If you're reading this, there's a good chance you know Kim. And if you know Kim, you know she is one of the hardest-working city workers and a beloved member of our neighborhood. She approaches her work with humor, enthusiasm, and genuine compassion.

Kim is the park worker at Crispus Attucks playground. I've always loved this park— before I had kids, I could look out my window at the playground from my old apartment. But the park had problems — people often complained that it was littered with needles, fentanyl trash cans, and had unusable bathrooms. Since Kim took over caring for the park, all of that has changed. She works tirelessly and joyfully to make our community a safer, cleaner, and more welcoming place for families.

Over time, I've gotten to know Kim's story. She went through extremely difficult times but has turned her life around. She's now out of shelters, living in supportive housing, and thriving in her job with the parks department.

Unfortunately, Kim faces a significant financial burden from late fees due to unpaid tolls. She had a tough couple of years in 2020 and 2021 — $600 in missed tolls snowballed into $7,000 in late fees. We've worked with the state to reduce what she owes, but she still faces thousands of dollars in accumulated fees. Kim is ready to pay the original tolls she owes on her own, but the crushing weight of additional fees is holding her back from fully getting on her feet. If she cannot pay these bills she will lose her license again and her debt on the payment plan will increase.

Please note: these aren't speeding tickets or parking violations—just late fees on tolls from a difficult period in her life.

Our community has benefited enormously from Kim's dedication. Now let's help her clear this debt so she can move forward without this financial burden weighing her down. If anyone deserves a little extra helping hand, it is Kim who is always looking out for us and our great city.