Why is a place like The Branch needed in southeast Nashville?
Because of people like Gaby.
Gabriela and her family came to America from Venezuela in 2015, fleeing the economic and political chaos and violence that surrounded her home. “When violence reached our apartment building and tear gas flooded our home, we knew we had to leave the area. We sold everything we had, even my dentistry instruments and books, so we would have some money to start a new life in America.”
Gaby’s sister, who had fled to Nashville a year earlier, welcomed them into the apartment where she was living in Antioch with her in-laws and their family, a total of 16 people living in a 2-bedroom apartment. She told Gaby about The Branch, a place that gave people food. “Never was I in a position where I needed that sort of help. Being there felt so foreign to me because I was always on the other side of that scenario.”
“Being at The Branch, I felt seen. Everyone was so nice! Of course, that didn’t make my embarrassment go away, but they made me feel that this place was a zero judgement place, where prejudice disappeared, regardless of where I came from, why I was there, or how I got there. For that 1 hour I was there, they made me feel that everything was gonna be ok. Me and my family became monthly clients of The Branch.”
Life was hard and chaotic for Gaby and her family during that time. Gaby was a Periodontist in Venezuela but was now working the night shift cleaning offices, while her husband, an engineer in Venezuela, was working construction. She learned that her credits as a dentist would not transfer to even dental hygiene school in America. In June of 2016, they had their second son and were finally able to move into their own rental apartment.
In the fall of 2017, Gaby was hired by The Branch to care for children of ELL students attending classes. “The best of the benefits of working there was being allowed to bring my baby with me to work, so not only had they been helping me feed my family through the Pantry, but they also gave me employment.” She was soon promoted to Childcare Manager and volunteered as a translator. “I enjoyed every step of the process, I felt like my voice was heard, I had an input, they made me part of it.”
Gaby was working several jobs during this time and working to be licensed as a dental assistant. In early 2020, she sadly left employment at The Branch to be a dental assistant. We were all so very proud of her. But then there was the COVID pandemic, and Gaby was laid off by the dental office and The Branch stopped childcare services. “Because I had learned skills as a translator and interpreter at The Branch, I looked into making a living from using those skills. I got formally trained, and one year later I was certified by the National Board of Medical Interpreters. I have been working as an interpreter for almost 4 years now.”
Gaby is still heavily involved with The Branch. “I volunteer every time I can. I am a Care Partner in the Comprehensive Care program, and last year I became a monthly donor of the Giving Tree program, which I always dreamt of. I know in the future my contribution will only get bigger.”
Gaby shared her story with us at the August 23rd Ribbon Cutting event. We love Gaby dearly and are so privileged to celebrate her accomplishments with her. Her closing remarks explain beautifully why we are here and why community support is so important.
“Mine is only one of the many stories of success The Branch of Nashville has helped build. I know several former ESL students and clients of the food pantry who today are business owners and have made lots of progress in this country.”
“The Branch is a unique place. I could have gone to a different food pantry to get a cart full of groceries to fill our bellies, but I’m 100% sure I couldn’t have found the support to heal my soul and consequently, help me and my family overcome.”