A few days ago, Facebook kindly reminded me of a post I’d made in 2010 celebrating the fact that I’d been accepted at the University of Maine.

Looking back now, having nearly completed a master’s degree, I realized it was important to be reminded of how far I’d come. You see, eight years ago, when I applied to UMaine, I’d been a single mom with two kids who’d only just moved out of a homeless shelter and into my own apartment.

I’d been a stay-at-home mom until my husband left us, and I was trying to find a way to start a new life for us. Earning a degree was the best way to get there, but I needed help along the way.

That help came in the form of a Department of Health and Human Services program called Parents as Scholars, which helped to pay for my child care and transportation when I was getting started. That support at the beginning of my journey helped get me to where I am today, and I will always be grateful.

So, why share my story with all of you? The Maine Legislature recently passed L.D. 1774, An Act To Reduce Child Poverty by Leveraging Investments in Families for Tomorrow. This bill extends support to other parents like me who want to build better lives for their families.

I testified before the Legislature in support of this bill because it’s important to me that other people get the chance that I had to pursue higher education. My life has completely changed from where it was eight years ago, and now other people can choose to change their lives, too.

I’m so thankful to our legislators for passing this bill, and it’s my hope that those who need this support will take advantage of it.

Moriah Geer

Old Town

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