Discovering Support and Hope at Martha’s Table

Prior to joining the Family Visiting program, Samantha was unfamiliar with Martha’s Table, but it quickly became an integral part of her life, especially during her most challenging moments. She has been a part of the program for nearly five years, a period that has seen both profound loss and tremendous growth. The sudden loss of her son in 2019 left Samantha in a state of despair. However, the support from Martha’s Table, particularly from Family Visitor Miss Ida, a key figure in her journey, provided her with a sense of relief and understanding that was pivotal in her healing process.

“I don’t know where I would be. Miss Ida helped me through a lot of things. I feel closer to Miss Ida than my own mother. I don’t even see her as someone that’s just coming to visit my house. I can call Miss Ida at any given time and she would answer the phone and just listen to me talk. I’m going through something now and I talked to Miss Ida and now I feel so relieved. I can call her any time of the day, any day or whatever she will listen to me talk.” –Samantha Baines 

Samantha’s story is a testament to resilience. Having faced homelessness since childhood, her life has been a series of struggles and triumphs. Her return to Washington D.C. from Pennsylvania marked a new beginning. With the support of Martha’s Table, she has made a significant achievement in securing a stable and spacious home for her family, symbolizing a new era of stability and growth.

“Brandon [was] a premature baby and Miss Ida helped me with a lot of things because I didn’t know about premature babies since that was the first time I had a premature baby. Now she helps me with baby Zion” –Samantha Baines

As a mother of seven, Samantha has witnessed the enriching impact of Martha’s Table on her children, especially on her youngest, Brandon and Zion. The program has provided essential support tailored to her family’s needs, fostering her children’s development and wellbeing.

Samantha is not just a program participant but also an active contributor to the Martha’s Table  community. She participates in the parent council and has graduated from the Baby & Me Program. Her interactions with other families highlight the sense of community and mutual support that Martha’s Table fosters.

Samantha’s relationship with Martha’s Table speaks to the power of community support, empathy, and engagement in fostering personal growth and empowerment. Her goals, including obtaining her GED and CPA, reflect her ongoing commitment to personal growth and the positive influence of Martha’s Table in her life.

“Seeing Ms. Baines’ transformation through our Family Visiting program at Martha’s Table has been a heartening experience. Her strength, despite the obstacles she faced, and her unwavering love for her children, have not only inspired me but also everyone at Martha’s Table. It’s a privilege to support and witness the journey of such a resilient mother. Samantha’s determination and progress are a testament to the power of community support and the resilience of the human spirit.” -Miss Ida, Family Visitor

To learn more about the Family Visiting program, click here.