Dentures could boost confidence of family's breadwinner
Dentures could boost confidence of family's breadwinner
November 28, 2007
Charleston Daily Mail
She's 35 and has an office job that contributes the bulk of the income that supports her family.
However, she is embarrassed to talk to the public or smile because she has no lower teeth and cannot afford dentures.
She makes $1,073 a month. Her 43-year-old husband is disabled and gets $668 a month in disability income. Because the father is disabled, their 13-year-old son qualifies for another $220 a month in Social Security benefits.
The woman has a 19-year-old son from a previous relationship. He is not yet independent - he did not finish high school and currently has no income.
So for right now, the mother does her best to manage the family's needs.
The caseworker said she is a hard worker who drives more than 15 miles each way over rugged roads to get to her job every day.
With only a ninth-grade education herself, she strives to keep her position and do a good job.
That's been a challenge recently. A lack of proper dental care over the years has led to the gradual loss of her teeth. She feels so self-conscious about her appearance that it's starting to affect how she interacts with others.
The family lives in a remote area in an older home that is mainly heated by gas. While the house is in poor condition, the couple owns it and has no house payment. They do have a high gas bill in the winter months and also pay for electricity, groceries, clothing, and gasoline and car maintenance.
Dentures could boost the confidence of a woman trying to take care of her family with limited resources.
Needs: $265 for lower dentures
Caseworker: Pauline Porter, 824-5811
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