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Family of 7 lodged in motel they call home
April Schmidt, holding Katelyn, 6 months, and Jerry Hunt sit outside their motel room as Chelsea, 10, and Carolyn, 2, play with the family cat, Slim Shady, through the window, Saturday, Aug. 21, 2010. by Nick Krug
Seven-year-old Calah Hunt and her sister Carolyn Hunt, 2, have just finished their baths and are sitting in a chair watching television.
Their dad, Jerry Hunt, lies on the bed behind the chair to try to catch some sleep before working the overnight shift at Checkers grocery store.
Their mom, April Schmidt, is sitting on the bed next to Jerry, holding their 6-month-old sister Katelyn Hunt.
Their sister, Chelsea Hunt, 10, and brother Caden Hunt, 7, are outside playing with friends.
Chelsea’s kitten, Slim Shady, is sleeping on top of a school backpack that’s inside a laundry basket with others.
It’s a typical evening for the couple and their five children who have lived in a Lawrence motel room since May.
“We have good days and we have bad days for sure. I mean that’s anywhere you go,” April said. “Even if we did have our own place, we would have good days and bad days. But, with our situation I think we do pretty good. I mean it sucks, but we make the best of it.”
Chelsea comes in with three friends. They perform a cheerleading routine that they’ve been working on. When they are done, there’s applause and praise.
Calah jumps up and gives one of them a hug. “Good job,” she says.
Karrey Britt
September 1, 2010 at 9:41 p.m.
Congressional candidate Stephene Moore tours Health Care Access, talks about health reform
Karrey Britt
August 30, 2010 at 5:13 p.m.
Agencies want to hear about health care needs of those with disabilities
Health Care Access Clinic Director Receives Tensie Oldfather Community Service Award
The Health Care Access Clinic's director, Nikki King, received a Tensie Oldfather Community Service Award at the Douglas County Community Foundation's tenth anniversary celebration on August 21.
The foundation board created the award to honor long-serving nonprofit leaders whose contributions have transformed the organizations they lead. The award included a $5,000 unrestricted grant to the individual's organization.
In recognizing Nikki, DCCF executive director Chip Blaser detailed some of her contributions:
- Growing the clinic's cash and in-kind contributions from $300,000 in 1998 to $4.5 million this year;
- Successfully executing a move to a new location that makes services more accessible, efficient, and effective;
- Initiating wellness programs that make high-risk patients more healthy overall;
- Providing leadership within the CHIP and LiveWell Lawrence community coalitions.
The award is named after the late Tensie Oldfather, a local philanthropist who volunteered for numereous organizations and made the founding gift that established the Douglas County Community Foundation.
Other award recipients were Midge Grinstead, director of the Lawrence Humane Society, and Dianne Ensminger, director of Ballard Community Services.
Nikki King and Mike Davis by Marilyn_Hull
Marilyn Hull
in Douglas County Community Foundation: News
August 25, 2010 at 2:01 p.m. ( permalink )
Downtown church launches medical clinic
Dr. Dennis Sale works on an exam office at Heartland Community Church at 619 Vt., where he plans to open a small clinic so he can see patients as part of the church’s new ministry. by Richard Gwin
Fittingly, New Life in Christ church is celebrating its coming-out party with a new ministry.
New Life in Christ for the past 20 years had been known as Heartland Community Church, 619 Vt. With the fresh name introduced a few weeks ago, the church is also launching a medical ministry. That outreach program is called New Hope Medical Ministry. And like New Life and Heartland, it’s a reboot — 11 years ago it came into being as the Heartland Medical Clinic.
New Hope is aiming to see patients each Wednesday starting Sept. 1 for free and minimal-cost health care, says Dr. Dennis Sale, who will oversee the operation.
“We just hope that we can serve the people any way we can. We will be drawing blood on-site, we’ll be able to do EKGs, some good basic medical treatment. We’ll be as full-service as we can at this location,” Sale says. “Obviously, if we have patients who come in who need more expensive care, scans or X-rays, they’ll have to go to the hospital to get those done. We have no way to get those free, but we want to get the ball rolling and help people to identify their problems and move on to whatever they need to be done.”
Learn more about the New Hope Medical Ministry here.
Sarah Henning
14 eligible people are now entered in the drawing. Post your wellness goal to add your name!
Do you have a wellness goal?
Do you have a personal wellness goal? What is it? Why did you set it? How is it going?
