My Story
Mission
To complete my BA degree at Simon Fraser University; to acquire a good paying job and move forward in a career.
Vision
To complete my university education; to facilitate a standard of living for my three children and myself that is at least at LICO levels. To raise our income to at least $40,000.00 per year (2007 LICO for a family of four in an community sized 100,000 to 499,000) in order that we may: move out of subsidized housing; buy enough quality food to nourish my children; to put my children in clothing that I purchase instead of hand-me-downs from friends; to be able to put my children in recreational activities and help them to prosper in their own lives. To increase my families sense of self-esteem and self-worth.
The Problem
In November 1992 my son was born and I prioritized my time to be a full-time mother. By October 1995 I had three sons and spent my time at home raising them. My then husband chose to start using cocaine and crack and was soon physically abusing the boys and me. In 1996 I found myself in a position I did not think I ever would: I became a single parent living in subsidized housing raising three little boys and living on Income Assistance. It was in the best interest of my children and their future to leave him and move on with life on my own with the boys.
In 1998 I approached my Finacial Aid Worker to see if I could go back to school and finish my degree to get off welfare. I was told that I would have to get a student loan and that I would not receive support from Welfare or childcare support. This was not an option for me as I was in default on my student loan from 1992 when I had my oldest of the three boys and was forced to abandon my studies with only a two year diploma in general studies.
More about my story can be read at: http://bctf.ca/publications/NewsmagArticle.aspx?id=7374
Need
The first semester is about to start – September 2010. My immediate need is for : Tuition per Semester:
SFU Vancouver (September 2010 – August 2013)
Program Fee:
$18,936 (subject to SFU Board of Governors approval)
Tuition per Semester:
$2104 (due each semester)
Student Services, Activity, Athletic/Recreation, U-Pass Fees:
Estimated at $300 per semester. See Current SFU Calendar for details.
Extended Health and Dental Plan
$184.84 (September 2009 - August 31, 2010 rate quote). You may opt out of this plan if you have sufficient coverage through your employer or another private insurer. Please see http://www.ihaveaplan.ca for details.
Books and Courseware:
estimated at $250-$300 per semester
Source: http://www.sfu.ca/cs/cics/integrated/fees.htm
Financing Plan
I am currently receiving Employment Income (EI) through HRSDC at $410.00 per week for a total of $1,640.00 per month, based on my last contract job. The father of my children pays approximately 200.00 per month. Last year it was at 150.00 per month. He has only recently started paying as he was unemployed and a substance abuser for many years. He currently has a debt of $120,000.00 payable to me. Family Maintenance Enforcement Program BC is attempting to enforce but has had little success. My EI runs out on 20 September 2010 and I am currently applying for jobs. I will need to be gainfully employed by then. At this point we have zero dollars in disposable income, I am hoping that once I am working again I will be able to put a little aside for my education and eventually for the higher education of my children.
Request
For help to pay for my courses – any amount will be more than appreciated. Direct donations can be made to Simon Fraser University - student number: 911010465 or use the PayPal donate button.
Benefits to You
Supporting a cause that ultimately is aimed at moving a family from poverty to financial success.
4 Persons Low Income Cut-off
