Lakeside’s S.A.F.E. (Save a Future with Education) scholarship program needs your help.
For the past 16 years, the program has helped children from families of limited means meet their school expenses.
Of the 108 students served by S.A.F.E., 30 have no paternal support for a variety of reasons: fathers abandoning their families, divorce, death, prison and other issues. Here are a few examples of single-parent families who have faced adversity, whom S.A.F.E. is helping.
• Rocio works long hours in a family-owned restaurant to support her twin five-year-old boys whose father disappeared a little over two years ago, with no word of him since. After their grandfather died this past year, their emotional health has declined to the point where one of them has stopped speaking almost completely. Their kindergarten attendance is critical to their regaining some sense of normalcy.
• Teresa has worked hard for the past several years, cleaning houses to support her three children after their father committed suicide.
• Lupita raises her three children in a shack by the Chapala arroyo, without electricity, running water, a stove or refrigerator. Her two primary-age girls have improved their grades since returning to school with a S.A.F.E. scholarship.
While single parent families are at greater risk of not having the resources needed for school attendance, 50 percent of all Lakeside families struggle with the costs. Not everyone realizes that each student must pay a registration fee (inscripcion), a monthly classroom cuota (for water, soap, toilet paper, etc.), uniforms, P.E. uniforms, dress shoes, tennis shoes and, of course, all required school supplies.
Consider helping this program and these children by enjoying yourself for a night of dinner and entertainment at the upcoming S.A.F.E. fundraiser gala on Saturday, October 5, or by sponsoring a student through his/her public school attendance. Contact Ginger B. Gonzales at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 333-677-4455 for more information, or to buy tickets for the fundraiser.