Full Freezer, Full Heart: Tamiko’s Story

As a Gwinnett County caseworker, Tamiko daily serves vulnerable members of the community who need help or support while also being a full-time mom of three. When she and her children found themselves in need of a little extra help, Tamiko turned to StreetWise. 

About five months ago, she found StreetWise from a social media post advertising the Mobile Food Pantry and decided to book an appointment. She’s grateful she did.

“When you go, they give you everything you need. Not junk, nothing you wouldn’t utilize,” Tamiko said. “It’s always fresh. Sometimes I get new things I’ve never used before so then I can create recipes. Lots of vegetables, lots of fruits, all the necessities plus the meat.”

“They make sure that your trunk, your backseat and sometimes your front seat is full.”

Because of all the food StreetWise shares, Tamiko joked that she doesn’t bring her children with her to the Mobile Food Pantry. “Don’t bring anybody with you. You won’t have room!” 

Shortly after her first visit to the Mobile Food Pantry, Tamiko returned to visit the StreetWise Christmas store so she could bless her children with gifts. “I didn’t spend more than maybe five dollars, and I left with a big bag of stuff for all of my kids. I’ve never experienced anything like that. That was a blessing.”

Whether she’s utilizing the Mobile Food Pantry or shopping at Christmas, she’s been touched by the kindness of the StreetWise team. 

“If it’s bad weather, they’ll still accommodate, and they’ll be out there in the rain, helping you,” she said. “They take the struggles for you. They’re amazing.”

“Every time you go, they ask if you want to be prayed for,” she added. “They’ll ask, not just throw it upon you.”

Even when Tamiko doesn’t provide a specific request, the prayer has been a blessing. “Sometimes you don’t have to know a person to know what they’re going through. They say what is needed for me.”

“I’ve never come across any place like this; there’s no need to go anywhere else. And when I’m able to, I’ll pay it forward,” she said.

Now equipped with a full heart and freezer, Tamiko can continue blessing her family and her community.