A Note from Natasha
I know May is a very busy month with graduations, kids’ school years ending, and summer plans in full bloom. While the hustle and bustle of the much-anticipated summer season continues, I felt I should share what is on our mind right now at Pawsperity.
Many of you know our students are typically single moms coming from traumatic situations such as homelessness, domestic violence, incarceration, and addiction. Accomplishing Pawsperity’s ultimate goal of permanently ending the poverty cycle is complex. Stabilizing our students before and during our program is critical to their graduation and opportunity for a new, self-sufficient future. We know the stabilization resources available during this time will not always be needed because soon they will have a job with a consistent income. Last year, 100% of our graduates were employed within two months of graduation. But in the meantime, multiple temporary resources are necessary during this phase including housing, food, transportation, and childcare. Unfortunately, many of these kinds of programs that directly help support our students are being eliminated, cut, or discussed to be cut, at the federal level.
Fortunately, Pawsperity works alongside multiple other Kansas City nonprofits assisting the same individuals and families in different capacities within our community. I felt compelled to host a gathering to talk about the current uncertainty. Our turnout was amazing with a packed room of nonprofit leaders as well as Congressman Cleaver. It was an excellent opportunity to convene and discuss the next steps to hopefully bridge funding gaps and remain committed to best serving our mutual population of families.
At this point, we are unsure how these changes will affect our students, but we are closely monitoring the situation and are trying to be as proactive as possible to ensure our students will be unaffected. We will continue to keep you updated with any specific needs or requests as we move forward. Please know, your support, no matter what the gift size, is very much appreciated. If you’ve never given before but value our mission of helping families permanently escape poverty, now is the time. For new donors, the opportunity to double your impact exists through the generosity of The Jack F. and Glenna Y. Wylie Foundation with a dollar-for-dollar match. Consider making a Mother’s Day gift in honor or remembrance of your mom, grandmother, or mother figure. To help Pawsperity and the many single moms who are working hard within our school to change their lives, and those of their children’s, give here. Happy Mother’s Day and thank you for your support!
