Caritas of Waco Brings Hope: Sabrina’s Story
By Mary Beth Kauk, Director of Development
Since the pandemic began in March, Caritas of Waco is serving, on average, over 10,000 individuals a month, many of them affected by Covid-19. When you support Caritas, you are supporting people in our local community, like Sabrina and her daughters.
Sabrina is a single mother of four girls. She also supports her mother who is disabled. Sabrina is the only provider in her household. Sabrina was able to support her family by having a stable job as a General Manager at a local restaurant. Then in March of 2020 everything changed. Due to Covid-19, the restaurant had to close and she was laid-off. Sabrina was devastated.
“Going from a stable job with full-time employment and benefits to unemployment was a huge impact on our family,” said Sabrina. “$500 a month on unemployment is not enough to support four children and two adults.”
Because of her job loss due to Covid-19, Sabrina had to decide whether to pay bills or put food on the table. But things got worse. Sabrina was notified that the restaurant would not make it after the closings of Covid-19 and would be shutting its doors permanently. “I felt hopeless. I felt I had nowhere to turn and then my sister recommended calling Caritas.”
Sabrina called and was connected with a Caritas Intensive Case Manager. Caritas was able to help Sabrina and her family by paying their late electricity bill and rent bill. “Caritas helped me when I had nowhere to turn. In addition to the bill assistance, I am also able to get food at Caritas to help feed my family.”
Sabrina is still job searching but has enrolled in school to use her time to further her education. “It is so hard right now. Not many people are hiring, especially for restaurant general managers. I am thankful that my family and I have a place like Caritas to turn to.”
Sabrina is just one of the thousands of people in our community hurting from the effects of the pandemic. Caritas of Waco has served people in our community for over 53 years and continues to serve as place of hope, especially during this time. To make a gift or to get involved, please visit www.caritas-waco.org. Your support is appreciated now, more than ever.
*Thank you, Sabrina, for your willingness to share your story.
Originally from Virginia, Mary Beth Kauk now calls Texas home. She attended the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor where she obtained her bachelor’s degree and Master of Business Administration in Management. Prior to Caritas, Mary Beth worked in development, marketing, and PR for United Way of Waco-McLennan County and United Way of Central Texas. When she is not working, she enjoys being outdoors and spending time with family and friends. Mary Beth is married to Kasey and they have three fur babies – Wally, Kaiser, and Sunshine.