Stories of Hope

every story is different

But each one began with a simple referral from a friend or co-worker because of a crisis. Big Table was able to respond directly and personally - to avert the crisis and provide some semblance of normalcy in their lives. Our involvement doesn't end when the crisis ends. We also provide long-term coaching and mentoring, fostering enduring relationships and accountability. A lasting story of hope.

Nashville

A Chef’s Hope is Restored

I’m speechless—you replaced my livelihood. I didn’t know such kind, empathetic people existed.

— Kevin

Kevin, a talented chef, was devastated when his car was broken into on his way to work — his backpack of professional knives, worth hundreds of dollars and vital to his livelihood, was gone. Heartbroken and frustrated, he turned to a hospitality forum, posting a desperate plea for the thief to return his bag and asking others to keep an eye out for his items, explaining how deeply the loss would impact his livelihood. That’s where Chris, Big Table’s Operations Director, saw the post and reached out to offer support. Together, they listed every stolen item, and our team quickly went to work. Within two weeks, Big Table replaced every tool Kevin had lost — restoring not only his ability to get back to work but also his hope that people still care. That simple act of kindness reminded him he wasn’t alone and that brighter days were ahead.

Nashville

Jayda’s Story of Resiliance

Big Table didn’t just help with my bills; they gave me hope and a chance to breathe when everything felt impossible.

— Jayda

Jayda, a lead bartender and single mom to a spirited two-year-old, faced upheaval when her landlord reclaimed their home, forcing a sudden move. The unexpected costs of relocation and repairs drained her savings, leaving her struggling to cover essentials. Her partner’s debilitating car accident added even more financial and emotional strain. Big Table stepped in — covering a spiked electric bill from using space heaters during a gas outage, providing grocery gift cards to keep healthy meals on the table, and connecting her partner with Legal Aid for accident-related support. Through regular coffee check-ins, our care team offered steady encouragement as Jayda rebuilt stability for her family. Today, Jayda’s resilience shines. Grateful for the care she received, she now pours that same compassion into others as a Big Table volunteer — even serving guests with a smile at our most recent Industry Dinner.

Spokane

Hope Holds the Family Together

It’s really difficult to ask for help even when I need it. I am immensely grateful for everything Big Table has done and continues to do for myself and my family!

— Tiffany

Tiffany has faced more loss in a few short years than many endure in a lifetime. In 2022—just seven months after being referred to Big Table—her husband Nate passed away suddenly from cardiac arrest, leaving her a single mother to four children, ages two to thirteen. In the years before, she had also lost her adoptive father and grandmother.

At the time, Tiffany was pregnant, struggling to get enough work hours running a kitchen at a local resort, and her entire family was reeling from the devastating trauma they had witnessed. Big Table came alongside her—not only with rent assistance and grocery gift cards, but with ongoing care, encouragement, and connections to resources like Teen & Kid Closet, Vanessa Behan, and SNAP.

Today, Tiffany and her children are healing. She’s in a far more stable place—emotionally, mentally, and financially—and can now care for her kids with dignity, renewed hope, and the assurance that she is not alone.