Mary Withers' Relocation Fund
Donation protected
Mary Margaret is moving to Tallahassee later this month! Currently living in the sleepy town of Folkston, Georgia, Mary wants to be in a place that offers more opportunities for her, Lizzy (8), and Corey (6). I like to think that being closer to Uncle Jonah, Ruth, Alan, the kids and me is a plus, too!
Mary is an incredibly responsible and hard working woman. She not only owns her own housecleaning business but is also a part-time student, having continued past her AA on her way to a Bachelor's degree. Being the sole support for two growing children is stressful, but you would never know it from her sunny disposition and positive attitude. Aunt Kathy would be really proud of Mary's strength, independence, and determination, and especially pleased to see the nurturing, levelheaded, and patient mom she is.
Mary Margaret starts her lease on a nearby 2 bedroom apartment in late March. She's begun registering the kids for school and health insurance and has been to no fewer than twenty restaurants applying for server/bartender positions. I'm using my network to line up housecleaning jobs as well. Even with all that underway, there's a good chance things will be lean for the first few months. Mary would never expect help nor even think to ask, so I am. If you have anything to give, would you consider helping Mary and the kids start their new life? There are needs, both large and small.
1. Lizzy and Corey need new beds, since the larger ones they've got now -- hand-me-downs from housecleaning clients -- are too big for the new bedroom they'll be sharing.
2. There are a number of team sports the kids could participate in sponsored by Warner Soccer, City of Tallahassee Parks & Rec, and the YMCA. Mary would also like to see them have real swimming lessons as well. (This is where Henry goes.)
3. It would also be wonderful if they could take advantage of a few summer day camps to broaden their horizons.
I'm afraid that some of these things may not make the cut when mom has to prioritize basic needs like rent, food, and electricity. (Adding to the uncertainty, summer child care is an unknown in the budget. If she's working days, she'll need it. Evenings and weekend work, though, could be covered by Alan and me.) Folkston is the only home they've ever known, so each of the things I mentioned will go a long way in helping the kids feel established in the apartment and more connected to their new community.
Mary is an incredibly responsible and hard working woman. She not only owns her own housecleaning business but is also a part-time student, having continued past her AA on her way to a Bachelor's degree. Being the sole support for two growing children is stressful, but you would never know it from her sunny disposition and positive attitude. Aunt Kathy would be really proud of Mary's strength, independence, and determination, and especially pleased to see the nurturing, levelheaded, and patient mom she is.
Mary Margaret starts her lease on a nearby 2 bedroom apartment in late March. She's begun registering the kids for school and health insurance and has been to no fewer than twenty restaurants applying for server/bartender positions. I'm using my network to line up housecleaning jobs as well. Even with all that underway, there's a good chance things will be lean for the first few months. Mary would never expect help nor even think to ask, so I am. If you have anything to give, would you consider helping Mary and the kids start their new life? There are needs, both large and small.
1. Lizzy and Corey need new beds, since the larger ones they've got now -- hand-me-downs from housecleaning clients -- are too big for the new bedroom they'll be sharing.
2. There are a number of team sports the kids could participate in sponsored by Warner Soccer, City of Tallahassee Parks & Rec, and the YMCA. Mary would also like to see them have real swimming lessons as well. (This is where Henry goes.)
3. It would also be wonderful if they could take advantage of a few summer day camps to broaden their horizons.
I'm afraid that some of these things may not make the cut when mom has to prioritize basic needs like rent, food, and electricity. (Adding to the uncertainty, summer child care is an unknown in the budget. If she's working days, she'll need it. Evenings and weekend work, though, could be covered by Alan and me.) Folkston is the only home they've ever known, so each of the things I mentioned will go a long way in helping the kids feel established in the apartment and more connected to their new community.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. I do hope you'll consider contributing. Any amount would be appreciated and your words of support will mean so much. I'm very sentimental so forgive me if I sound too sappy, but I feel as this move has been orchestrated by Kathy and Cindy and my drive to help Mary isn't just that she's deserving, but that it is also a nice way to honor our late, great moms.
Organizer
Megan Eng Benson
Organizer
Tallahassee, FL
