KANSAS CITY, Mo. — For many people (and more than you might think) going to the grocery store is just too expensive when times are tough.
"We fell on hard times," Ronda Regan told 41 Action News.
Regan provides the only source of income for her family. She said her husband is disabled and she is, too.
A Turning Point, in the Northland, has been the resource Regan's family is able to turn to in their time of need.
"It helps a lot for things that we need that we can't get at the store," Regan said.
Families can come to A Turning Point’s food pantry once a week and have a personal assistant to help them pick out items, and then help carry bags to the car.
A Turning Point partners with Harvesters, getting shipments of donations that supplement the food pantry.
The nonprofit also offers a “Wardrobe” through which families can get donated items twice a month. Those in need can also get access to support groups, and an academy to help work towards a diploma through A Turning Point. Once a week, guests can also take part in a community dinner while they wait to shop.
Therese Medford has been volunteering at A Turning Point for about a year and said she feels like she gets more out of it than the clients do.
"I don't necessarily think it's all about the food here. I think it's about the camaraderie. I know these people. I see them every week. I check the status of their life, they get to talk to me, I get to talk to them," Medford said.
Volunteers such as Medford help 1,300 people a month, and A Turning Point welcomes new families every week.
The evening 41 Action News went to A Turning Point, 63 families came through the door, which broke a record for the most families served in a single day.
"I think we all do have a lot in common," Medford said. "I think we all have bad days and good days, and life just works that way, right? And sometimes you get an unexpected hiccup. So, anyone that thinks lesser of folks, you're just a paycheck away from that reality."
Regan said for many people, it's hard to ask for the help, and there's a real fear that you might not get what you need when you do. But nonprofits such as A Turning Point can also offer a sense of community.
"Makes me feel like I'm not alone," she said.
—
