Food service workers like Cathy deserve the same steady support they offer us every day.
Cathy S, a waitress at a southern restaurant in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, has spent the past 5-10 years contributing to North Carolina’s vibrant food service industry. Dedicated to showcasing Southern roots through the dishes she serves and interacting with the community, Cathy has always appreciated the supportive environment fostered by her workplace. However, her journey took an unexpected turn when she suffered a debilitating stroke—a life-altering crisis that put her health, finances, and livelihood at risk.
During her recovery, Cathy faced significant challenges as she struggled to manage expenses while living alone. Without anyone to rely on for support, the weight of her rent, utility bills, and medical concerns threatened her path to healing. Fortunately, a coworker introduced her to Giving Kitchen—a nonprofit dedicated to helping hospitality workers through tough times. After hearing about their resources, Cathy decided to apply for financial assistance. She described the application process as “very simple,” which was crucial for someone juggling a health crisis.
The assistance Cathy received from Giving Kitchen was a life-changing relief. The organization stepped in to cover two months of her rent and one month of her electricity bill. This support allowed her to focus on her recovery without the constant fear of losing her home or falling further behind on bills. As Cathy puts it, “Giving Kitchen gave me peace of mind and hope.” With much of the financial burden lifted, she was able to return to work at Big Ed’s and catch up on the expenses she was behind on.
