Monica smiles proudly during her phlebotomist internship, grateful for the help she received from SVdP.
Your kindness has become a beacon of hope for Monica and her family. Your generosity has helped Monica transform her life, and highlights the profound impact community support can have on the lives of those in need.
Through the unwavering assistance of the St. Mary’s branch of St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County (SVdP), Monica’s story is one of overcoming adversity, pursuing education, and ultimately entering a career where she can make a difference.
The COVID-19 pandemic hit Monica’s family hard. Dealing with job loss, she and her husband had to rely on unemployment – which provided a fraction of their previous income. A friend introduced Monica to SVdP’s branch at St. Mary’s in Walnut Creek.
Grateful for the assistance, Monica expressed, “My friend told me the volunteers there could help my family. They were so wonderful. They helped us with food when we really needed it. They helped keep us afloat.”
Wanting to improve her career prospects, Monica made the courageous decision to return to school. Enrolling in phlebotomy classes, she wanted to find a career that allowed her to provide for her family and to help others.
Monica said the food and support she received from SVdP was essential in helping her family. While pursuing her studies, she received the opportunity to start an internship. She felt nervous and one day while picking up food from the volunteers at SVdP St. Mary’s branch, she saw a chance to ask them for emotional support as well.
“I saw the volunteers at SVdP had a prayer request form. I was starting an internship and asked them to pray for me,” Monica shared. “And my internship ended up going so well, and I had so much fun, I knew I had made the right choice to become a phlebotomist.”
After graduating, Monica discovered it would cost $500 to have her transcripts sent to the licensing board. Monica said she felt crushed, and was not sure how her family would be able to afford the unexpected expense. Monica returned to SVdP, and encountered a compassionate ally in an SVdP volunteer.
Monica said the volunteer not only remembered her prayer request but also guided her through the process of securing the necessary funds to apply for her Phlebotomist license. With SVdP’s support, Monica is now awaiting approval from the licensing board, eager to embark on a fulfilling career as a licensed phlebotomist.
Monica’s success extends beyond her own achievements. Her 20-year-old son is studying and working to help others by monitoring EKG machines remotely. As she prepares to enter the workforce, Monica said she is incredibly thankful for the support she received.
“I’m just so grateful for all the help I’ve received from SVdP,” Monica emphasized. “People don’t know they even exist, but they’re helping people, and they’re so wonderful.”
Monica’s story shows the transformative power of kindness, community, and the vital role played by generous people like you in creating a brighter future for those in need.
