The new normal

Laura was a stay-at-home mom raising her two children when she and her husband separated. Soon afterwards, her sister joined their household after she was diagnosed with cancer. Laura found herself without a paying job and responsible for a family of four. Her church referred her to IOCP. There, she used the food shelf and received rent assistance.

“I can’t tell you how the stress is off me, knowing I can feed my kids,” she said. “Without IOCP, I couldn’t have stayed in my house.”

Laura has her master’s degree and works full time now. Even so, sometimes she needs a little help.

“I’m the new normal,” Laura said.” I used to donate to IOCP, and my kids have participated in the Sleep Out. But we all face transitions, and IOCP has helped me give my kids stability, a routine, winter coats, and food on the table. IOCP saved me.”