Catherine Long: My Community Service Scholarship!

Returning to school as an older adult student was a big step. I hadn’t been enrolled in a formal  educational setting in over 20 years.  I had raised and homeschooled four of our special needs  children, two of which were adopted. My youngest child being a high school junior and working has just turned 18. Due to his adoption subsidy and insurance being terminated, I needed to work not only to help support my family but to help my son to be able to complete high school providing for his special  needs as a juvenile diabetic.  My step-daughter, 22 years of age, is disabled because of head trauma due to a fatal wreck her mother and she was in. I still have many responsibilities as a parent with three children at home, even though they are all over 18 years of age.  Family Promise of White County is a non-profit organization designed to assist children and their families experiencing economic hardship and crisis. Our mission at Family Promise is to mobilize community agencies and resources to help low-income families—families living in their cars, motels, campers and tents, and/or double-occupancy—establish and sustain employment, transportation, affordable housing, and ultimately a sense of independence. I have performed many tasks for the program. These tasks include helping with transportation, coordinating child care, seeking out referrals, providing moral support and encouragement for the families.  I have also volunteered to assist the program with administrative tasks at our day center.