Article Summary –
Groce, a middle school math teacher and guest lecturer in Michigan, struggles with financial burdens despite holding two jobs, as rising costs for health insurance, summer camps, and daily living expenses outpace her stagnant income. More than 416,000 children in Michigan miss out on summer programs due to financial constraints, with cost being the primary barrier for participation. Groce’s involvement with MomsRising and her advocacy efforts highlight her frustration with systemic issues affecting working families, as federal funding cuts and economic pressures exacerbate their challenges.
January often proves challenging for Julie Groce’s family in Michigan, but this year started even more costly than the last.
Groce, a middle school math teacher in Grand Blanc, juggles two jobs to make ends meet for her family, including husband Kris and their 8-year-old son, Adam. Despite her efforts, managing expenses remains tough, especially after holiday spending and facing higher health insurance deductibles.
As a cancer survivor, Groce sometimes skips medication to pay other bills. Adam occasionally misses a week or two of his medication due to its high cost. The financial strain continued with the need to pay for Adam’s summer camp, costing nearly $400 per week, which became unaffordable even with a payment plan.
“This year, camp costs rose beyond our reach,” she said. “We had to decide it was too much.”
A report by Afterschool Alliance highlights cost as a leading barrier for parents nationwide wanting summer programs for their kids. In Michigan, over 416,000 children miss out due to affordability issues, with costs cited by 34% of parents surveyed.
“It shouldn’t be this hard for families to access beneficial summer programs,” Erin Skene-Pratt, Michigan Afterschool Partnership director, stated in a press release. Efforts are underway to address this gap.
To balance costs, Groce enrolled Adam in a less expensive camp, reserving a week at a pricier option when she resumes teaching. She’s ensured Adam remains active and learning through library programs, free lunches, and tennis lessons.
“Camp builds essential social skills and resilience,” she said. “He wouldn’t get these experiences at home all summer.”
Groce, active with MomsRising, shared her story with the Democratic Women’s Caucus to advocate for working families.
Amidst rising costs, Groce is frustrated by stagnant pay despite 15 years in her career. Higher grocery, gas, and utility prices outpace their income, hindering family plans like having a second child.
“We follow all the advice, yet it remains so challenging,” she expressed.
—
Read More Michigan News
