Ep. 26 Quarters w/ Elizabeth Ford

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In Episode 26, Elizabeth shares her early life experiences, including her lack of exposure to Christianity until 2009, when her mother’s request to attend church prompted her exploration of faith. This marked the beginning of her relationship with God, which she later recognized had been present throughout her life. The conversation highlights the transformative impact of her faith on her personal growth and her commitment to helping others.

Elizabeth recounts her challenging childhood, characterized by her mother's struggles with mental health and the instability that followed their family’s financial difficulties. She describes the feelings of rejection and isolation she experienced, particularly during a time when they lost their home and moved to a low-income apartment. Despite these hardships, she formed a supportive friendship that helped her navigate her circumstances. Elizabeth's resilience is evident as she reflects on her journey from dropping out of school to finding employment and eventually discovering the possibility of higher education.

The conversation also delves into Elizabeth's tumultuous relationship with an abusive partner, which she ultimately escaped after recognizing the toxicity of the situation. She emphasizes the importance of seeking help and the unexpected support she received while raising her four children alone. Throughout her struggles, Elizabeth felt a divine presence guiding her, reinforcing her belief in the importance of recognizing unhealthy relationships and the strength required to overcome adversity.

Elizabeth discusses the founding of Better A Life in 2016, driven by her desire to support families facing food insecurity. The organization provides food bags, pays off overdue lunch accounts for children, and offers educational support through a weekly homework club. Additionally, cooking classes are provided to teach essential skills to children, promoting self-sufficiency. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the importance of grace and resilience, as Elizabeth shares her insights on teaching these values to younger generations, emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit in her life and work.

 

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WHO IS ELIZABETH FORD?

 

Elizabeth Ford grew up in Reston, VA, where her early years were marked by hardship and hunger. At just seven years old, she experienced food insecurity firsthand when her babysitter—who often provided her only evening meal, a slice of hotdog on toast—turned her away because her mother couldn’t afford to pay. This moment was just the beginning of a childhood filled with instability and uncertainty.

Frequent evictions forced Elizabeth and her mother to move constantly, leaving her without a reliable source of nourishment and guidance. She often sat outside a local 7-Eleven, asking passersby for quarters to buy hotdogs or whatever food she could afford. With her mother struggling with mental health challenges, Elizabeth had to fend for herself in a community where resources like food pantries were nonexistent. By 19, she was homeless, living in a hotel learning how to survive on her own.

Without a stable home or support system, education took a backseat to survival. Elizabeth dropped out of high school after ninth grade, later earning her GED while working multiple jobs, often waiting tables and pulling double shifts just to secure a meal. During this period, she also endured a decade-long abusive marriage, unaware of what a healthy, loving relationship looked like, all while fighting to break free from the cycle of poverty.

Determined to rewrite her story, Elizabeth eventually became a single mother, balancing full-time work with online college courses. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in IT with a specialization in Advanced Networking, which led to a successful career in IT security for the government and contractors. Yet, despite her professional achievements, her past struggles with hunger and hardship remained at the forefront of her mind, fueling her passion for change.

Today, Elizabeth is remarried and part of Free Life Church and a blended family with five children. She now devotes herself full-time to BetterALife, the nonprofit she founded to combat childhood hunger. Alongside her family, she works to expand the organization’s reach nationwide, ensuring that no child has to experience the same uncertainty she once faced. Through her dedication and resilience, she is transforming lives—one meal at a time.