“This is where I need to be…” Miranda’s story

If anyone understands the power of hope, it’s Grace Care Center Friend Miranda.

Ever since she was young, Miranda has shouldered huge responsibilities. She never felt like she had anyone looking out for her or a place where she truly belonged.

“I’ve been taking care of others since I was 8, looking after my siblings because my parents weren’t around. Besides my husband, I hadn’t had anyone truly care about me since then.”

This all changed when she stepped into the Grace Care Center two years ago.

Although she was nervous that day, Miranda says that she was hopeful. She felt like she was walking into a place where she could truly get the help she needed.

“When I first came here, it was just one of those things where the place felt safe.”

As a mom of three, Miranda’s first priority was filling their bellies with nutritious food. What she didn’t expect was the Choice Food Pantry, where she was able to make selections based on her family’s needs - as well as their wants.

“Being able to pick and choose here, instead of just being handed something and told, ‘Here’s what you get—deal with it,’ makes a difference. I know it might sound strange because when you’re in need, you don’t expect to choose, but it makes you feel better about yourself.”

From there, Miranda made a move to tackle a major challenge - an ongoing cycle of financial stress. She knew her spending was out of control and wanted to find someone who could help her find ways to tighten up, pay off her debt, and start saving.

So, she signed up for Grace Care Center’s financial meetings with a dedicated and knowledgeable volunteer.

“The first meeting was tough - just getting out of bed was hard because of my depression. It was mentally exhausting, and getting into a routine was challenging. But it helped me address not only my money issues but so many other problems in my life.”

Miranda has since worked hard, shown up to every meeting, and is now nearly debt-free. She is also excited that she and her husband are officially working towards buying their first house, a feeling she wasn’t sure she’d ever have.

But the part of Grace Care Center that helped Miranda the most was one she didn’t expect - a sense of community.

Miranda’s community at Grace Care Center is made up of individuals who truly care about her and her family. She shares that everyone is so kind and friendly, checking in with her regularly and celebrating her milestones.

“The family I grew up with was so discouraging, but here, people welcomed me. They saw the real me. I thought, ‘Okay, these people see me, and they’re genuine. This is where I need to be.’”

Today, Miranda is one of those people who forms connections with our Grace Care Center Friends. She volunteers on a regular basis - in our Choice Food Pantry, at Grace Church, and more - giving back to an organization that truly changed her life.

And she has a message for those looking to make a gift to the Grace Care Center Foundation this giving season:

“This support is doing something real. It’s not just putting food on shelves or giving financial advice - it’s actually changing lives and making things better.”

When you donate to the Grace Care Center Foundation, you give hope to so many of our neighbors - like Miranda - who have none. Your gift will go right to work to provide food, financial services, vehicle assistance, and so much more.

Give today to turn hope into action. Thank you for making a real difference for Central Indiana individuals and families.