United Way-Funded Programs Keep Kids on Track While Parents Work
Allison leaves for the train to Stamford at 4:45 am for her first job, while her 7-year-old and 12-year-old daughters sleep. Her older daughter gets the younger ready for school before they are picked up by a neighbor at 7:15 am.
The youngest attends a before-school educational program at her elementary school while her oldest begins her school day. Both girls reunite at a local United Way funded after-school program.
Allison returns to Danbury to work her second job from 3-11 pm, taking a dinner break at 5:30 pm to catch up with her daughters and bring them to a babysitter. She picks them up at 11 pm, and collapses to sleep to start her grueling schedule again.
“The after-school program has been able to help both my children with homework, in a safe and loving environment,” Allison says with look of relief.
“I can’t pay any more,” she says. “I wish I didn’t have to work two jobs, but that is how we make ends meet.”