Editor’s note: We are introducing our latest blog series, Giving Thanks. As everyone prepares to celebrate Thanksgiving, we feel this is the perfect time to invite KidWorks’ friends and families to share a little about what they are most thankful for. Look for another installment next week!
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Maria Villa knows instantly what fills her with gratitude and thankfulness as the holidays approach.
“If you met my grandmother, Fermina Flores, you’d know why I want to share my story by saying how grateful I am for having her in my life,” Maria says. “She raised and guided me all these years, and so that is why I prefer to call her Mom instead of Grandmother.”
Maria's grandmother provided her with all the love, care, and resources she needed growing up. She lovingly refers to her grandmother as the “ultimate role mode”: Always being caring, lovable and hard working.
Maria and her husband, Juan Carlos, are proud parents who also readily express how grateful they are for their children.
“I have two little ones, Ashley, who is in first grade and enrolled in KidWorks’ programs, and Carlos, who is two-years-old,” Maria says. “My husband and I always do our best with our children. Every day, I remember how Fermina raised me, and I put those parenting skills to good use with my own children.”
Maria sees her life and her family as a blessing from God. She expressed how thankful she is for every blessing God provides to her family each and every day.
“I'm thankful for every person at KidWorks who has made an impact in my daughter and in me throughout the time my family and I have been a part of their programs,” she says. “KidWorks has helped Ashley with her studies, and improving her reading and social skills.”
Maria has a heart of gold and we are grateful that her family is a part of KidWorks as well.
By Glenn Leibowitz, Volunteer Content Writer