“I’ve never been to a food pantry before today,” Sheila said the day we met her. She says she was driving by Crossroads when she noticed a line of people waiting to receive food, so she decided to stop and learn more about the service and discovered she qualified to receive food from the pantry. “Because of the pandemic there…
As a 20-year Dallas County resident, John operated clubs and restaurants before settling into the retail field in later years. Although he had a long career in hospitality and retail, when it comes to volunteer service, John is most at home at Crossroads. “It’s a great environment,” he says. “It’s extremely well-run and they have big hearts.” John says he’s…
At 17 years old, Michael helps take care of his younger siblings — and he wants to thank you for helping his family through an especially difficult time. We met up with Michael during his family’s third visit to a Crossroads Drive-Through Pantry. Michael’s mom lost her job earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s been a struggle to fill…
“I’m so glad I already knew this was here when I lost my job and really needed it,” Guadalupe says as she loads her car with healthy groceries. It’s very rewarding that Guadalupe took comfort in knowing we are here and she is welcome, especially in the wake of COVID-19. Guadalupe had been working as a restaurant cook when the…
When Don retired from his wholesale distribution company, he knew he wasn’t quite ready to relax into his golden years. Don wanted to stay on his feet. “Volunteering is fun,” he says of the time he spends here at Crossroads. “You’re doing something active, not just sitting down.” Don brings the logistical experience from his company to our organization, which…
Easter loves her job as a school bus driver; unfortunately, she’s been furloughed since the pandemic began. She picks up shifts working for Greyhound, but since she’s older, Easter has to take extra precautions to ensure her safety from the virus. Like so many of her neighbors, Easter’s struggling with the financial strain of lost income. She says it’s been…
“I’ve never been at this place in my life where I’ve been struggling so much,” Jasmin says, reflecting on her family’s situation. Her husband hasn’t worked since COVID-19 turned their world upside down. Jasmin only earns about $12 an hour. The couple is fortunate to have family help with childcare for Kayla and Layla, ages 6 and 5, and their…
Ma lives with her son’s family and spends much of her time doting on her grandkids, ages 4, 2 and 7 months. She loves spending time with her family and cooking for them. But affording necessities — including food — is tough during the pandemic. Her son works as a landscaper, and though it can be a socially distant job,…
After growing up in Milwaukee, Eileen felt out of place when she began her studies at the University of Dallas. But now, she considers North Texas her new home. In fact, she’s invested in her local community as a Crossroads volunteer. Eileen joined Crossroads as an intern focused on food insecurity and continues her hands-on research by working in our…
Andrea first started working with Crossroads Community Services as an intern through Texas Woman’s University. She chose to continue her important work here as a volunteer after her internship ended. “Volunteers, staff members and interns all work together as one big family,” Andrea says. “This work has become a passion.” She enjoys sharing her knowledge of local partners and programs…
