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Client Story: Bernette

If you’ve seen the ‘80s sitcom “Cheers” you know that taking a break around friends can mean a lot.  And for Bernette Baymon, taking a break means stopping by the Food Pantry where she has made plenty of friends.  She often finds herself at Pantry distributions shopping for herself or accompanying one of the seniors she helps take care of. 

Always in tow is her 7-year-old son, Richard.  Born with bilateral, clubbed feet, Richard has endured several complex surgeries, but is now doing well.  So well, that he’s free of all the braces and casts he used to wear.  He has become an avid swimmer, loving the ongoing exercise he needs to keep his legs functioning.

Most everyone – Pantry staff, volunteers, and fellow clients – seem to know Bernette and Richard by name, warmly greeting them like old, familiar friends. That’s no doubt a reflection on Burnette’s caring nature.  A Chicago native, Bernette has worked for Addus Healthcare for 6 years as a home caretaker. 

Several years ago a Pantry flyer caught her eye, prompting her to add Pantry distributions to the list of client outings she arranges for any given Saturday.  “My clients love it here,” she says, “and if they can’t make the trip, I come for them as their proxy.  Richard comes along with me, and he spends time visiting or reading the books, and he loves it too.” 

After learning she might be eligible for federal income supports, Bernette worked successfully with Benefits Coordinator, Pleshette Davis to submit benefits applications for one of her son’s.  Because of the help she’s received from the Food Pantry, Bernette is able to do more to help her two college-aged sons – one who is on full academic scholarship at Georgetown University, and another at Western Illinois University. And she’s now encouraging her family and clients to get this help, too. Because while our troubles may not all be the same, everyone can use a little help.  “I am so grateful,” Bernette says, reflecting on her experience with the Food Pantry.  


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