Watch Kaytie's video

Overview

I am in the process of improving my life as well as the lives of my children. I need a laptop computer with Microsoft Office to keep in contact with my children's schools; to offer it to my childen to do homework; and as a tool for me to practice my recently acquired computer skills.

My goal is to become employed.  A computer will allow me to sharpen my office skills and vastly improve the communication necessary between me and my children's schools.

My current situation is I live on a fixed income due to a disability from paralysis I had as a child. I want to expand my access to the world and make sure that my children have a computer to use for their school work, something that is becoming more and more necessary. Also, I hope to become proficient in computers enough that I might be employable for part-time work.

Meeting this need will help me because I will definitely know what is going on at my children's schools; I will also be connected much more to the teachers themselves; my children will not be at an educational disadvantage; and I can practice and improve my own skills.

I'm from Trinidad but have lived in the Detroit area for 18 years. Something interesting about me is I love to learn about other cultures. I read as much as I can or watch documentaries.

I have two children. My son is 16 and my daughter just turned 8. My son is in the 11th grade, and my daughter is in the 2nd grade. I am happiest when it is warm outside and I can take them to the park.

I'm most proud of my son because he has been through a lot with Aspergers and the bullying that he has had to go through. He is really learning to deal with this in a positive way.

Watch Valerie's video

Validated

Validated by Valerie from Starfish Family Services (What does this mean?)

I met Kaytie when she joined the Center for Family Success program at Starfish. She wanted to find ways to get ahead and improve the lives of herself and her children.

Katie has a physical disability that sometimes limits her movements; therefore, it is very important that she have a computer in order to be able to communicate more effectively since in-person meetings can be difficult.

I think meeting this need is important because Kaytie needs a computer in order to meet personal and family needs. For example, her 10 year old daughter often has online homework assignments, something that is a real challenge for both her mom and herself without a computer. Also, much of the communication with teachers and follow-up on homework objectives requires a computer as well. Additionally, Kaytie has a special needs 16 year old son who also needs a computer to complete his homework. Finally, Kaytie is determined to work part-time as soon as possible and she needs a home computer in order to practice the computer skills she recently acquired in an IT class.

About Valerie

My job title is Family Advocate. My work involves working with people in poverty to help them become more self-sufficient by linking them to resources. What I like about my job is that it is always interesting! Every family I work with is obviously different, and I have had the honor of getting to… Read more