Home » News » Success Stories » Mrs. Analee Killian
Success Story: Ms. Analee Killian
El Buen’s Fight against Hunger Provides Hope for Austinites in Times of Economic Hardship
Austin, Texas/March 15, 2009 – Living in poverty in Austin often means having to choose between buying food or saving meager earnings for life-saving medications. Analee Killian (photo left) found herself in such desperate financial state upon undergoing a cardiac procedure two years ago.
Killian, 63, found herself in the hospital emergency room twice after experiencing sharp chest pains only to discover life for her meant having heart surgery. During recovery, she knew a stark reality awaited her once she left the hospital. She was well aware of her situation—high medical bills, expensive medications and continuing to care for her elderly mother. As she began the journey of regaining her health, it became difficult for her to make ends meet.
“There were times I had to choose between buying medications, paying my medical bills or buying food, but when I arrived at El Buen Samaritano, I knew everything would be okay,” Killian said. “El Buen Samaritano gave me hope and encouragement, healthy food and fresh vegetables and a community that cared about me and my mother.”
El Buen Samaritano’s food pantry program sustained Killian during times of economic hardship. Today, Killian is healthy, happy and actively involved in the food pantry program as a volunteer, helping others during difficult times.
“As a volunteer, I witness the signs of stress and isolation that food pantry clients face. I remember those signs in myself and I’m thankful that El Buen provided me with the support that I needed,” Killian said.
As the Austin community continues to face the current times of economic hardship, El Buen remains one of the top providers for basic needs, seeing a 38-percent increase in food pantry requests alone in the last quarter of 2008 compared to the last quarter of the year before.
According to the Center for Public Policy Priorities, to afford to live in the Austin Metropolitan Statistical Area, a family of two parents and two children needs a household income of $53,080 to cover basic expenses, which is more than double the federal guideline of $21,200.
Well on her way to financial stability, Killian is more than willing to give back and serve the community that has helped her in a time of great need. Her generous gift of time and talent has earned her the respect and admiration of volunteers and staff.
