Hi! My name is Donna Parrinello, Ana Paulino is my niece. She is a single mother of five children. Ana graduated Elizabeth High School and was accepted into Rutgers University where she began working on her degree in Psychology. Life took a turn and Ana had to stop school for awhile.

 

During her years after Rutgers she became a mother to 5 amazing children which she has been raising on her own as a single mother. Ana has been working in Middlesex County as a Human Service Specialist for sixteen years where she has been helping many families stuggling through difficult times, like her own. In Ana's own words: "I have always made it a point to uplift each and every client I spoke with. To encourage them to not lose faith in themselves or in the goodness of others....to give them hope."

 

A few years ago, with her eldest children entering college, Ana ventured back to Rutgers to complete her degree. It has not been an easy road, taking full time courses, working full time, raising 5 children, and taking care of her disabled mother. Ana does not complain about the challenges, she rarely looks to others for help, she is determined to be as independent as she can and to be a great role model for her children.

 

Ana has one semester left to go! She is due to graduate in May 2022 from Rutgers, with a BA in Psychology and double minors of Sociology and Gender Studies. at the same time of her eldest daughter. HOWEVER, Ana was just notified she can not get assistance for her last semester, she has exhausted all potential undergraduate aid. These last couple of years have been of increasing financial burden due to household expenses, two of her children in college, and family medical expenses. Family has helped her at times but she feels awkward in asking for more assistance.

 

I have started this GOFUNDME for my niece, Ana Paulino, because she would give a stranger a meal instead of eating it herself, buy clothes for her children before herself, pay for her mother's medical expenses before she treated herself to even some of the basic necessities. I know there are good caring people in this world just like Ana. The money I'm trying to raise for her would pay for her classes to finish her degree and give her a little breathing room for her final semester. Can you help me show Ana the goodness of others? Would you be willing to help in even the smallest way? Ana needs the money by the end of the month to secure her final classes. Thank You, in advance, for your support of this amazing woman.