In the dark early days of the pandemic, you gave Claire hope
In the darkest days of the pandemic, 10ThousandWindows supporters were a lifesaving force for survivors like Claire.
As a child, Claire (name changed to protect survivor privacy) was sexually exploited by a close family member, leaving her with deep emotional and psychological wounds. 10ThousandWindows has supported Claire as she completed her high school education and got a good job with a well-known hotel chain. But when COVID-19 hit the Philippines and the country went into strict lockdown, Claire lost her job. As the primary breadwinner for her young children, Claire didn’t know how she would feed her family.
This is Claire’s story (in her own words) of her fight for lasting freedom, which you helped make possible.
Claire’s story, in her own words
I can hardly put everything into words because COVID-19 made a big impact on my life and my family. I can’t keep track of how many nights I was so worried and sleepless, wondering where to get food and how to get by every single day. During those hardest few weeks, my partner and I barely ate because our children came first. Whatever was left was for us.
“COVID-19 made a big impact on my life and my family. I can’t keep track of how many nights I was worried and sleepless, wondering where to get food… I looked at my children every night while they slept and I could not help but cry thinking about how this pandemic hit us, pushing us to rock bottom.”
I looked at my children every night while they slept and I could not help but cry thinking about how this pandemic hit us, pushing us to rock bottom. Every day I would hope and pray that it would come to an end.
10ThousandWindows supporters were a lifesaving force
10ThousandWindows helped me a lot. My family could barely get by without them. My counselor called me and asked me how I was doing. I am glad that someone was willing to listen.
One day I was worried because we were running out of food and I did not know how we could buy more. My counselor told me that I would receive cash aid and I was so happy to hear the news.
When I received the funds, I ran to the market to buy milk, rice, eggs, canned goods, vegetables, and soap for my children. I could not afford for them to get sick or contract the virus.
10ThousandWindows has always been there with me in good and bad times. I am blessed to have an organization that sees our needs and supports us. I appreciate the thoughtfulness of my counselors, that they did not leave us behind. They’ve thought of me despite the challenges they face at home too. The financial support gave me hope that there are still people who care. All the staff encouraged me and gave me hope. They inspire me to move forward no matter how bad and difficult the situation may be.
I appreciate the thoughtfulness of my counselors, that they did not leave us behind.
Finding work in the midst of a pandemic
In June, I was hired by a manufacturing company as a production worker that manages quality control. What I like about my job is that I can share my knowledge with the other staff. I am glad that I have work that can put food on the table and provide for the needs of my family.
I will also instill in my children the importance of education and finding safe jobs. If it wasn’t for 10ThousandWindows, I would not have passed my high school exam. That is why my heart will always be thankful for the goodness 10ThousandWindows showed to me. I put my hope in my children because I do not want them to experience the same path I’ve been through.
Let my life be a testimony to inspire them and encourage them to finish their education and get safe jobs.
