After driving home from work in Bartow, Kimberly steps into her room at an extended-stay hotel in Brandon. On a nightstand sits a tabletop Christmas tree she hopes captures some of the holiday spirit for her three daughters, ages 22, 19 and 5.
Working, parenting, holding it together
In October, LkldNow reported Kimberly’s story and how a modest raise threatened her access to food, childcare and other supports, even as she worked and went to school.
Two months later, Kimberly still works the same full-time job as an ESE paraprofessional with Polk County Public Schools. She balances full-time work, parenting and college coursework, with far fewer supports than before.
“I only have two math classes left, and I’ll be done with my associate’s degree,” Kimberly said…