“Metro Mom” sews protective masks for North Center staff on the COVID-19 front lines

Real leaders go above and beyond to meet needs that impact people’s lives.

“Metro Mom” Susana, a client mother who’s a member of Metropolitan’s North Center/Belmont Cragin community, is such a leader whose advocacy has helped bring educational resources to her community, and today is helping Metropolitan’s front-line staff stay safe from COVID-19.

When Susana learned our North Center staff members were delivering critically needed goods for families – including food, diapers and wipes, children’s crafts and more – she wanted to help. Meanwhile, her family was dealing with serious challenges. Her husband had lost his job, and was applying for hourly work at delivery companies, knowing it is risky but with the mindset that “we do what we have to.” Susana also had lost her job, but was active in trying to help her community however she could.

So when Susana found out Metropolitan North staff were making deliveries to families but needed protective gear, she got busy. Being an excellent seamstress, she made 50 protective masks for our team.

“We are all in it together, and I can do my part too,” is what she told Metropolitan North Center Executive Director Roxanne Nava regarding her generous offer. In empowering our staff Susana has again helped to empower her community.

Roxanne adds, “She is so amazing.”