Brenda and her mother made the courageous decision to leave Liberia in 2004, hopeful for a brighter future in America. They first settled in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, where Brenda began building her path forward by attending Century College and dreaming of the life she and her mother had envisioned.
But in 2012, life took an unexpected turn. While in college, Brenda was diagnosed with schizophrenia, a diagnosis that changed everything. As she and her mother worked tirelessly to manage her mental health and find the right medications, they faced a number of challenges, especially the side effects, like overwhelming fatigue, that made it difficult for Brenda to continue school or maintain a job.
Seeking better job opportunities and a fresh start, they moved to Fargo, North Dakota. While things have remained difficult, Brenda continues to push forward with hope. She is deeply thankful for the support of places like the Emergency Food Pantry, which have helped ease the burden when Social Security benefits fall short.
“It’s not just food. It promotes stability, it promotes one step of encouragement, and it promotes someone’s future.”
Brenda hopes to return to school one day, motivated by the desire to make her mother proud, though we’re certain her mother already is. Her journey is one of resilience, love, and unwavering hope.