When Duvrabska and her family left their home in Venezuela, they couldn’t have imagined the overwhelming challenges they’d face once they arrived in the states. They were starting over — learning a new language, securing safe shelter, and finding basic necessities like food for their family.
But when she discovered her local food bank, Duvrabska found food, hope, and the foundation her family needed to build their new life.
“For people like me arriving in a new country, knowing very few individuals, this is like a second chance,” Duvrabska says. “They were an important part of my new life here — and they helped me right away.”
As a mother, Duvrabska’s greatest concern was ensuring her children wouldn’t go hungry. That’s why she was so grateful for the consistent access to nutritious food she received from her local food bank.
“They helped me with food for my children, for myself, and now I’m able to help others — this makes me feel so proud,” she says.
Duvrabska never forgot the kindness she was shown in her time of need. And, as she watched volunteers work tirelessly to serve families like hers, Duvrabska was inspired to join them. She and her daughter now volunteer side by side at the same food bank, assisting neighbors with the welcoming compassion they once received.
“We are helping people get back on track. Helping the community is the least we can do after everything they’ve done for us. We have an opportunity to pay it forward.”
Her message to anyone hesitating to seek help is simple: “They’ll be received with open arms, just like they received me,” she says. “We all go through hard times. But together, we lift each other up.”
Duvrabska doesn’t take your support for granted. Thank you for helping her family when times got tough — and for inspiring her to pay your kindness forward!
