Newton’s The Corner Table gives new perspective

NEWTON, N.C. ( QUEEN CITY HOMETOWN ) — There are many ways to look at life.

For example, a place called ‘The Corner Table’ off of Main Avenue in downtown Newton.

For lunch, it’s a breakfast casserole with biscuits and gravy.

Another day, it’s mac and cheese.

That could be it—that could be all you see.

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Newton’s The Corner Table gives new perspective

But what if we look just a little bit longer… what else could you see?

Who else could you see?

“I was so proud of myself,” said Jessie Travis.

Meet Jessie.

She’s 52 and she grew up in Newton. For most of her life, she kept to herself. It felt safer that way.

“I was so scared because people (were) laughing at me,” said Jessie.

One day, Jessie came to the corner table not as a volunteer, but as someone who needed a meal. Everyone eats for free at The Corner Table, no questions asked.

One meal led to another and that’s when Kim saw Jessie.

“I’m kinda like a proud mother,” said volunteer Kim Bolick.

“Kim is like, big sister to me really,” said Jessie.

A friendship began and then Jessie had a question for Kim, who had retired from teaching.

“I thought, maybe Kim could help me read,” said Jessie. “She said yes, I will help you read.”

“We had a reading lesson every Tuesday and I worked with her for about an hour a day,” remembered Kim.

“I am proud of myself,” said Jessie.

Eventually, Jessie learned how to read. She came back to volunteer, got her GED, and opened up and now you can’t miss her. In fact, while shooting her story, we had to come back again because she moved too fast and was too busy seeing and helping everyone who came through those doors.

“You always ask me to help, don’t you?” laughed Jessie while talking to another volunteer named Mike.

“We always enjoy your help!” said Mike.

Both days, while filming, Jessie couldn’t help but point out all the people she sees. It may be because she understands how it feels to be overlooked and how life can change when one person decides to see you.

“Are you having fun?” Kim asked Jessie.

“I am! I’m having so (much) fun!” smiled Jessie.

Aren’t you glad you stayed around for a second look?

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