At home, 8-year old Ellyanna and her 5-year old brother Isyc Kravitsky-Garza fight over who gets to watch TV. When they get annoyed by each other, Ellyanna will lock herself in the room she shares with him. A room that they can call their own, something that they have never had before.
When the children’s mother Tailar Kravitsky, 29, lost her house after her mother died, she and her boyfriend Marc Washington moved into his sister’s apartment. They made it work with five people sharing two bedrooms, but then Marc and his sister lost their jobs.
Unable to fully comprehend the situation, all Ellyanna remembers is that one day, their lights went out.
The family found relief when Tailar’s friend opened the door to her home. Even though space was tight with 10 people the house, the family was able to save some money while they searched for a new home.
“We’re trying to get back on our feet now, it’s hard,” Tailar said. “Slowly but surely, we’re getting there.”
Even though the family has their own space now in Elgin, Texas, they’re still facing challenges. Marc and Tailar still work in Austin and have to share one car to get to work. Despite the hour long commute, on a typical day, they drive in and out of Austin four times.
“My babies are happy and that’s it, that’s all I’m worried about, and they love it here,” Tailar said.
Though the family has made improvements, they’re still struggling to cover all expenses. Sometimes there isn’t food to go around for everyone, and the children know what it feels like to be hungry.
“I feel sad, because my tummy hurts,” Ellyanna said.
Despite the hardships, Tailar makes sacrifices to make sure her children’s stomachs aren’t empty.
“It’s paycheck to paycheck,” Tailar said. “Last night, the kids had tacos, they ate and I didn’t get to, but they ate so that was fine.”
Thanks to the Capital Area Food Bank Kids Cafe, an after school program that provides meals to children in need, Tailar’s kids are able to receive nutritious food that is having a deeper effect.
“They’re learning more balanced meals and what they like and what they don’t like,” Tailar said.
As they try new food, Isyc has discovered that he doesn’t like wheat bread and Ellyanna found out that she likes carrots with ranch.
Tailar is grateful for all the different food options her children receive at the Kids Cafe program, but more importantly for the help she has feeding her kids.
“I really, really appreciate it,” Tailar said crying. “It’s hard to provide for babies sometimes and when people are here to help, it feels good.”
Help us make sure kids like Ellyanna and Isyc are receiving nutritious meals to grow big and strong. Together we can raise $150,000 that will provide 600,000 meals for families in need this year during Amplify Austin’s day of giving starting at 6 p.m. on March 8 through March 9 at 6 p.m.
Sign up to be a fundraiser!
Spread the word about the Food Bank to your family and friends and encourage them to get involved in the community-wide day of giving.
Pre-schedule your donation!
You can now schedule your donation for the day of giving in advance.
Give during Amplify Austin!
You’ll have 24 hours to help us promote the mission of the Food Bank by giving online at www.amplifyATX.org.
Together we can help feed the nearly 477,000 food-insecure Central Texans!
