pantry StreetWise hosts every other Thursday night — allowing her not to miss work in order to receive help.

Just as Jennifer’s heart has been cherished and cared for by StreetWise, she wants to make sure that her kids understand what a blessing the organization has been to them!

“The parents [of hurting families] should also bring their children and let their children see that people do love and care in this world of so much hate. Some people do really, truly care and want to help you, so we let the kids be involved and receive the same love as us parents,” Jennifer said. 

“I remember the first time when we went to get the free food, they were kind of embarrassed. And then after we left, there was no more embarrassment. They were just so amazed.”

“When we go to StreetWise, they’re excited and talking to everybody out the windows and just enjoying themselves, even though we’re going to get free food. They understand this helps us, and they just love it. At the end, we always pray, and when we leave, we’re just happy for the rest of the day. Then we go home, put our food up and then we plan what we’re gonna eat. That’s their highlight of the day!”

Jennifer and her family are thankful for Streetwise and all those who keep it running smoothly. Her family has gone through many struggles, but she knows that God is holding her through them. 

“It’s very humbling to know that there are people who want to make sure that others have [what they need],” Jennifer said. “Thank you [StreetWise and those involved] — you’re amazing.

“I’m just truly blessed that I’m able to receive help.”

Your gift to StreetWise this year-end will go to serve families like Jennifer’s. Please consider donating to help us love more people and meet more needs.