Helping Cata Survive the Pandemic
Catalina (Cata) Sanchez is a beloved part of The Salvation Army La Villita Corps Community Center. And that love has helped her get through some devastating times.
Cata has had to bury not just one of her children, but two – her son two years ago and her daughter four years ago. Her daughter left behind two sons with autism, 31-year-old Fernando and 21-year-old Jon. Cata has been caring for them ever since their mother passed.
While COVID-19 has made their journey even more challenging, the La Villita corps has come alongside Cata with practical assistance and loving support.
Every week during lock down, Carlos and Kerman Moran, who lead the La Villita corps, brought them food. The corps also helped with funeral expenses for Cata’s daughter and has helped with utility payments several times.
“Cata has dealt with so much, and I have never seen her complaining,” Carlos said. “Cata is grateful to The Salvation Army for the help received during all these years, and especially during the pandemic. Apart from what she has received, she is mostly thankful for the love and appreciation of the people at the corps. ‘Here I feel peace, rest, and love,’ she told me.”
Cata shares her story in her own words below: