WE SERVE HOPE. YOU DO, TOO. 2023 RESTAURANT GIVING CIRCLE IMPACT REPORT
SPOKANE Total Impacted 218 PEOPLE Housing Stability $25,000 Mental and Emotional Health and Life Coaching $2,500 Job Readiness $2,500 GROWING STRONG TOGETHER Chris is a well-loved, hard-working chef, passionate about food and people. He was initially referred in 2013 for relational support and counseling resources while managing a difficult season of depression. We stayed connected as the years flew by, checking in and encouraging Chris in whatever circumstances he was in. In 2022, a co-worker and Big Table friend noticed Chris painstakingly navigate the bus route to/from work and referred him to Big Table to help find reliable transportation. Evident of Chris’ care and camaraderie for others, this community rallied to get him wheels. In partnership with his employer and a local care partner, your support was leveraged to get Chris back on the road. Fast forward to 2023 (a decade into walking with Chris), he trusted us enough to share that he was in desperate need of a full extraction and dentures due to some long-term dental issues. We’ve lined up care partners to help, and Chris is now motivated to improve his health this year – including a goal to quit smoking – so he is ready for the procedures. What an incredible honor to watch Chris’ ten-year transformational story unfold, bringing with it personal and spiritual growth, a focus on healthy living, and the blessing of a rekindled faith. “I always know that you are there, and just knowing that y’all care about me does more good than I can put into words.” | CHRIS
SAN DIEGO Total Impacted 228 PEOPLE Housing Stability $25,000 Mental and Emotional Health and Life Coaching $2,500 Job Readiness $2,500 ON THE ROAD TO HEALING “I can’t tell you enough how much it means to me to have all the care and support Big Table has offered. With all the sudden changes to my life, our family couldn’t do this without you!” | EMA Ema was working as a server at a popular breakfast spot in San Diego when we met her. Unfortunately, Ema’s life has been filled with chronic pain due to a progressive spinal deteriorating condition. Now in her adult life working as a waitress, it has been an increasingly aggravating battle working through the pain. As the pain and discomfort worsened, she decided to have another surgery to remove and replace the existing screws up and down her spine to help improve her quality of life. During surgery, she suffered cardiac arrest. Luckily, the doctors were able to revive her. Sadly, because of other complications during surgery, she had to have her left leg partially amputated. A completely life-altering circumstance. Thanks to the support of Restaurant Giving Circle, we were able to provide Ema with crucial rental and utility bill assistance, so her family could keep the lights on while she was in the hospital. We also helped with credit card payments to meet their cost-of-living needs as well as a wheelchair and shower chair to help her adapt to her new life. Prior to surgery she had a beaming personality filled with energy, positivity, and love for life. Despite all that she has been through, she has maintained that light and love, and we will continue to support her on the long road to healing.
A BRIGHT ROAD AHEAD “I keep looking outside to make sure the car is still there. I’m so thankful for it, it is such a huge relief. I can’t believe that you guys do all that you do. I’ve never experienced it before. Thank you.” | REEBIE NASHVILLE Total Impacted 201 PEOPLE Housing Stability $25,000 Mental and Emotional Health and Life Coaching $2,500 Job Readiness $2,500 As the youngest of four, Reebie was raised by an older sister. She moved from New York to Nashville several years ago. Her roommate – who also works in the industry – referred Reebie after she was in a hit-and-run that left her car undriveable. A loophole allowed her insurance company to refuse to pay her claim, so she was burning through her paycheck on Uber rides just to keep her job at a local fine dining restaurant. In partnership with another non-profit, Mechanics on a Mission, we started working to get her a drivable vehicle. But not just any vehicle. Reebie ideally needed one that could pull a trailer she had in New York that she has long dreamed of turning into a vegan Puerto Rican food truck. After some patience, we were thrilled to be there as Reebie picked up her perfect vehicle, a beefy and beautiful Honda Odyssey with the full tow package. She was in disbelief that we weren’t asking for anything from her in return. That’s thanks to your support. After helping her get the registration and tags, we watched Reebie drive away with a huge smile on her face, knowing there is a bright future waiting for her just down the road.
FINDING HOPE AND HOME “You helped make this possible, I cannot believe it. Thank you so much.” | BRITTANY COLORADO SPRINGS Total Impacted 127 PEOPLE* Housing Stability $25,000 Mental and Emotional Health and Life Coaching $2,500 Job Readiness $2,500 A housekeeper in a local hotel, Brittany was our first care referral in Colorado Springs. She had been struggling to make rent as a single mom, while also navigating some tough family dynamics. Initially, Big Table helped her catch up on rent, but Brittany ended up homeless after losing her job months later. We continued to care by providing encouragement and sharing some hard conversations about getting her life on track. Brittany didn’t give up. She landed a new job, diligently saved money, and recently moved into a new place. Thanks to your generosity, we were there—with a U-Haul and support. After a redemptive day of lifting and sweating, she is now smiling in a safe, comfortable home again. *CARE IN PROGRESS We opened our Colorado Springs care team office in late spring of 2023. Thanks in part to your generosity, we have already cared for 127 care recipients and their families. Many stories are in early stages – workers finding reliable transportation, avoiding homelessness, and finally feeling some emotional peace simply by having someone in their corner for the first time. We look forward to sharing more stories of hope as we continue to work through your generous funding in 2024.
CHRIS, EMA, REEBIE, AND BRITTANY. Restaurant Giving Circle, these real stories of hope have been written thanks to your support. There are countless more tied directly to your funding, too. You are bringing critical care to industry workers in crisis. Immediate triage care that is grounded in long-term relationship that builds capacity into their lives. That turns the tables and serves real hope to those who serve us. We are so grateful to be on mission with you. A PERSONAL THANK YOU FROM OUR CITIES TO YOU. Watch as our City Directors share gratitude from their hearts. BECAUSE OF YOUR GENEROSITY, HOPE WAS SERVED IN 2023.