The second family was also referred to us by Operation Dignity. The Barron* family has been through a lot of hardship, health problems, and homelessness.
It is a multi-generational household with Grandma Pat*, Teresa*the mother, 4 children and a great-grandchild living under one roof. Now with two members of the family employed they are making headway but they have never had the money to buy stable furniture and beds.
The home was in major disarray when we first saw it because they had no dressers. We cleared out the broken furniture before starting. Grandma Pat walked over to us and gave us a hug and said, “We’ve been waiting for this” and started crying.
Open Families a community service group based out of Walnut Creek and Lafayette, came to the rescue and in one day changed their lives.
* Names above changed for confidentiality
“Is this really my house? I’ve never lived in anything like this. Ever!” said Teresa when she saw her new home.
The boys were so excited to finally have a bed. “Yes!!! A bed! My bed!! Yeeesss!!”
When Teresa saw her dining room, she stood there counting the chairs. “The thing I am most excited about is having family dinners. Sunday dinner at a table. It sounds stupid, but I just can’t wait”.
Before our volunteers left, Grandma Pat gave hugs and said, “This is all from God. I just know it. It’s all from God!”
“Look at the pictures, we have pictures on our wall! They are so beautiful. I never saw anything so beautiful. It’s all around me, just beautiful,” said Teresa.
Thank you to Open Families and Troop 237 in Orinda for giving these families the hope and fuel they need for building a successful future.
Plus, a special thank you to CHIPMAN RELOCATION AND LOGISTICS! We couldn’t help as many families as we do without you!
With gratitude,
Donna and Chris
Grateful Gatherings, Founders
