As a single mother to two children, ages 14 and 12, Cyndee’s journey has been one of resilience, sacrifice, and hope.
Five years ago, during the early stages of the COVID era, Cyndee moved to Lafayette with her mother, who was supposed to live nearby. Shortly after moving to Lafayette, Cydnee’s mother passed away, leaving Cyndee grieving and without the family support she had relied on. “It was just my mom and I against the world. Covid knocked down my future, it made it difficult to survive.”
Cyndee doesn’t drive, and with limited transportation and resources, navigating life as a single mother became even harder. Her son, Caleb, had been newly diagnosed with autism at the time, and her world shifted as she sacrificed her career and way of life to prioritize his care. Caleb began physical therapies at age five, supported by Cyndee’s unwavering dedication. She would have had to choose between working and ensuring Caleb received the healthcare and therapies he needed. Instead, she made the choice to put him first.
Meals on Wheels became a lifeline for Cyndee’s family. Cydnee has been deemed ineligible for support services in the past because she has a Master’s degree. Initially, she was worried that she would be turned away for this reason, or because of her age. Cyndee shared, “We often felt like we didn’t belong because we’re not the traditional family.” She discovered through a food bank that Meals on Wheels welcomed families like hers.
“Programs like yours are rare, where discrimination no longer exists,” she said.
Her two children and their Goldendoodle, Zeus, eagerly answer the door when their delivery drivers knock. Cyndee expressed her gratitude, saying, “You’ve made us feel like we’re not the only ones.”
Receiving meals has allowed Cydnee to be able to take classes and study from home while continuing to provide care for Caleb and his sister Ella.
Over time, Caleb graduated from his therapies. Today, with Caleb’s progress and the stability of having meals for her family, she is able to go back to work and feels empowered to determine their next steps as a family.
Receiving regular meal deliveries has made Cydnee and her children feel seen, the deliveries not only nourishing their bodies but reminding them of their humanity, and that there is a community of support. “It’s like you guys are family.”
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