Today, we want to introduce you to our friend, Samantha.
Samantha has lived in the Treasure Valley all her life, but moved around a lot because rent is expensive. Despite working two jobs, sometimes her mom just didn’t make enough. People came in and out of Sam's life who did some pretty awful things. She was bullied because her clothes weren’t always the best. And sometimes she skipped school when she couldn’t afford the things she needed to be clean. Just simple things like deodorant and toothpaste and feminine hygiene products. There’s more to tell, but the real story is about Samantha, today.
Samantha had never heard of United Way of Treasure Valley; she had no idea about how we bring together a variety of different programs to create a huge network of support services. But because of that, Sam was matched with a mentor who gave some amazing support. She got counseling that was immensely helpful. And she had a safe place to go after school. She even got the help she needed to become the first person in her family to go to college! That's something we are all really excited about.
Sam is working and taking classes now. If she continues to work hard, she should graduate in about a year.
So many people just like Sam don't know United Way of Treasure Valley makes it possible for all these programs to exist. But when they find out, boy, are they grateful! Sam just made her first donation to United Way, and in her words, is officially "adulting". We hope you’ll donate too. It really does take a community to change the odds for people around us; people like Sam. Maybe even people like you.
Please be part of the United Way of Treasure Valley Community and donate to the Community Fund today!
To hear Sam's story in her own words, click here.