Back to School season is here and for many of our neighbors it’s not just a busy season, it’s a stressful one. In this time of uncertainty, even the basics — supplies, shoes, a lunch box filled with healthy food — can feel out of reach. 

That’s why your support matters so much right now! You have the power to turn anxiety into relief, and uncertainty into hope, for parents and kids starting the school year.  Be the hope families need! Give today!

Our neighbor Olha Havryliuk knows this stress and uncertainty all too well. Olha is a Ukrainian refugee with five children who moved to the US three years ago. She’s a Getting Ahead graduate who also recently completed our Emergency Savings Incentive Plan, earning $500 deposited into a bank account.

As every parent knows, school supplies add up quickly. Olha has attended two community Back to School events so far, collecting about half of what her children need — plus free shoes. It’s been more difficult though, she said, to find supplies for her rising freshman because these events are generally geared toward younger students.     

But because of your kindness, families like Olha’s have hope. Your generosity to Common Heart allows her family to receive free groceries and become part of this kind, caring community. Olha knows that because of folks like you, she’s able to use her Getting Ahead resources and has access to ongoing support from our Economic Empowerment team.  

“It can be so overwhelming,” Olha said. “But I feel that the back to school events are really good and such a great help for us and other families as well. There’s a lot of good help from the community.”

In times of uncertainty, it’s kind friends like you who bring hope. Give hope today with your gift!
 
Serving together with one common heart,

Keith Adams, Executive Director

P.S. — Hear more from Olha on Episode 6 of our podcast: Back to School.