“I never thought I’d be eligible for food aid. I was always on the side of those who help… and suddenly I found myself on the other side.”
She contacted the Resto du Cœur in Gembloux and met Sandra, manager and social worker. She and the volunteers extended a deeply humane welcome without judgement. A social assessment was carried out, and Valérie became a beneficiary.
She received her first food parcel; attended her first meal; Discovered a space of warmth, respect, and connection; but also an inner reckoning.
“I was struggling. I didn’t want anyone asking how I was. I didn’t want to have to explain.”
That day, a film crew was on site. Valérie agreed to share her story, with her face blurred. She thought she’d remain anonymous. But soon after, several former colleagues recognised her.
“They said, ‘That was the most powerful message you’ve ever shared.’ It moved me deeply.”
Looking back, Valérie now understands the impact of her testimonial. It resonated, stirred emotions, and opened up conversations in her former professional circle.
“No one ever talks about how it could happen to us too. It’s as if it doesn’t exist. That put it into words.”
Valérie felt the need to act; to be useful; to exist differently. With her doctor’s approval, she began volunteering a few hours a week to break the isolation. She helped with meals, then in the second-hand clothing shop — a role she carried out with sensitivity and experience.
“I worked in textiles. I know how much clothing can restore dignity.”
She also took part in Federation seminars, meetings, and the Manne du Cœur initiative. She put ideas forward, shared her experience, and built bridges between beneficiaries, volunteers, and partners.
“The Restos mean far more than a food parcel. They are a place where you’re given back your standing.”
Valérie is still a beneficiary. Her income is too low to live with dignity. Food aid is essential. She continues to renew her application, complete the paperwork, and share her experience to encourage others to take that first step.
“I come back with my bills, my budget, every year. Everything is reviewed. And every year, it’s lower.”
Sandra is dreaming of launching a baby parcel service and works tirelessly for families, drawing on her childcare training. She also champions access to culture and leisure for children in poverty, and fosters local partnerships. As for Valérie, during her few hours of volunteering, she simply wants to support the initiative — inspired by the unwavering determination and dedication of Sandra and the volunteer teams.
Today, her health requires a break. But her heart stays behind. She fully intends to return when she’s able, and to resume her role at her own pace.
“I miss the meal service. It’s a place where connections are made, where people are welcomed with warmth.”
She now understands what the support of the Restos du Cœur truly means. She talks about it with her loved ones. Her children are even considering getting involved themselves, one day.
“I’ve always given to others. But no one ever taught me to think about myself. It was here, during my first social assessment, that someone asked me: ‘And what about you? What makes you happy?’”
That’s when everything began again.
