Humbled, Single Momma Asks For Help
Donation protected
Hello friends! My name is Jules and I am in need of your help. For those of you who know me, you know I am not one to complain about my financial situation, and rarely do I ask for help. However, this year, I have found myself in a difficult situation, and I am swallowing my pride and allowing myself to be vulnerable to ask for your support. I am a single mom of three, beautiful little starseeds. 7 years ago, I put myself through school to better my situation for my children. I did this all on my own, even at times studying by candlelight and warming water in pans on the stove for my babies bath becuase my electric or gas had been shut off. I did not let these things weigh me down, and continued on with a smile because I knew brighter things were waiting for us on the other side, and to quote the blessed Bob Marley, "Every little thing, is going to be alright!" I have made the best of our situation everyday since, saving where I can, cutting expenses and corners, but my children have never gone without. Things have changed this year. I moved to Kansas about 7 years ago and put my children in Shawnee Mission School District becuase it was a great public school. I realized I would be over paying for rent and other things, but I felt it was the right thing to do for my kids, and its been great. Last year, our Govenor, Sam Brownback, cut $56,472,011 out of our state's budget to balance "his" books. To quote an article from the Kansas City Star, it says the following:
"Governor Sam Brownback cut $56,472,011 out of this year's state budget to balance the books. The bulk of the Governor's cuts were in education where he cut just over $50 million. Brownback said he made the cuts because House and Senate negotiators could not reach an agreement. It seems Governor Brownback's 'Roadmap for Education' is an unpaved path taking our students back to the 19th century," said KNEA President Blake West. "We are sorely disappointed the House negotiators refused to work with the Senate to finance the maintenance of effort for the education of children. That refusal, and this Governor's lack of commitment to education, brought us to this point. Making public schools great for every child is not on this Governor's agenda. The move could pull Kansas out of compliance with federal regulations regarding state aid to special education. That means Kansas will forfeit more than $100 million in federal funds that could be used in future budget years. Those funds won’t ever be replaced."
I can tell you how this directly effected my family. On July 20th I recieved a letter from the School District regarding beginning of the year school fees and supplies. I will attach that list for you to view in the links. I had set aside a bidget of 500.00 for the school year for all three of my children. That should have been enough for 200. to go towards their combined school fees, and left me with about 100. per child for an outfit or two and a new pair of shoes. Not so much! For my son's orientation that is on July 27th, I have to have around 600. for just his fees, not to mention the almost 400. for him to ride the bus 2 ways this year. This is just the fees for one of my children. For my two daughters in elementary school, I am looking at another 200. in fees, plus standard school supplies, plus 600. for them to ride the bus two ways. These "cuts" that Brownback has made, have left me in a position where I am deciding if we will pay the rent and eat this month, or send my children to PUBLIC SCHOOL. Yes, Public school! I am forever in your debt and favor friends. Anything will help. It hurts my heart that lower income families, and single parent families are having to make these decisions just to put our children in a public school system! Our teachers are suffering, our schools are closing, and now, I'm struggling to just put my children in school. Thank you for your kindness and understanding! My children say "Thank you" and my middle daughter Luna decided that for any extra money we recieve, we will donate to other families to cover school supplies and fees, who are going through the same struggle! Blessings to you dear ones!
"Governor Sam Brownback cut $56,472,011 out of this year's state budget to balance the books. The bulk of the Governor's cuts were in education where he cut just over $50 million. Brownback said he made the cuts because House and Senate negotiators could not reach an agreement. It seems Governor Brownback's 'Roadmap for Education' is an unpaved path taking our students back to the 19th century," said KNEA President Blake West. "We are sorely disappointed the House negotiators refused to work with the Senate to finance the maintenance of effort for the education of children. That refusal, and this Governor's lack of commitment to education, brought us to this point. Making public schools great for every child is not on this Governor's agenda. The move could pull Kansas out of compliance with federal regulations regarding state aid to special education. That means Kansas will forfeit more than $100 million in federal funds that could be used in future budget years. Those funds won’t ever be replaced."
I can tell you how this directly effected my family. On July 20th I recieved a letter from the School District regarding beginning of the year school fees and supplies. I will attach that list for you to view in the links. I had set aside a bidget of 500.00 for the school year for all three of my children. That should have been enough for 200. to go towards their combined school fees, and left me with about 100. per child for an outfit or two and a new pair of shoes. Not so much! For my son's orientation that is on July 27th, I have to have around 600. for just his fees, not to mention the almost 400. for him to ride the bus 2 ways this year. This is just the fees for one of my children. For my two daughters in elementary school, I am looking at another 200. in fees, plus standard school supplies, plus 600. for them to ride the bus two ways. These "cuts" that Brownback has made, have left me in a position where I am deciding if we will pay the rent and eat this month, or send my children to PUBLIC SCHOOL. Yes, Public school! I am forever in your debt and favor friends. Anything will help. It hurts my heart that lower income families, and single parent families are having to make these decisions just to put our children in a public school system! Our teachers are suffering, our schools are closing, and now, I'm struggling to just put my children in school. Thank you for your kindness and understanding! My children say "Thank you" and my middle daughter Luna decided that for any extra money we recieve, we will donate to other families to cover school supplies and fees, who are going through the same struggle! Blessings to you dear ones!
Organizer
Julia Gray
Organizer
Mission, KS