School Supplies

by Shannon

Last week I knew summer was drawing to a close when I hear radio advertisements for the sales tax amnesty. Yep - - time to buy school supplies. And, yep, I’m a student. Part time grad student pursuing a Masters in Public Policy from George Mason University. Fortunately, GMU doesn’t provide you a list of what to bring the first day.

But, around GSHFS, clients have been stopping in and our fax machine has been whirring with various lists for what local schools are asking of each student. Our Children’s Resource program helps outfit “our” children with the needed supplies.

Did you know that a box of tissues is now considered an essential school supply? Or, that the Trapper Keeper is not allowed. Wow. I’m feeling out of the loop. Tissues always just appeared on the teacher’s desk, and Trapper Keepers were the latest and greatest when I was in school. When the school bully knocked my books out of my arms, the Trapper Keeper kept my papers from going everywhere. Who wouldn’t love that???

So, this weekend I’ll head out and pick up a backpack or two (for our clients, not me). And, if any of you are interested, feel free to pick up a few school supplies and bring them by our offices (8305 Richmond Hwy #17B, Alexandria, VA 22309). We will put them in the hands of a deserving child from a low income family.

And in the coming weeks, we’ll have some great moments in the office when the kids arrive for pick-up. There is nothing quite like seeing a child’s eyes light up when you hand them a new backpack filled with unsharpened pencils, new crayons and a tablet whose pages are perfect smooth.

by: Karen

I am now back from maternity leave and in the office three days a week. That means I had to find daycare for my boys three times a week, a real struggle for me. The cost of good daycare astounds me. It’s hard to find good care, and when you do, it is extremely expensive.

During my search, I kept thinking of our clients who also need to find daycare for their children. I have many resources at my disposal - a husband who also makes a decent living, a flexible work environment and parents who live nearby and can help out. If my children are sick, I rarely have to take a day off to care for them and if I do, I have sick days I can use. Not true for most of our clients who are paid by the hour. If they miss too much work because their children are sick, they may also risk losing their jobs. Their incomes are barely enough to pay for daycare for their children. They can forget the luxury of hiring a nanny.

I am also very fortunate because GSH is a family friendly work environment. Most of us who work here are parents and understand how crazy life is with young children. We have a lot of part-time staff, yet we are all provided with good benefits – health insurance, sick days, etc.

by: Shannon Steene

Or better yet – how long has it been since I’ve posted an entry?

Ah, yes, it is summer and the time when many people travel. I am thrilled to include myself in that category.

Since the last posting I’ve buried myself in preparations to be away, traveled for a little over a week and now returned to my desk, digging through the stacks until I’ve found the desktop.

New Mexico was the destination – Albuquerque and Santa Fe, specifically. I expected it to be hot, dry and dusty and it delivered on those expectations. But it was also gorgeous! The low humidity helps, and so did the respite from my regular duties.

I have figured out that when I get away, I need to schedule enough consecutive days to truly let me mind forget all that happens at GSHFS. When I return, everything has better perspective. I can have fresh eyes. There are still a lot of things to do, but it just feels better.

Here is hoping all of you get a chance to rest and recreate this summer!