“"I also don’t want to get my new khakis dirty. These are the only pair I have and my mom said it’s the only ones I’ll get for a while.” I didn’t know what to say. Honestly, that hadn’t even crossed my mind...”
“Our budget was already tight, now the outrageous cost of childcare had threatened to make my return to work impossible. Then, my friend told me about the after-school program, STARS...”
“Working more than 40 hours a week should guarantee the great life you’ve always wanted, right? Maybe not.The $15-an-hour Ken makes working on the line just isn’t enough to get by in a family of four...”
“With the baby in her arms, she ran to the neighbors across the street. By the time they made the 9-1-1 call, their entire home was up in flames. Even standing 50 yards away, the blaze was scorching...”
“In the past, Yvonne had called United Way 2-1-1 for food pantries and other services, but never for anything this drastic. Now that life had gone south, could 2-1-1 help her family with nowhere else to turn?”
“Elaine’s husband came home from work in a rage. He often physically lashed out, but this time, he didn’t just strike her once or twice... in all honesty, Elaine couldn’t really remember how many times he hit her...”
“My mom works second shift and has mandatory weekends, but even the overtime never seems to make a difference. Every penny matters. I cannot fathom asking her for extra money so I can eat at school...”
“All Kay wanted for her son, Tyrell, was to have time to be a kid. Sometimes that is easier said than done, however, the Schools as Community Hubs strategy can add an important layer of support…”
“Today, my classroom was bustling with cheerful students, yet, glancing around the room, I paused when my eyes landed on Tommy—hiding in the far corner of the class, his face sad and distant...”
“I recall certain details about my dad from when I was younger in my dreams... I’m standing on a dock, staring out at the waters on a stormy day, waiting for him to show up to take me out on the lake again...”
