Oscar’s Dream of Hope in America

When Oscar first arrived in the US from Nicaragua, he struggled to adjust for two main reasons: he had a hard time attaining resources such as food & clothing and he couldn’t speak English. Thankfully a neighbor told him about So What Else’s Saturday distributions and what they had to offer for people in need so he showed up. 

So What Else was able to give him resources such as food, clothing, and household goods to get him off his feet. Because he found so much help there he continued coming to receive these resources. Eventually, he and his wife met our So What Else Metrics Director Ricardo Claros. As time went on, they developed a friendship with Ricardo and were able to receive help from him in other ways. When Oscar needed to search for a job, Ricardo gave him tips for doing so. Ricardo also helped him get his driver’s license. 

Oscar wanted to help the organization and give back, so he became a volunteer and started to bring his sons to the distributions. Through So What Else, Oscar’s family was able to become self-sufficient and are now able to serve and give back to others in need. Oscar’s story is only one of many. Every person in every car in the pantry line has their own story. So What Else wants to continue impacting its clients positively and helping them to achieve independence and sustainability. 

When Oscar first came to the US, he was told that it is everyone for themselves in America and that no one would want to help him. On the contrary, he now feels that thanks to the community that exists at So What Else- his family was able to overcome the many obstacles that came their way. 

So What Else couldn’t help its clients thrive without its amazing volunteers, and are always looking for more. To sign up as a volunteer click here.

We are incredibly thankful for all our staff and volunteers to who help us do this incredible work!