Nathan is 7 years old and was a drug and alcohol baby who was severely neglected the first 2 years of his life. He was developmentally disabled in all areas and has received intensive therapy. His therapy is ongoing and is absolutely imperative to even give him a chance at success in life. He attends school out of our neighborhood (I have to supply the transportation), he receives therapy through the school and pyshcological therapy in Milwaukie. He sees his therapist weekly and his pscychiatrist for medcine once a month.
I have been disabled for 18 years and am on SSA. I have approximately 3 drs appointments a month, some almost out in Gresham. I take 7 different medications I need to refill throughout the month.
We have been without a car since the accident 3 weeks ago and have had to walk about 4 miles one way to get to the dr, Rx, grocery store and bank. There are several other activities Nathan needs to be involved in but I don't know how to get him there. We of course looked into the bus option but to bus from Vancouver to Milwaukie once a week will mean one missed day of school every week and with delays that is not a good choice. To use mass transportation from Vancouver to Gresham after I drop Nathan off at school, have a dr. appointment and get back in time to pick him up is questionable and the school will allow nothing else.
When we were in the accident the police officer asked me if there was anyone he could contact for me and it really hit me hard that I had no family, friends, neighbors or distant relatives to call. It was just me and Nathan.
With my social security and the intense need I feel to do the best I can to maintain my indepence there is never enough money left over for even a junk car that probably wouldn't last.
This is the first time I have asked for help from a charity and it is akward and embarrassing to admit that I have to face the fact I fit into the poor and needy category.
