Ewa has seen many changes at Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry in the years she’s been visiting us.
Born in Poland near the end of World War II, she came to the United States in 1991 knowing only a little English — but determined to help her daughter build a better life. Ewa worked hard, and while there was never much to spare, she managed to send her daughter to college and then, later, help her granddaughter as well.
Ewa sacrificed a lot for her family. In 2006, when a friend invited her to try our soup kitchen, Ewa was grateful for a warm, friendly place and the nourishing meals that helped her save money. When we opened our food pantry, Ewa was delighted at the chance to stretch her small budget further.
The help was even more appreciated when Ewa became sick and needed surgery. She kept working into her mid-70s to make ends meet, but her health finally forced her to retire last December. Medical expenses now take up almost a quarter of her income every month. She’s on a special diet for high blood pressure and other health needs, so her favorite change is the Choice Pantry. The new pantry model allows our guests to select the foods they want and need rather than receive pre-filled bags.
“People are only taking what they need,” Ewa says. “I cannot have that canned salmon already cooked or anything with spices. I can’t have bread or cookies. This way is much better. Much better.”
We’re glad to be a trusted friend in the neighborhood for people like Ewa. And we’re grateful to you, as a trusted friend of Holy Apostles, for your support that makes innovations like the Choice Pantry possible.
Thank you for being there for your neighbors!
