Dawn Needs a Lyft

Hi, my name is Dawn Russell. I have been an educator for 22 years. Teaching is my passion!

I began my career at R.I.C.A. (Regional Institute for Children and Adolescence) with Montgomery County Public Schools. After 7 years of teaching 9th grade English, 6th and 7th grade remedial reading, and elementary Character Counts, I moved on to the Eastern Shore of Maryland where I taught 11th grade American Literature, College Writing, and Creative Writing at Stephen Decatur High School. I created and sponsored many extracurricular activities.

During my tenure at R.I.C.A., I created a drama club producing school-wide events. At Stephen Decatur High School, I created the Arts 'R' Magic Festival, incorporated the National Poetry Out Loud competitions, and sponsored the Suicide Prevention Program. I also co-sponsored the Key Club.

Now, I find myself in a predicament! I am currently a paraeducator and commute 5 hours per day to get to work and back home. I live in Takoma Park, MD, and commute to Germantown for employment. I love my job!

I work with autistic children. They love me. But the commute is literally killing me. I travel on 2 buses and a long subway ride. In addition, I have to walk about 15 minutes to reach the school.

If I had a car, I could

continue to commute to my place of employment easily! $1,500 is for car insurance and the remaining $1,500 would be for the purchase price of the car. Please help me make my dreams come true!