Meals that make a difference for a family in need
Giraldo works tirelessly to provide stability and care for his wife, Yosemar, and their two young sons, both of who face serious health challenges. As the sole provider, he pushes through long days of work with little rest, but despite his efforts the strain of supporting a family of four on one income makes it difficult to keep up. At times, it’s a challenge to even put food on the table. Through it all, the family knows St. Vincent de Paul will be there to help in their most vulnerable moments through the NextPhase Family Dining Room for regular meals and food boxes, helping ensure they have consistent access to food each week.
Originally from Venezuela, the family made the difficult decision to immigrate in search of better healthcare for their children. Their journey has not been easy, but it has been driven by hope.
Their oldest son, Yoel, is just seven years old and has spent much of his life in a wheelchair due to paralyzed tendons in his legs. Today, thanks to the advanced medical care provided by the state, he is learning to walk, an incredible milestone for the entire family. His younger brother, Josue, continues to battle severe seizures, requiring constant care and attention.
Due to both children needing round-the-clock care, Yosemar stays home to watch the children while Giraldo works construction jobs to support them.
While the family was searching for help with rent, a friend directed them to SVdP. With little knowledge of the services offered, they decided to visit the nonprofit anyway, unsure of what to expect.
Feeling overwhelmed and uncertain as they walked through the campus, they met Juana Montes, a case manager with SVdP’s Family Support Services. From that moment, a meaningful connection began to grow.
“She says I’m like a second mother to her,” said Juana.
From their first encounter, Juana felt drawn to the family and recognized they would need extra care and support.
“When I saw them outside, it caught my attention seeing them with their little boys, one of them lying there in his wheelchair,” she said.
Determined to help, Juana encouraged the family to visit the Family Evening Meal program at SVdP’s NextPhase Family Dining Room. That simple step became a turning point, giving the family reliable access to warm meals, helping them stretch their income further, and easing the constant worry about how they would afford their next meal.
As time went on, Yosemar and her family discovered the full range of support available to them, from food assistance to community resources, all of which provided much-needed stability.
“I come every second Saturday of the month for the drive-through food bank,” Giraldo said. “They give you very good food, even meat, and it helps us so much.”
They were especially moved by how welcoming and supportive the environment felt. For Giraldo, consistent access to food has lifted a significant weight off his shoulders.
“In all honesty, this place helps so much. My sons love to come here to play. It’s a distraction for all of us,” Giraldo said. “Everyone treats us so kindly.”
Creating a sense of dignity and belonging is important to St. Vincent de Paul’s mission, offering not just basic needs, but a place where families feel at home and supported.
“The respect and care from everyone here really makes you feel like you’re at home,” Yosemar said.
Cindy, SVdP's Family Evening Program Manager, has watched the family’s journey unfold and says they bring joy to everyone around them.
“Seeing Yoel grow, from being in a wheelchair to where he is now, it’s great,” Cindy said. “Every time he falls, he just gets right back up with a smile on his face.”
Beyond food support, the Dream Center has also become a meaningful part of their lives, giving their children a place to play, learn, and simply be kids again.
“There are many people who truly need this kind of support,” Yosemar said. “We want others to know about St. Vincent de Paul. It’s not just a plate of food, you feel happy here.”
For families like Giraldo’s and Yosemar’s, access to consistent meals makes all the difference, bringing relief in difficult moments and helping them move forward with stability and hope.
The family looks ahead with renewed hope for a future where Yoel regains full mobility and Josue’s condition continues to stabilize. As they settle into their new, more spacious home, they find a sense of peace and comfort in knowing they can always count on SVdP's NextPhase Familiy Dining Room.