Every newcomer to the Wellcommons LiveWell Lawrence group who posts a reply to these four simple questions will be entered in a drawing to win one of 10 $25 gift certificates to Garry Gribble's Running Sports store.
The drawing will be on June 18.
If you need help figuring out how to post, email Liz Brandt at chip@ldchealth.org.
So you know what we are looking for, I'll start with myself...
My wellness goal is to strengthen my upper body--arms, shoulders, abs and back. I have risk factors for osteoporosis, and I want to do what I can to ward it off. I ordered a book on strength training for women, and I bought some hand weights. But I'm struggling to find the motivation to work it into my weekly routine. On the bright side, I do walk almost every day.
Local doctor will serve on Blue Cross and Blue Shield committee
A Lawrence cardiologist will advise Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas on new advancements in medical care.
According to a news release, Michael Zabel was named to the insurance company’s medical advisory committee. He will serve for two years.
The board has 19 health care professionals from across the state who will provide insight into the medical industry to help the health insurance company stay updated on the best treatment options.
Zabel has been a doctor for 15 years and earned his medical degree from Washington University in St. Louis.
Health Reform & the Safety Net
http://www.khi.org/news/2010/may/03/safety-net-clinics-brace-health-reform/
Pink glove dance for breast cancer awareness
This video has been viewed 6.7 million times! Just in case you missed it: Pink Glove Dance
And it's also important to be aware that there are people who can't get treatment or adequate treatment for breast cancer because they don't have insurance or are underinsured. I'd like to find out how many women in Douglas County are in that position.
Family of 7 lodged in motel they call home
April Schmidt, holding Katelyn, 6 months, and Jerry Hunt sit outside their motel room as Chelsea, 10, and Carolyn, 2, play with the family cat, Slim Shady, through the window, Saturday, Aug. 21, 2010. by Nick Krug
Seven-year-old Calah Hunt and her sister Carolyn Hunt, 2, have just finished their baths and are sitting in a chair watching television.
Their dad, Jerry Hunt, lies on the bed behind the chair to try to catch some sleep before working the overnight shift at Checkers grocery store.
Their mom, April Schmidt, is sitting on the bed next to Jerry, holding their 6-month-old sister Katelyn Hunt.
Their sister, Chelsea Hunt, 10, and brother Caden Hunt, 7, are outside playing with friends.
Chelsea’s kitten, Slim Shady, is sleeping on top of a school backpack that’s inside a laundry basket with others.
It’s a typical evening for the couple and their five children who have lived in a Lawrence motel room since May.
“We have good days and we have bad days for sure. I mean that’s anywhere you go,” April said. “Even if we did have our own place, we would have good days and bad days. But, with our situation I think we do pretty good. I mean it sucks, but we make the best of it.”
Chelsea comes in with three friends. They perform a cheerleading routine that they’ve been working on. When they are done, there’s applause and praise.
Calah jumps up and gives one of them a hug. “Good job,” she says.
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Pádraig O'Connell commented on Family of 7 lodged in motel they call homeSeptember 6
Pádraig said: “I'd be happy to help this family out by federally subsidizing a box of condoms.” -
brin mclees commented on Family of 7 lodged in motel they call homeSeptember 6
brin said: “A lot of rental places have a “head to bed” policy. Only so many people can be in a two bedroom place. So you all need to take a step back and think about the rules with certain apartments or rental houses. I had fallen into motherhood at 20 yrs. old and I am doing my best to provide for my daughter and I. But you know what, ITS STILL HARD! This couple is simply letting people who have a comfortable life see what it is like in their day to day. I don't appreciate the family's who are scamming the assistance programs just as much as the next person. But I only get daycare for my daugher, no foodstamps, no cash, no housing authority. I don't qualify for them, yet I only make $9.00/hr. So for my sake don't assume everyone is riding the system when they are not. I could use $60.00 for diapers and formula for my daughter each month and I would be able to put gas in my car without asking family for $30 dollars here or there. I know some people who don't deserve the assistance they have. They have housing, food, and cash assistance but don't work a hour a day at a paying job. Can I do anything about it, hell no I can't. So I suck it up and go home to my daughter and accept the fact that she is my responsibility for the rest of my life. I love her with all my heart and am thanking god everyday I had her. Life is hard for everyone, this family looks pretty content.”
