Support Shannon and Her Family Through Hard Times

Hi, I'm Lisa and I have known Shannon since we were 16 and 17. If you know Shannon, you know that she is a force to be reckoned with. She is passionate and strong, she is smarter than most (and gracious enough to let you figure that out on your own), compassionate, a team player, but also will outwork everyone else every time. She has always been this way! Shannon is also a friend to all. She has also always been this way, too.

Shannon is a single mom to 6 teenagers, a widow, a disabilities advocate, and an author, among many other roles. You probably remember that we recently helped her cross the finish line of unemployment. Unfortunately, the funding for Shannon's position ended after she completed key activities: helping eight states establish chapters, planning Little Lobbyist's role in the 24-hour vigil and leading up to June 17th's big day on the Hill (publicized by The New York Times), scheduling several meetings with members of Congress, fielding many press inquiries, reviewing fundraising materials and website copy, creating written materials, managing the Little Lobbyist story database, connecting with families new to the organization, assisting with social media strategy, and keeping disabled children and families at the forefront of our organization, all in four short months. She was ready to do more.

In her words:

I can't believe I'm writing this. I can't believe I have to do this again.

My job ended abruptly last week, just after my birthday and just before one of my daughters' graduations, following the sudden departure of a veteran employee a few months prior. I was optimistic and loved (and still love!) the work. I celebrate with their wins, knowing I helped make them possible.

I have some leads. I've updated my resume. I've applied a few places already.

And I'm grieving.

My friends are starting a new GFM for this new round of unemployment, including covering my healthcare deductible as the new year begins July 1 (and will last through February, as I'm still on COBRA from my previous job, with my recent job covering those premiums but never offering their own healthcare, despite being a healthcare advocacy organization).

I've been here before. I know my way around. We'll get through this.

We just need your help to do so.

Again.

Thank you.

We know a couple of things. We know Shannon is more than capable. We know there is a just right job out there for her that offers stability (and ideally health insurance). We know that collectively we have enough to help each other through hard times.

I thank you for your love and support of Shannon and the kids. She appreciates all words of encouragement, prayers, and positive thoughts. If you are able to give anything financially towards Shannon's bills, that is greatly appreciated. No amount is too small. Every gift tells Shannon, keep going, we've got you. If you have any leads on a job, please reach out to Shannon directly!