As a single mother with two children ages 6 and 8, Crystal was able to pay for rent, food and utilities and not much else. Every week was a financial struggle and without the help of her mother as a babysitter she would have been in an impossible situation if she had to pay for day care.
Crystal had one full-time job and on part-time job. Her employment provides health insurance for herself and her children are eligible for Dr. Dynasaur. Last February Crystal was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. She felt lucky she had insurance to pay for her treatments. But because she missed so many work days her boss fired her.
Crystal has been eligible for fuel assistance from the state of Vermont. Her allotment ran out when she was fired from her job. A state caseworker referred her to the Windham County Heat Fund and we were able to give her enough oil to make it through the winter.
I was a bigger allotment than we usually give but we look at each application and make decisions based on a variety of factors. When the fund has enough money in its account we are able to be flexible. In this case, flexibility was important for Crystal and her family.