Living through a Nightmare

Every parent's worst nightmare came true for Joan Stevens -- her daughter died before getting the chance to really live her life. Joan barely had time to grieve or process the loss, as she immediately found herself the sole caretaker of her three young grandchildren -- left behind when their mother died.

Now 18 years later, Joan, who is 66, suffers from diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart problems. Her only source of income is her monthly Social Security check. With all of her medical expenses, raising her family and providing for them has been extremely difficult.

A few years ago, Joan moved her family to Venice, Florida, in hopes of a better life. Luckily, she came upon the Senior Friendship Center, an agency of All Faiths Food Bank, an America's Second Harvest network member.

The center not only helps Joan purchase discounted medicine, they also provide her and her family with much-needed food and groceries.

"I imagine if there weren't places like this, I would have gone hungry," Joan says. She says that the best part is they treat her like family. It's especially important to have that kind of support during the holidays, when times can be extra tough for a struggling family. Thanks to the Senior Friendship Center, hope never runs short during the holidays for Joan and her family. Neither does the Thanksgiving feast!

"They provide me with two turkeys, cranberries, candy yams, pie, juice, cookies, and sometimes they even include holiday recipes," Joan says. "They are able to provide me with enough food for my whole family!"

Joan is one of the 3 million seniors our network serves each year. None of this support would be possible without the generosity of friends like you.

> Help us make the holidays easier for Joan and others around the country.