Maria is a single mother of four who works two jobs to provide for her family. When her van — the family's only transportation — broke down, she faced an impossible choice: pay for repairs she couldn't afford or lose the jobs that kept her family housed and fed.
A community member connected Maria with Small and Simple Things. After meeting with her and understanding her situation, we coordinated with a local mechanic who donated labor while we covered the cost of parts. Within a week, Maria's van was running again.
But the story didn't end with a repaired engine. Through our relationship with Maria, we learned about other challenges her family faced. We connected her children with tutoring resources, helped her create a simple budget, and introduced her to a local support group for single parents.
"You didn't just fix my van," Maria told us. "You showed me that people care. That gave me the strength to keep going and to believe things can get better."
Maria's story captures what Small and Simple Things is about. A van repair is a small thing. But for Maria's family, it was the catalyst for a season of growth, stability, and renewed hope. We seek not only to relieve immediate needs but to help individuals discover their potential and move forward with purpose.
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