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How Sarah's Empty Belly Found a Solution
 Sarah’s* stomach growled aggressively.
She eyed her refrigerator, coveting the half-potato it contained. But she had already eaten the other half for breakfast. If she wanted any lunch or dinner, the potato’s remains would have to wait.
Sarah remembered a time when things had been different, a time when her belly had been filled at every meal. Bittersweet memories took her back to the tumultuous days of her marriage. Sure, she and Mark had done nothing but argue, but at least then she and the kids had been provided for.
When Mark finally walked out, he left the family drowning in a sea of debt. For a while, Sarah kept her creditors at bay by working three jobs. As soon as the boys were old enough to move out, however, her health gave way, forcing her to quit two of her jobs and file for bankruptcy.
And now here she was—broke, hungry, and alone. She knew soon her cupboards would be entirely bare, and what would she do then? She had heard about the Samaritan Center’s assistance services years ago but had always been determined to make it on her own. Now she knew independent survival had become an impossibility.
“Hello, Sarah. How can I help you today?” her Samaritan Center case worker asked compassionately as Sarah crept into the office.
Sarah’s tearful plea was simple. “Food,” she said. She only wanted food.
Sensing that the Samaritan Center might be able to help Sarah in other areas as well, her case worker pressed for more details. They continued to talk and explore Sarah’s financial information until her case worker came to a conclusion.
“Sarah, we can help you with more than food!” her case worker exclaimed. “We can help you with clothes, personal care products, and with your light bill. I’ll also tell you how to apply for food stamps and some other local resources.”
The case worker’s steady assurances soothed Sarah’s tired nerves, and her gentle smile warmed Sarah’s heart. With a little rest, a lot of prayer, and a proper diet, Sarah was confident that her health would rebound. Now, thanks to the Center, she knew she would have a chance to do all of those things with a little financial peace of mind.
No longer would her stomach have to rumble. No more would she have to be jealous of the refrigerator. From now on, she knew she would have more than just one potato.
*For confidentiality's sake, this individual's name has been changed.
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