Viviana has lived in Dobbs Ferry for more than 24 years, raising a big family in the place she calls home. With her husband and five of her boys still at home, and one grown son living in Virginia, her house is always full of energy, movement, and the smells of something cooking.
Life with growing boys means the kitchen is never closed. “They eat a meal and an hour later they are hungry again,” Viviana laughs. Between school, sports, and all the moments in between, she spends her days making sure her children are cared for and encouraged.
But Viviana’s care does not stop with her own family. She is known as someone people call when they need help navigating life’s challenges. “People in the community will call me and ask for help navigating resources,” she says. “I let people know about this place (the Dobbs Ferry Food Pantry) because when I was struggling, people told me about it. There’s no shame in needing help.”
She spends her time volunteering at the Dobbs Ferry Pantry and recently helped at another food distribution where many guests were confused by the process. Viviana stepped in to guide them, making sure everyone felt supported and understood. ‘Once they understand, the stress goes away,’ she explains.
Viviana knows the tough choices many families face. “Most of the time you save the food for last because you can’t lose the roof over your head,” she says. Rising prices make those choices even harder.
Her heart for others shows up in small but powerful ways. She remembers a man asking her for a quarter to buy water. “Helping doesn’t require money. It requires heart,” she says. She bought him water and bread with the only ten dollars she had at the time. One of her sons hesitated, saying, “But mom, that’s all we have.” Viviana gently replied, “But I know where our next meal can come from and this person doesn’t.” Moments like these, she says, are lessons she hopes her children will carry through life.
Her children have learned to value kindness. “I tell them, treat people the way you want them to treat your mom,” she says. She dreams that they will finish school, go to college, and build careers they love. “My hope is that when we are in a better economic position, we can be part of the ones who help those who need it.”
For now, Viviana continues to give what she can. Whether it is offering a smile, helping someone understand their resources, or simply being present, she believes in the power of connection. “If you see someone in need, don’t look away. Even a hello or a smile can change their day.”
Viviana’s story is one of resilience, generosity, and love for her community. She shows that even when life is challenging, there is always a way to make someone else’s day brighter.
