Letisia’s Story

We met Letisía in January, when she called to inquire about our Free Clothing Program. The mother of six had been referred by a social worker at the Stanford University Clinic, where her one-year-old daughter is receiving treatment for gastrointestinal complications that require her to use a feeding tube daily. Letisía is originally from Guatemala but fled the country due to its civil unrest and has been living in San Mateo for 10 years. She told us that she hadn’t asked for help before because she and her husband were working and able to provide for their family.

However, since the start of the pandemic, she’s had to stay home and take care of her sick baby, as well as her other three children, who are adapting to online learning. Life has been even more stressful lately because Letisía’s husband doesn’t have steady employment, and they’ve been unable to pay rent.

“St. Anthony’s is a huge relief. If someone needs help, you help them and treat them with dignity. You don’t discriminate.”

When Letisía called our Free Clothing Program, our Service Lead Marcellus Ducreay answered and immediately stepped into action. Not only did he help organize clothes and hygiene items for all six family members, he also connected her to our Resource Center where they were able to provide the family with several bags of fresh food and canned goods. Letisía will be returning to St. Anthony’s every couple months to restock and is feeling more optimistic about the future.