These are the stories of real people, people being cared for through the JustOne Initiatives....
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Laundry Love Project in Los Angeles:
I spoke with Juan and Martha, a couple who are Laundry Love regulars. They have two children, one boy and one girl, with a third baby on the way. Juan has lived in the United States for three years and Martha followed two years later. Juan speaks broken English while Martha speaks even less. Juan arrived before his family to make a place for them here. He found work in construction and has been doing so for a while now. Martha cleans houses for a living. Both children have been in school for a year. They both felt uncomfortable and insecure in going to an English school. When I asked Juan and Martha what they thought of laundry love they expressed gratitude towards the kindness that they have received from the people who come. The help that they receive from Laundry Love has alleviated at least one financial impact in their lives, but the real gratitude for them lies with the gesture that someone actually cares about them. Martha did have a good suggestion; she thought that it would be very helpful to have a tutor available for children who come to Laundry Love.
I also was able to speak with Roberto who arrived with two friends. Roberto also is an immigrant who is trying to get his feet on the ground here. Although it is unknown how long Roberto has been in the country, I can say that he certainly has had a rough time here so far. I learned that he and his two friends live in a nearby park, sleeping in tents and washing up where they can find access to clean water. I found Roberto utilizing the water from one of the washers that day. He gets around on a bike and looks for work everyday at a local hardware store. Most days work is tough to come by, but he is able to find something at least once per week. The most endearing part about Roberto was his humble heart and gentle character. Roberto and his two friends did not have much; not even a quarter to use the restroom or soap to wash their clothes. It's easy to see how Laundry Love is a benefit for those like Roberto and his two friends.
Warm wishes,
Adriana Nguyen
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