LIMA — She cannot work due to health issues, but Tammy still made the decision to take in her 15-year-old granddaughter, Susie, because, in her words, “I want to let her see that not everything in the world has to be bad.”
Nearly a decade ago, Susie was removed from her home only to suffer abuse a few years later at the house in which she was placed. This led to a hospitalization and continued treatment for Susie, all while Tammy worked to try to get custody of her granddaughter, which finally happened a few months ago.
“I don’t have a lot,” she said. “We don’t have pots, pans, cups or dishes, but I got her back.”
Susie did not have much to her name when Tammy brought her home, only having a few clothes. With her limited resources, it has been difficult for Tammy to get her granddaughter what she needs.
“I got her two pairs of pants this month,” Tammy said. “She’s up to three or four pairs now, that’s all. I want her to see there are good things out there.”
Tammy is receiving disability payments due to health concerns and issues with her knees, which have left her unable to work. Unfortunately, those payments can only cover so much, especially with another person in the house.
To date, the family only has one or two pots for cooking, using styrofoam plates for eating. While Tammy has worked to keep her water on, the furnace is also not working, leaving Tammy facing the prospect of having to move if the winter becomes more severe.
“My gas is on, but the furnace doesn’t work,” she said. “So I’m paying [the gas company] just to keep it on.”
At this point, Susie is needing winter wear, including size 8 shoes or boots, women’s size 5 pants and women’s medium shirts. She also does not have a winter coat. Along with pots, pans, dishes and utensils, the family is also in need of items such as towels, washcloths and dish towels.
“Our necessities are the small stuff,” she said. “This month, I finally got a toaster and a small coffee pot.”
.neFileBlock {
margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.neFileBlock p {
margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px;
}
.neFileBlock .neFile {
border-bottom: 1px dotted #aaa;
padding-bottom: 5px;
padding-top: 10px;
}
.neFileBlock .neCaption {
font-size: 85%;
}
