Maxine has lived in St. Petersburg for decades, raising her family and working as a nurse. She has always loved living in St. Petersburg, but once the children moved out, she was ready to begin traveling with her husband.
But life took an unexpected turn when she learned that her grandchildren were being abused. The six children were going to be separated from one another and placed in foster care if a family member did not take them in. Maxine became guardian of her grandchildren, and the kids moved into the two-bedroom apartment with Maxine and her husband.
Maxine quit her job as a nurse to take care of the kids, who range in age from 3-13. Without her income, it was hard to pay the bills each month. Their bills had nearly doubled, from increased utility bills to spending more on gas to drive the kids between doctor’s appointments and activities.
Maxine was left with very little money for food each month. She visits the St. Petersburg Free Clinic’s We Help Services food pantry each month, often bringing a few of the kids with her.
Watch a video
of Maxine telling how the Free Clinic helped her go from hunger to hope.
