by Katie Patrick
I know that I promised three testimonies reflecting the three issues that CSS advocated for during our recent trip to Washington, D.C., but if I may, I would like to add another testimony in support of a child tax credit that reaches and serves the most vulnerable among us.
Lila is the mother of four children from western Nebraska. She grew up and lived in a small town, but recently had to get out because her husband was physically and verbally abusing her and the children. She sought support from a local Catholic parish, which connected her to Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska.
We enrolled Lila into our St. Gianna Program, which provides support to women and children fleeing domestic violence, and to women experiencing unplanned pregnancies. With our support, Lila and her children were able to fully transition from the small town she came from to another city in southern Nebraska.
With our help, Lila and her family moved into a house and were connected with various community resources, most notable of which is the program, Bridging Forward. This particular program is a product of Community IMPACT Network, a collaboration of regional organizations in Adams, Clay, Nuckolls, and Webster counties, whose goal is to reduce poverty 30% by 2030, through long-term, relational, intentional case work. These organizations include Catholic Social Services and other non-profits, as well as businesses and local and state government agencies.
As the community came together to assist Lila, she soon found herself in a better position to make plans for the future. One thing our staff does, through Bridging Forward, is first create some stability for our clients. We help them access and secure food, housing, healthcare, and transportation, and then we accompany them on the bigger issues of employment, education, and financial planning, etc.
Lila went through all of these stages with our CSS staff, and today Lila is attending community college to become an accountant. Here is where the fully refundable child tax credit comes into play. To accomplish her goal of becoming an accountant, it was determined that Lila should focus on caring for her children and attending school. Lila receives housing support and SNAP (food stamps) to provide for her children. She does not currently have an income. An expanded child tax credit that does not have an income threshold would allow her to receive additional support to help put food on the table and save for the future – something few in her socio-economic status are able to do!
Will you join me in prayer so that our government leaders will be open to establishing a child tax credit that complements the tremendous work already being done by nonprofits across the state? Many of those living in poverty are eager to have stability and create a better future for themselves and their families. Catholic Social Services is proud to accompany them on this journey. Thank you all for your prayers and support. May God bless you!
