Meet Irma

Change has the potential to disrupt our norms, our comfort, and at times, our joy. Change was not something Irma was prepared to face at this stage in her life. When the political climate displaced her from her home in Venezuela, Irma was forced to suddenly leave her family and her profession as special needs art teacher. Luckily, she found refuge near her son in Lakeland, FL. While her time in Lakeland holds an expiration date and she will soon face transition again, she finds meaning in her days taking care of her 2 year old grandson. Their relationship is her new found joy which helps her find hope and warmth in her time of transition and instability. Irma and her grandson visit the food pantry each week and return home to make dinner for the family. She is endlessly grateful to have found this safe haven in her time of struggle.