We all like to think we make a difference in other’s lives.
And for some people, that means always putting on a brave face for others, even when they are struggling.
So when Ebony Johnson wasn’t at the register for a few weeks, her Dunkin’ Donuts customers noticed. Especially Suzanne Burke.
For nearly three years, Burke has been going to the Ohio coffee shop daily, and couldn’t help but be friends with Johnson.
“I go every morning,” Burke said.
Ebony has worked the drive-thru for three years and really has provided amazing customer service.”
But after Johnson had been gone for a few weeks, Burke became worried and got in contact.
Johnson came back to work, and told Burke that she had been having problems and struggling. She and her three children had recently been evicted from their apartment. The family had been living with family members, having to move from place to place all the time.
“I wanted to give up,” Johnson said. “I cried. I come to work every day and nobody knows what I’m going through because I always try to have a smile for our customers.”
She knew she had to keep pushing forward. “I just keep going. I think about my kids every day. I can’t give up because then what is going to happen to them?”
Burke, who worked with area social services, told Johnson if she needed help, to let her know. So Johnson did.
Reaching out to organizations, Burke began the task of finding a home for Johnson. Within 9 months, a home was found. Then Burke asked if Johnson had furniture for a potential new place.
The fully-furnished apartment given to Ebony Johnson. Photo courtesy Suzanne Burke
When she found out Johnson didn’t have anything for a home, she knew she could help. Her friend, Jo Potvin, runs a real estate staging company, which furnishes homes being sold with temporary furniture. Design to Market donated furniture and a local furniture bank donated household items, as well.
“The level of excitement that I and my whole team had to prepare for (move-in day) and that moment, I honestly don’t think it could be any more impactful,” Potvin told TODAY. “To not only see Ebony’s enduring effort through so much adversity, but also what a great mother to raise such incredible children is just amazing.”
Johnson was stunned when she saw the fully furnished apartment.
“Oh my God, it was so amazing, I just busted out crying,” Johnson said. “I never had a full furnished house. I never had help like this.”
I had been asking God to put us in a home before Christmas, and He really did. I’m just so thankful.”
Ebony Johnson, center, poses with Suzanne Burke, left and her daughter, right. Photo courtesy Suzanne Burke
Strategies to End Homelessness, an organization in Cincinnati, used privately donated funds to pay for Johnson’s rent, as well as money from the city of Cincinnati and the United Way.
With Burke helping Johnson find a car to use to get to work, the family’s future looks bright.
“I love Dunkin’,” Johnson said. “When I get there, I’m happy because it’s my customers who make my day. I say, ‘Listen, I’m here to serve y’all and make y’all happy.'”
Watch this amazing donation, below.
