Jessica’s Story

In 2018, Jessica, a parent of 2 elementary age children, was diagnosed with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. During one of her first surgeries, surgeons found an Atrial Septal Defect (a hole in her heart). In subsequent surgeries, three more holes in her heart have been found. These illnesses affect not only her heart, but her lungs and the rest of her body as well.

Although Jessica receives $900 SSI each month, it doesn’t go very far. She pays $600 rent each month, leaving only $300 for necessities, food, and clothing for her children.

Jessica “shops” our free Resource Center store, called Kalen’s Kloset. She benefits from our bi-monthly food pantry and her children are sponsored by community members. She is very thankful that our programs exist and it’s very helpful to her when “someone gives us something we need”. The children are always excited and happy to receive something “new”, even if it’s not really new.

Jessica says, “The support I receive from Chino Valley Education Foundation programs does more than help me focus on my children and help them do well in school. It gives me a sense of hope.”