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Scott Kaiser commented on Family of 7 lodged in motel they call homeSeptember 5
Scott said: “MOMOFK, This is exactly what I'm trying to impress upon the casual reader of this thread; It is happening to everybody! It might be that you can't afford Filet Mignon anymore, or you are stressed about the lights going out because you can't pay the bill. Whatever! EVERYBODY is having to adjust their financial habits due to the economy. What can you still afford? What have you had to give up because it was an unnecessary expense? How clear does this topic have to be?”
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Scott Kaiser commented on Family of 7 lodged in motel they call homeSeptember 5
Scott said: “Godspeed on finding compatible matches with those who are willing to work together with the few landlords who are for the improvement of peoples needs! God Bless you!”
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Scott Kaiser commented on Family of 7 lodged in motel they call homeSeptember 5
Scott said: “Your “political argument” is not relevent here. I am a conservative yes, over 50 and have no children. The reason? I knew that I could not provide for them financially. As a father? Absolutely! Once again, it comes down to “best choices” and being responsible. Yes, I miss out on being a parent, but it is much better to not have a child without the proper means to provide than to just “breed.””
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Scott Kaiser commented on Family of 7 lodged in motel they call homeSeptember 5
Scott said: “Oh, and did I mention a minor in “Current Social Studies of the Family” as my goal for service? Do not play me; I understand the problems and have answers to their situation and other problems confounding families during these economic times. Just ask…. I ask, still, do either of the adults smoke?”
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Karrey Britt commented on Family of 7 lodged in motel they call homeSeptember 5
Karrey said: “Thanks for your comment. I talked to a social service agency that deals with housing and learned that there are “certain landlords” who do work with low-income families. By featuring one of these landlords, maybe it will encourage others to do so?”
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H M commented on Family of 7 lodged in motel they call homeSeptember 5
H said: “This does seem like a charity case story. If it wasn't meant to be one then maybe you should have done it on a family that really is homeless. I have a family of four and our income is a little LESS than $3,000/mo. We DO pay for health insurance each check and taxes also come out of course. We pay $850/mo for our duplex, plus utilities, cable & internet, we have 2 car payments (1 truck, 1 SUV), insurance for both, groceries, clothes, eating out, etc. We do live paycheck to paycheck but are not struggling by any means. I don't know who in their right mind would pay $800/mo for a motel! There are tons of houses they could move into for less than that! I agree w/ pp…get rid of the cat! That's an unnecessary expense! Have they also not heard of birth control? Isn't it still free at the health dept??!! Tubes tied maybe?? I'm 26 and would never have 7 kids in 3 more years! Stories like this make me angry. My husband was in the construction industry when the economy went to crap but guess what? He found a new job! And supports our family on his income. I can't say anymore, it just makes me more angry. ”
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Megan Stuke commented on Family of 7 lodged in motel they call homeSeptember 5
Megan said: “How many of you “too many children” accusers are also “pro life” in politics/religion? Just curious.”
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Scott Kaiser commented on Family of 7 lodged in motel they call homeSeptember 5
Scott said: “I think that any “stories” about people receiving government or public assistance is a furtherance of liberal “hand-out” policies. I want to hear more about families and individuals who have overcome diversities by hard work, searching for better ways, and bettering their lot. What they faced, how they met their challenges and how they are better because of their efforts and choices…. Did they support a tobacco habit….hmmm My question is still unanswered. Perhaps these stories will inspire those who are “down on their luck” to perservere.”
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Karrey Britt commented on Family of 7 lodged in motel they call homeSeptember 5
Karrey said: “I encourage the leaders of social service agencies to talk about the poverty that they see first-hand. Abigail wasn't the only person to applaud this family for their efforts. They are working to keep their family together, a roof over their head, food on the table, and to get back on their feet. There are many Lawrence families living in poverty or near poverty, but not many are willing to so openly share their story. Also, we are all one car accident, cancer diagnosis, divorce, or job loss away from possibly facing the same circumstances. ”
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Karrey Britt commented on Family of 7 lodged in motel they call homeSeptember 5
Karrey said: “I wanted to share a couple of stories I wrote in June about a poverty workshop in the Lawrence community. http://bit.ly/aKf8f9 http://bit.ly/boLBBz I also wanted to pull this information from one of the stories: Terie Dreussi Smith, co-author of “Bridges Out of Poverty: Strategies for Professionals and Communities,” said middle class workers often have a mantra: “You don’t have fun until your bills are paid.” Often, the middle class frown upon cigarettes, television sets or a manicure if someone can’t afford their utilities. But, Druessi Smith asks, “When are the bills all paid? Do we really expect people in poverty to never engage in any kind of entertainment? “More and more research is showing the stress of poverty is huge, and it is causing a lot of health inequities, and that entertainment piece actually is a stress reliever,” she said. “It is something that we all need. When we make those judgments, we are looking at the financial piece and not the whole picture.” ”
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Scott Kaiser commented on Family of 7 lodged in motel they call homeSeptember 5
Scott said: “OK, now you are travelling into my domain. I am at the current time persuing a degree in Early Education at my local College. I agree about the care and concern of the children:they are at the mercy of the adults choices… I'm going to stop here because some of my comments were deleted before they hit the board. I TRUELY care about the children regardless of the inane decisions made by their parents.”
