No one is going to judge you if you ask for help from this organization. Just because you don't have a "sob story" doesn't mean you can't apply for a donation. If you ask, we respect the fact that everyone struggles at times, some more than others. This organization expects honesty and integrity from its members, and if you ask, we assume it's because of a true need. It's a sort of honor system. Your need may look different than the next person, but it's no less important.
We want to help families in dire circumstances, such as those with a family member with cancer, those with a spouse serving in the military, orphans and widows, those who are living off disability or unemployment, homeless and hungry families, and those with sudden hardships. But the difference about this organization from most others out there is that we make it possible for the every day struggling middle-income family to receive help too.
It's because we are all here to help each other. We all know where we've been, and where we could be tomorrow. No matter our circumstances, we believe we've made a good choice to homeschool, and we want to see all homeschool families succeed.
I know what it's like to struggle to make ends meet. I know what it's like to find dead ends. I know what it's like to make just enough income to not qualify for aid from government agencies, charitable organizations, and privately funded aid. I know what it's like to hear:
- "Sorry, you don't have a cut-off notice and are only one month behind? Oh, I can't help you with that bill."
- "Sorry, you're just a stay-at-home mom and have chosen not to work? And you're not in school to better yourself? We can't help you."
- "Sorry, you're not disabled or receiving unemployment, we can't reduce your mortgage payment through our assistance program. Come back with a foreclosure notice and then we can help."
- "Sorry, you have a chronic illness, there's no way we can reduce your medical insurance coverage. Oh, and you make too much to receive Medicaid. Perhaps you will qualify for aid from our benevolence fund - oh, nope, you don't qualify for that either."
- "What? You don't have a credit card at all? By choice? Well, with no credit, we can't finance you."
- "You're just irresponsible. The financial state you're in is your fault. You're on your own."
Yes, until now, we were on our own, we made this choice and we must live with the results of our decision to quit work and stay at home. And I know lots of other homeschool families who quietly get by. The thing is, we're not ashamed of our decision, and we hope that our choices are an example to others of how important we feel it is to raise our children as we do. We make so many sacrifices to do so, and it's not an easy choice to make and to stick to during tough times. Just because we don't openly talk about how tight finances are, doesn't mean we're regretful at all.
- I know what it's like to have to forget having luxuries like cell phones, television, convenience foods, nice clothing and shoes, things like iPads, etc, so that you can buy groceries and gas.
- I know what it's like to have to skip out on family vacations because you can't even afford the gas to get there, much less the cost of accommodations, food and attractions with the family while you're there.
- I know what it's like to skip your children's friends' birthday parties because you can't afford a gift to take.
- I know what it's like to wish you could afford all those fun "social" activities and field trips with the local homeschool group.
- I know what it's like to spend a $25-50 copay at the doctor's office, and having to decide what you're not going to buy or what bill you'll have to pay late that week in order to make up the difference.
- I know what it's like to have a spouse work so hard, such long hours, and rarely be able to attend special events with the family because he can't get off from work. And to have to explain that to friends and family who don't understand why he's never around. And to be content with doing things alone on a shoestring budget without complaint in appreciation of the fact that he has made such sacrifice to support us.
- I know what it's like to just wish, for once, that you could afford a babysitter, and catch a break, Just for a few hours. And to miss out on social events with friends because there's no free childcare and your husband is working and can't watch the kids for you.
There's this strange choice we've made, to stay at home and raise our own children, and to homeschool. To live off of one income. It's not the norm. Not many people understand the sacrifices and why we are glad to make them. But we are glad. And we have no regrets. But that doesn't mean it's easy.
So, I'm glad that this organization makes it possible for all of us to work together. Donors can give to whomever they wish, for whatever reason. Recipients can apply if they are struggling to make ends meet, without having to provide an in-depth explanation or show documentation of their electric bill cut-off notice (after all, we want to PREVENT that kind of thing from happening to our fellow members).
We all are in a similar circumstances. We all have moments of struggle and hardship. Some more than others. Remember where you came from, and always be humble. Thank you for your support to make this organization work.
