Our Arlington Neighbors: Rosario

Rossy has always loved Arlington, but struggled at times to take care of her daughters as a single mother, especially during COVID-19. However, she has been blessed by ABB during these uncertain times to continue to provide for her family. ABB is honored to serve her; this is her story:

I had the blessing of coming to this country on a tourist visa with my two younger children. My initial reason was to meet my husband who was already living here, at the time. Since then, I have always lived in Arlington, VA. I remember I began working in 2015 - it was the winter season, so I started off cleaning/shoveling snow. Then I went from cleaning houses to working as a waitress in a restaurant. Since then my English has gotten better.

However, when it came to my family, my marriage fell apart. My husband was an alcoholic and became abusive towards me. Just last year, I decided to take it to court, and he was asked to leave. I had to go to therapy sessions with my girls. I became depressed and suffered through a lot of pain. It was a long process, but thankfully with my girls we have been able to recover some since.

When the restaurants started closing due to COVID-19, I could no longer be a waitress, but I still had money left to pay rent. Sometimes, I was asked to clean houses and that would help some, but it wasn’t enough. My girls were scared, and worried - especially my oldest Margeory (age 10), since she has a stronger understanding of what was going on. She would ask me questions like, “How will we overcome this?”

A friend who was getting assistance through ABB reached out to me, and said that I should apply with them as well, to see if I could recieve the same...I’m thankful they were willing to invite me.

I have been receiving food items to my door at least once a week since the pandemic started. I want to give thanks for the support ABB has given me during this time - it has filled one major basic need. Being unemployed has been of much worry to me and has caused financial problems and economically constraints - not to mention debts. It helps to know that there is a support system that helps get rid of one worried thought: how will I feed my family today?"