Mia Winkler is working toward a life of self-sufficiency, working part-time and powering her way to a dream job as a dental hygienist. Winkler also is taking care of her 5-year-old son, a juggling act she didn’t think possible just a few years ago.
Winkler then learned about Boulder County’s Family Self-Sufficiency Program, a five-year academic, employment and savings incentive setup designed to help low-income families.
Winkler, 28, said FSS helped her get into a duplex provided by the program and allowed her to Front Community College in Longmont full time and work toward two associate degrees.
“I still have the security of my house and I am still able to go to school full time and do what I’m doing,” Winkler said. “I have that work balance so I can also be with my son.
“I honestly don’t know what I would do without FSS,” she said. “I actually have a future because of the program.”
FSS is among a group of county programs in need of donations this holiday season to help enrolled families provide gifts for their children, according to a Boulder County news release.
This year has been especially tough for children and older adults who are struggling with isolation from friends and family, and other stresses brought on by COVID-19, Will Kugel, Boulder County Department of Housing and Human Services Finance Division director, stated in the release.
“This has been an unusual, difficult year for the families and children in our community,” Kugel stated. “These families are modeling resilience as they balance the needs of school, parenting, family and other obligations — this year and always we hope our holiday giving programs can provide some support to our neighbors who are struggling.”
The county is asking for people to donate gift cards or cash for families in the FSS program so they can purchase gifts for their families this holiday season, or to help with groceries and basic holiday needs. To donate, contact Katie Frye at 303-441-3923 or [email protected].
Other programs that need help are:
Family to Family Holiday Program
Now in its 46th year, the Family to Family, or F2F, Holiday Program seeks donations to help parents and caregivers give gifts to their children. F2F serves the most vulnerable financially struggling families and individuals in the Child Protection, Foster Care, Adolescent and Adult Protection and Basic Needs programs.
Online donations can be made at www.BoulderCountyFamilyToFamily.org. Additional information is available by contacting Debbie Ramirez at 303-441-1430 or [email protected].
Boulder County Department of Housing and Human Services Senior Services Program
The Senior Services Program is seeking donations of gift cards to local grocery stores or discount retail stores to help offset the costs of medications and high medical expenses.
The program provides support for older adults who are tenants in permanently affordable homes. Low- and fixed-income seniors often face the reality of having to choose between covering medical expenses and buying groceries or meeting other basic needs, according to the release.
To make a donation, contact Kris Durso at 303-519-7152 or [email protected].
Other holiday giving opportunities include supporting the Family Resource Centers in Boulder County, including the OUR Center in Longmont, 303-772-5529; Sister Carmen Community Center in Lafayette, 303-665-4342; and the Emergency Family Assistance Association in Boulder, 303-442-3042 and. The nonprofit community partners provide financial assistance for rent and utilities, mortgage support, free food boxes or prepared meals and more, according to the news release.
