Cathy's Story

Cathy has been disabled for a decade and does her best to stretch her Social Security check to pay for bills and groceries for herself and her 15-year-old daughter.

The family of two lives on an extremely tight budget and often struggles to make it through the month on Cathy's modest fixed income.

"By the time you pay your car insurance and your utilities, there is just not a lot left for food," Cathy said.

The single mom beams with pride when she talks about her daughter, a Kennewick High School sophomore who is active in the church youth group and loves to play tennis.

Faith is important to Cathy and singing in the choir and regularly attending church keep her going. Cathy is a very nurturing person, who keeps tabs on her elderly neighbors to make sure they are OK and see if they need anything.

To help provide a healthy diet for herself and her daughter, Cathy sometimes visits the Nazarene Church Food Pantry for help. The pantry is a Second Harvest Tri-Cities partner charity, receiving free donated food for families and seniors in need. Asking for help isn't easy, she said, but Cathy is grateful for the food she receives there.

"There are some times I leave with big tears welling up in my eyes, and not because I am ashamed, but because I am so grateful," Cathy said.