Stories of Impact

Finding Safety and Stability

“Toni” moved to the Cedar Valley after losing everything in a house fire in eastern Iowa. She was a victim of domestic violence for years and made the decision to leave with her two teenagers after losing everything in the fire. She was so afraid, but knew she could not let her kids live in a toxic environment any longer. Toni felt safer after the move, but did not know anyone in the Cedar Valley. She was lonely and didn’t know where to start with arranging a new home, schools, and jobs. Fortunately, a local agency referred Toni to contact Love INC about her needs. One of our intake volunteers listened to Toni’s story and encouraged her to keep pressing forward. One of Toni’s biggest concerns was making sure her kids had enough to eat. They had been through so much and Toni said she felt like a failure when they suffered because of her decisions. We scheduled an appointment with one of our partner churches for Toni to receive food, along with household and personal hygiene items. We have continued working with her family to help set up their home with other necessities to make it a safe and comfortable place to live. She started a job that has given her more stability and allows her to work with one of her kids when their shifts line up! Our Love INC volunteer also signed Toni up for a Begin Now class that has helped her connect with supportive people in her new home! We are grateful for the opportunity to come alongside Toni and her family not only with tangible goods, but with support, care, and prayer as well.