Back-to-School Event Helps Mother and Son
Recently, 6-year-old Akilles started the first grade. He has new clothes, school supplies and a backpack, and it’s all because of the back-to-school shopping event at The Salvation Army Santa Rosa Corps.
Mauren, Akilles' mother, is hoping the new school year might signal a fresh start for the family.
Last October, she and Akilles were one of the many Santa Rosa residents affected by the Tubbs Fire. The blaze destroyed 37,000 acres and 5,600 structures. At the time, it was the most destructive wildfire in California history. They lost their home and everything inside of it.
On top of that, Mauren couldn’t find work because her kidneys were failing and in need of a transplant.
Earlier this year, Mauren and Akilles finally moved into an apartment, but Mauren knew the rent would catch up, so she went to the the Santa Rosa Corps seeking help. There, she received rental assistance for a couple months through the Long-Term Assistance Recovery Program (LTARP).
After receiving the rental assistance, The Salvation Army Santa Rosa Corps helped Mauren and Akilles sign-up for the back-to-school shopping event.
The blessings also extended to Mauren herself. In early July, she found a match for a new kidney.
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