Computer for my kids to succeed in school

About Tori

On June 29th, 2009, I fled domestic violence in my 13 year marriage and relocated to Chicago from Tennesee with my seven kids. I had to live in a shelter with my kids for over 7 months. While I was… Read more

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Updates

Tori's statement on receiving her computer: Jan 27, 2012

I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for having the opportunity to receive a computer.  It has truly been a blessing.

By receiving this computer, my children are able to do their homework, type up reports and do research on the internet.  Even though I personally haven’t had a chance to get on the new computer, the children have benefited the most.  It is being well used.

This is such a wonderful thing that your company is doing by helping to enhance the lives of those who are just a little less fortunate.

Again, thank you and may God continue to Bless you and those who donate.
~Tori and family

Jamila's statement on Tori receiving her computer: Jan 27, 2012

Having a computer at the house has changed Tori’s life.  Her kids are better equipped to complete their school assignments.  She is truly grateful for the generosity of the donors who helped to make this possible.

My need

Having a computer in our home will give me the extra time with my kids when they're doing their homework.  We can all go online to do research, homework, and more.  Most of all, a computer will give me the control over what sites my kids are viewing at all times.  If we had a computer, it would benefit everyone's needs, moving towards the future.

My kids need a computer for school work so they can keep bringing A's and B's home to me.  My children's future depends on good grades so that they can advance to college.

My situation

When I fled a domestically violent marriage, I lost everything and have started all over from scratch.  I still don't even have a couch, but a computer is more important. 

I work for a local nonprofit organization that works to prevent homelessness.  I make enough money to support the basic needs of my family including rent, utilities, phone, medical needs, and transportation.  My income is not enough to afford the other things you need when you've got kids as active and accelerated as mine.  I have to tell them "no" a lot.  A computer is something I'd like to bring to my family to keep them advanced for the future.

You can't begin to understand how I budget.  I go to three different grocery stores; I buy all our clothes in clearance and off-season sales; I am a coupon queen.  With all the research and checking in stores and checking on the prices of computers, I know it's simply impossible for me to buy a computer on my income.

About Jamila

I work for the Cara Program as an Individual Development Specialist. I have been here for a little over four years now. I moved to Chicago from Texas where I did a year of Americorps service working for a nonprofit serving the Vietnamese community in the Houston Area. I decided that I wanted to… Read more

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I've known Tori for almost two years now.  She has been a participant of the Cara Program and has improved and advanced tremendously since she first started as a shy and insecure individual who had just gotten out of a very bad long-term relationship.  Now, two years later, she is a confident, independent woman who is holding down a large family.

Buying a computer would help not only Tori advance, but will allow her family to move forward along with her.  As a single mother who works full time, having her children at the house would allow her more quality time with the kids, would allow her to help her children with their homework, and hopefully set the kids on the right track to go to college.

I have faith that Tori will continue to be successful.