Meet Our Moms: Latorie - Mama of 1
“My son is a light, energetic, and happy child. Even when he is not feeling well, he is an amazing little kid. He is so great - he’ll come over to me to and wrap my face with his little hands and tell me, “It’s gonna be OK mom.” I’m so very grateful that he chose me to be his mom.” - Latorie
Like too many mothers know far too well, this past year has been especially challenging for Latorie, mama to a four year old son.
Recently relocated from Alabama, Latorie was working as a respiratory therapist at a local hospital, making a competitive wage and doing it all on her own, “Never ever have I not been able to provide for my family.”
When COVID-19 hit, she had two choices - stop working so she could take care of her son or send him back to be with family so she could work. For two months, she chose the latter, hustling in 12 hour shifts so she could provide for her family. “I could only do it for two months though,” she says, “I just missed him so much and needed to be with him.”
In May of 2020, Latorie was furloughed from her job. Because of her recent move, qualifying from unemployment benefits was a challenge. All of a sudden, she found herself going through a really hard and stressful time.
Luckily, a co-worker’s friend gave Latorie a list of organizations who might be able to help her. Tender was on that list. “When I went to the website, it was pretty straightforward. And you know what? I can bet that Jaycina emailed me back within 24-hours. By the end of the week, she made a miracle happen.”
Since Tender came into Latorie’s life, we’ve been able to help her with rental assistance, childcare, and groceries, “I was in an extremely difficult situation. I have no family here - no other options.”
“To me, Tender is fulfilling, it’s a relief,” Latorie explains, “What Tender has done for me - there really are no words....they are a savior. They saved us.”
Today, Latorie and her son are doing better. Everyone is getting back to good health, is working again, and back in school, “When you are under a high level of stress you don’t need anything else added to your plate. Tender made the process seamless. They didn't have to extend such kindness to me, but they did and I will be forever grateful.”