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Nick Krug commented on Family of 7 lodged in motel they call homeSeptember 5
Nick said: “On Friday I spent a couple hours covering Alan Mulally at the Community Education Breakfast. If you haven't had a chance to hear the man speak I highly recommend it the next time he comes through town. Despite being a very friendly and approachable person, he helped lead Ford from the depths of a $17 billion loss in 06 back to profitability. Pretty miraculous in this economy. Two weeks prior to this I started dropping by April and Jerry's motel room to hang out and document their life and those of their kids living in a really small space. The couple work hard, sleep little and sacrifice plenty of themselves with the hope that the effort will pay off for their kids. I think as much can be learned about the human condition by observing those struggling through life as it can be by watching those that are succeeding.” -
Scott Kaiser commented on Family of 7 lodged in motel they call homeSeptember 5
Scott said: “A very good post. I agree about the housing problem in Lawrence and other college towns. The landlords, seeing a need for housing and profits concerning the student population needs vis a vis the local population needs, I really doubt that that landlords care a hoot; it's about their bottom line–profits. However, the people profiled in the article have to think about their surroundings and factor in all options, conditions and opportunities. How about doing something like work/maintenance or landscaping(mowing, snow is coming; get a shovel) for a landlord for free or reduced rent? The opportunities are there….have they been looked into? It all goes back to the individual…how hard are they trying to better their lot?”
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Jane Stevens commented on Family of 7 lodged in motel they call homeSeptember 5
Jane said: “Karrey linked to a story that provided this information: The numbers of homeless children in public schools in Kansas has jumped from about 3,600 in 2006-2007, to an estimated 8,500 this past school year, according to the Kansas Department of Education. Kansas ranked fourth in the country in percentage increase — 88 percent — of homeless students over the past couple of years, according to a new report by advocacy organization First Focus. Nationally, the number of homeless students is nearing 1 million, up 41 percent from 2006-2007. In Lawrence, the number increased from 97 to 164 in 2009-2010. It's very sad tthat families are having such a difficult time in this economy, but it's not unexpected, as severe and as long-lasting as this recession is. Surely this community can figure out a way to get these families back on their feet without blaming them for having made bad decisions in their lives. haven't we all, from time to time? What's that adage about people who live in glass houses? ” -
Belinda Rehmer commented on Family of 7 lodged in motel they call homeSeptember 5
Belinda said: “Reading all these posts I do understand many of the concerns voiced here. I wonder however how any of the accusations are going to change the outcome for these children? I understand others frustration with the parents, but what I see in this article is 1) they are trying to change their future. 2)They are both working full time jobs. 3) they opened their lives to our scrutiny 4) the children seem to be pretty well balanced. Obviously there have been problems or they would not be living in the hotel, but how will pointing fingers change the choices the parents made in the past? This family is trying to look toward the future and are only asking for help finding a home they can afford. I think most would agree, don't have enough affordable public housing options in Lawrence, especially for families. And as I'm not a fan of big government, my suggestion probably won't be very popular, because someone will actually be taking home less money, but what if some of the big developers/Landlords in the Lawrence area set aside a percentage of their apartments/town homes for families that are truly wanting to improve their situations? (of course they would have to show active full time positions etc.) Rent at a short-term “family rate” instead of the common student centered pricing. And let's take a bigger step by setting aside some of their rent money for future reimbursement as a deposit on an upgrade! This could actually work into a long-term rental relationship and could definitely generate good will! Any other suggestions out there, for future families trying to change their future? ” -
Scott Kaiser commented on Family of 7 lodged in motel they call homeSeptember 5
Scott said: “I do not want to appear unsympathetic… If anyone is interested in my ideas and suggestions for streamlining a budget, Please send me a personal email at: Daddytopcat@juno.com Only hoping for the best, for the children.”
