Meet Danika
Member at St. Joseph’s

St. Joseph Social Service Center spoke to Danika, a registered client of theirs, on her first day of volunteering at their receptionist desk:

“I am surviving because of you,” she says.

After losing her job as an Administrative Assistant of six years in August, she was struggling. She initially tried to survive on her own, but she and her seven-year-old daughter faced some difficulties at home. Danika’s aunt suggested she go to a food pantry for help which is how she came to St. Joseph Social Service Center. 

She first came to a Community Distribution and met case worker, Antonia who explained the registration process, all the services available, and helped her register during that appointment. She met with a SNAP Outreach person at St. Joseph’s. Danika found out she was not eligible, but with the assistance of the Outreach person she will apply for an appeal. 

Danika now comes once a month to our client choice pantry and attends our Community Distributions and Daily Bread Program. She is so grateful and always leaves with so much food. She has not had to buy bread since coming here about 2 months ago. Her daughter loves the ham sandwiches. 

She finds that St. Joseph’s is the most organized food pantry compared to others and has a great system that works. “Everyone is so good at what they do and are so caring and respectful. People feel so welcome when they come here. It doesn’t matter where you come from or what you look like, everyone is treated with dignity.” 

“It is so nice that Antonia and others know so many of the regular clients’ names.  Antonia introduced me to Bernadette Murphy (Executive Director) and I was so impressed that she learned my name. Now every time I see her; she calls me by my name.” 

“I was struggling and had so much on my mind. You guys listened and helped facilitate things. I am surviving because of you. You helped me so much, so that is why I signed up to volunteer right away. I received so much and now I want to give back.”