Lower Cape Outreach Covers Camp Costs to Allow a Single Chatham Mother to Work
As a struggling single mother of two, Victoria is grateful for the services Lower Cape Outreach Council (LCOC) has afforded her family over recent years. She frequently picks up free clothing for herself and her sons at Katy’s Korner in Orleans and supplements her grocery shopping with food from the LCOC pantry. She has also worked with the advocate team to navigate financial difficulties. “I get so much support from the LCOC staff and volunteers,” Victoria said, “They truly listen. I am not sure I would be able to feed and clothe my children without their assistance.”
This summer, Victoria was concerned that her older son would not be able to attend summer day camp and free up time for her to clean seasonal rentals. With the cost of living continuing to rise, Victoria must stretch every dollar as far as it can go. Camp funds simply were not in her dwindling budget this year.
Camp represents more than just daycare to Victoria, as it is her son’s only opportunity to enjoy summer on Cape Cod and stay active with kids his age. It is also Victoria’s opportunity to pick up critical extra hours to bring in much-needed income. With camp fees more than she could manage, Victoria turned to the LCOC for guidance. “I hoped that they would be able to help pay part of the bill, but they paid more than half of the fees and helped me find other sources to cover the balance,” Victoria shared. “Now my son can have a summer enjoying the Cape outdoors while I contribute to the seasonal workforce.”
When a client’s financial needs are beyond what LCOC can cover alone, the agency often reaches out to its extensive network of partners to find additional resources. LCOC prioritizes support for youth including educational opportunities, camps, classes, and other enrichment programs.
