Educated and Willing to Work! - By Katelyn Wilfong

The biggest challenge for me is child care. It has kept me from being able to apply for jobs. I have two children and am a stay-at-home mom because of this issue in our region. In the last couple of years, I completed my bachelor’s degree. It was nearly impossible with being a stay-at-home mom and not having child care. Now that I have a degree, I cannot use it. My husband has a full-time job, which does not allow us to qualify for most benefits for people in the low-income bracket.  

I do think the program that services birth to kindergarten in our area is a blessing. It is through the Carrollton School District. They come to the home 2 times a month, and it definitely is a big help for conversating with adults about my children. I am home alone with the kids a lot and often feel isolated due to not being able to work or be in a social work environment. I appreciate the home visitor for my little ones. They are very helpful.  

We need affordable child care in our area. Without family support, college would have been nearly impossible.