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THE DESERT SUN (
Women on a mission: Martha's Village co-founders set out to help
farmworkers
Amelia Hadley • Special to The Desert Sun
After 20 years, Gloria Gomez and Claudia Castorena stepped away from the
charity they founded — Martha's Village & Kitchen in
That was in January, and they didn't know what they'd do next.
Months of praying and seeking God's guidance later, they now do.
They started the Galilee Center Ministry, based out of Thermal.
“I was praying one night, asking God to give us a clear vision for the
ministry,” explained Gomez. “He brought to my mind the Book of Matthew,
where Jesus serves the multitudes at the
Inspired by faith
“We want to share the love of God and show the people that He loves them
regardless of who they are, where they've come from or what they're
struggling with,” Gomez said.
Gomez and Castorena, along with 12 volunteers, braved the summer heat on
July 29 in Thermal for the ministry's first charity distribution.
Stationed under the shade of a tree at Avenue 66 and
“I was shocked when nearly 100 families came out for food,” Gomez said.
“They all heard about it by word-of-mouth.”
The women met many people that day. Among them was a single mother of
four young children. A victim of domestic violence, the woman is raising
her family in a small trailer. They've been without electricity for
three months, Gomez said.
Galilee Center Ministry also was able to give food to Margarita Jimenez,
an 80-year-old diabetic woman widowed two years ago. Torn between paying
her rent, buying food and repaying the loan to bury her husband, she's
overwhelmed.
“I feel very good about this ministry,” said Jimenez. “The canned food
is very helpful, and I know the outreach will grow. I've spread word to
people at my church who need the help.”
Vision of growth
Gomez said she believes that God has the ultimate plan for the Galilee
Center Ministry, but she and Castorena have a vision for the
organization.
In addition to food and clothing, they would like to find a way to
provide medical, child and after-school care.
“So many of the people we talk to want to learn to write. Even their
reading is limited,” said Gomez.
Gomez, Castorena and volunteers plan to be at the Avenue 66 and Harrison
every Thursday evening to hand out food and clothing.
They also are collecting backpacks and school supplies for children
beginning classes later this month.
The difference between Martha's and
“Martha's is for the homeless and
Mark Wasserman, Director of Charitable Giving at Martha's said he isn't
surprised that Gomez and Castorena are serving people in a new ministry.
“They're very passionate women who want to do everything they can to
help the community. We wish them the very best.”
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